6On August 3, 2025, Dead & Company delivered a poignant finale to the Grateful Dead’s 60th anniversary celebration at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, wrapping up a fully sold-out three-day residency that many fans speculated could be the band’s final performances. Beneath clear skies and a glowing half-moon, tens of thousands of “Deadheads” filled the Polo Field, many believing this could be the last time these songs echo across that sacred stage.
The final evening offered an unforgettable blend of classic tunes and guest collaborations. A buoyant cover of Sam Cooke’s “Good Times” opened the set, followed by a seamless “China Cat Sunflower” into “I Know You Rider.” A funk-driven rendition of “Shakedown Street,” complete with playful nods to Phish’s “Ghost” and The Commodores’ “Brick House,” further energized the crowd. The second set featured “Scarlet Begonias” with Trey Anastasio joining in, which transitioned into a high-octane “Fire on the Mountain.” Grahame Lesh appeared on stage playing his father’s iconic bass, “Big Brown,” for “Broken Arrow” and returned during “Cumberland Blues.”
The surreal “Drums” and “Space” segment drifted into jazz-tinged improvisation with a nod to “My Funny Valentine,” before the mood turned contemplative on “Standing on the Moon.” The emotional peak came during John Mayer-led versions of “Sugaree” and “Sugar Magnolia,” culminating in a heartfelt closing with “Touch of Grey,” as fans swayed in unison under the moonlit sky.
This weekend-long series served as the centerpiece of a citywide celebration that blended music, arts, and community remembrance. Over 400 Grateful Dead–themed banners adorned street lamps across San Francisco, and fan-driven activities such as tribute concerts, art shows, panel discussions, and Jerry Day events extended through the summer. Public art installations, including Mickey Hart’s exhibition and a “Naga” sea-serpent sculpture, helped create immersive experiences for visitors. The celebrations have been credited with a major economic boost—the city reported a 50% spike in hotel bookings between July 31 and August 3, surpassing the $31 million impact generated during Dead & Company’s 2023 visit to Oracle Park.
Longtime fans described Golden Gate Park as the spiritual home of the Grateful Dead, and this final show felt like a homecoming. Attendance was near capacity, with approximately 60,000 Deadheads gathering each night to honor the band’s legacy and community energy. Vendors on “Shakedown Street,” many of whom have followed the band for decades, reported record sales and the return of the festival’s countercultural marketplace atmosphere.
For many attendees, it was about more than just the music—it was about being part of a generational gathering grounded in connection, nostalgia, and shared history. As the final notes of “Touch of Grey” faded across the field, the emotional resonance was less about whether it truly was the end and more about having witnessed a moment that may never repeat itself. To those present, the presence mattered more than the future.
