In the wake of the recent spate of mass shootings around the country, the organizers of the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass music festival plan to implement stringent security measures for the free three-day concert in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, scheduled to take place Oct. 4-6.

For the first time in the festival’s 19-year history, fence lines will be added to its perimeter, and entrance will be limited to just four points: JFK Drive and Transverse Drive; Fulton Street and 30th Avenue; JFK Drive and 36th Avenue; and the South Polo Field.

Side paths will be closed throughout the run of the concert.

Unlike previous years, when festivalgoers could show up early in the day to secure a spot near one of the stages, entrances will not open each day until 9 a.m.

Hardly Strictly will also enforce a new clear-bag policy — bags and backpacks must be clear plastic, measuring less than 16 inches by 16 inches by 8 inches — and will no longer allow coolers.

While people can still bring blankets and short-backed chairs, they will be subject to search at the gates.

Organizers said any restricted items won’t be allowed past entry points.

“As the world changes, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass feels the need to respond, prioritizing safety over convenience,” organizers said in a statement Tuesday, Sept. 3. “We understand that these changes will make our event differ from years past, but are hopeful that our long-time fans will embrace these new rules and enjoy the performances as they always have.”

In addition to the new restrictions, there will be increased presence by the San Francisco Police Department and Tactical Unit in and around the venue, which stretches across Marx and Lindley meadows and Hellman Hollow.

Recent headlines about mass shootings — including those in Texas and Ohio and at the Gilroy Garlic Festival in July — have intensified public anxiety about large gatherings. Concert promoters are hoping these measures will help quell fears and keep everyone safe. The Outside Lands festival, which took place in Golden Gate Park in August, also saw an increase in security.

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass has long been considered a haven for casual concertgoers, drawing families, dogs and music fans who prefer to picnic rather than rush from stage to stage. There are no corporate sponsors, no alcohol vendors, no VIP lounges.

Founded by the late investment banker Warren Hellman in 2001 as a gift to the people of San Francisco, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass has become a staple on the Bay Area fall cultural calendar, regularly drawing up to 500,000 people over the first weekend in October.

The 19th annual edition of the outdoor festival, which also announced its full lineup on Tuesday, features nonstop performances across six stages by some 80 artists, including Robert Plant, Tanya Tucker, Judy Collins, Bettye LaVette, the Meat Puppets, Margo Price, Steve Earle & the Dukes, Fantastic Negrito and perennial festival closer Emmylou Harris.

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