Stern Grove is usually a local hang-out for music lovers. Walking down the steep path, you are usually approached by petitioners and political fliers. Dove Company handed out free chocolate so not too bad. I got there one hour early and there was no place to sit! It was colder than usual, quite a drizzle coming down. The hillsides have places to sit but unless you have reserved a picnic table way in advance, good luck. The aisles have rocks where one could sit. However, you are usually warned by a volunteer that if you're blocking the way of a person who reserved a picnic table, you're out of there. This day, security guards were rudely telling people they could not sit in the aisleways -- which is dumb considering the aisleways are not being blocked and there were no other spaces.

I recommend Stern Grove highly, as listening to the music with friends and a picnic lunch is really fun. But the locals fill the place up fast, so come at least 2 hours prior to concert starting. Really! Stern Grove has always traditionally been free, but I think they should start charging -- would raise money for the Arts and cut down on the overcrowded conditions. The crowded nature of the place and rude guards earns the place only three stars.

Jim, Sunset District

I have enjoyed Stern Grove free concerts since I was 7 years old, going 1st with my parents and more recently during the last five years with my husband. The improvements made by the $ million++ investment in renovations have drastically improved the Grove. Not only is it breathtaking to stroll during a "non-concert" day, but the perfect setting for outdoor concerts.

I always look forward to the annual show by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Yes, it's packed and bordering on uncomfortably so, but hearing a top-notch show in the midst of the eucalyptus trees is amazing. Take Muni -- the No. 19 stops right out front -- because parking is an absolute nightmare. Pack a picnic and a couple bottles of wine and you're good to go.