Alice’s Annual Now and Zen Fest

Well, I guess it is time to update my review on another fantastic concert hosted by Alice’s Now and Zen Festival. which I give another 5 star review. I arrived early two hours in advanced to make sure I will get a spot near the stage which I got! Yah! :-) If you live in the city, I advise taking the bus transportation because good luck in finding parking! I normally would bring food in because who wants to get up to buy food and you may have a hard time finding where your set down your blanket. It will get crowded. I set up my picnic lunch and blanket and was soaking in the sun. If you sit too close to stage, you will have to stand up for most of the concerts. If you sit more back behind the sound system, then I don’t believe you will have too many people walking in front of you during the performances. I chose near the front because I wanted to be sure to take close up photos of the performers. My main reason was to see Lindsey Stirling because I seen the dubsep violinist who does electronic/​classical and video game themes at the Warfield Theater earlier in the year, but my pictures did not come out as nice as I wanted to because I sat so far back, so it was my second chance to take better photos! She did not disappoint. I was introduced to new bands, American Authors, the newcomer with one album out, Matt Nathanson who could have another career as a stand up comic (It’s all About that Bass! Inside joke for those who saw this concert live) and the great Neon Trees who had great energy and great lyrics to their songs. This is a great location to host the annual Now and Zen Fest. It was a beautiful and perfect day with great music, fun and coming together with friends to unwind after a long week. Cheers! Till Next year! Here are some photos I took.

It’s kind of refreshing to go to a relaxed outdoor day time concert instead of an assigned seat night time concert. If you want a good seat though, I would recommend going at least half an hour early. We were right on time and the whole front lawn was already filled! Luckily, we found a small patch of grass in a decent area that actually fit all three of us and stole that spot.
I’ve only heard of of ¼ bands for this concert, but I was soon a fan of all after all of them performed. This year was Lindsey Stirling (who was amazing on the violin!), Matt Nathanson, American Authors and Neon Trees.
I don’t know if it was just me, but there was a really small selection of food to choose from. I ended up getting a pretty good sausage though.
Overall, I really enjoyed the concert and the artists were great, but there was A LOT of people, and I felt like they could have had a more extensive food vendor considering how many people there were.

This was such a fun event! Went with my two best girlfriends, the weather was nice out, the music was AMAZING, and it was FREE!
It was nice being able to drink a nice cold beer on the grass while getting a live performance. For a free festival, I thought that it was not that crowded. I was able to get to the front of the stage a couple times.
They had a few good food trucks out there too. But my favorite stand was the metro stand. They had a free phone charging station! I thought that was really helpful.
Im glad my girlfriend took me to this event. I will definitely keep in mind to go to this next year!

Alice’s Now and Zen Fest is a great free all day music festival in Golden Gate park. It’s much more crowded than Alice’s annual Summerthing festival, which happens in June, but I suppose this varies from year to year depending on the lineup and the weather (and what other events are on).
I was a bit surprised at how crowded it was. Unlike Summerthing, which is entirely open (or at least used to be. I didn’t go in 2014), there’s a huge chain link fence that surrounds the perimeter because they do in fact sell alcohol inside. However, please note, this makes the festival difficult to enter.
We were lucky to find parking in the park nearby eventually, but when we walked over, we realized we were stage left, and at the entrance for VIP only. If we wanted to enter inside, we would have had to walk the entire perimeter of the festival to get inside, so we decided to stay outside the fence on a little hill. We actually had a great view of the stage and we were in the shade. Score!
Technically, they ask you not to bring alcohol into the festival, but I’m not sure if they were checking bags. You can bring food in, but not in hard sided coolers (soft-​sided coolers are ok). Since we were outside the fence, we had no problem. We brought low-​back chairs and set up a lovely picnic spread and brought some beers along too. We had a really nice time and when the show was over, it was very easy for us to exit vs. the mass crowds inside who struggled.
The crowd is definitely older and there are a lot of children as well, as this is the Alice radio crowd. It’s the aging generation that’s trying to be hip still with their Adult Contemporary Rock.
These drunk gray-​haired seniors were behind us smoking joints and drinking beers the whole time, if that gives you an impression of the crowd — older and inebriated —and lots of children. It’s an odd mix.
In 2014, Neon Trees was the headliner with Matt Nathanson, American Authors and Lindsey Stirling opening. We saw the last two acts.
It’s a great way to spend the afternoon. The show is from 12 – 5 pm (but the headliner wrapped up about 4:30 pm). You can’t really complain about a free music festival. Thanks Alice!

So fun… free concert in GG Park… umm. yes. *Bonus* — It’s SUPER warm during this time of the year… so if you’re [literally…well i suppose figuratively too], «cold-​blooded,” – it’s perfect weather for you!
Went last year and saw One Republic, Goo Goo Dolls, and Plain White T’s. They were all amazing… the sound system/​acoustics amplified the amazing-​ness.
There’s a looooooot of people; so much so last year that they had to close off the park. (meaning…some people had it to watch it/​hear it from afar) Sooo… come early and reserve your seat (s).

I’ve been an attendee since I was about 7 years old, this place is great! The people are usually fantastic, getting to the venue really isn’t that bad, and the items for sale aren’t too pricey, I’d say if you’re in the area go ahead and stop by! They always have interesting acts like Jewel! I cannot believe I attend a Jewel concert before I turned 10. Anyway, try it! Nothing to lose and a great way to enjoy a beautiful day in the city.

My first Alice Now and Zen was 2013 and it was such a fun adventure! We rode into the city on BART and then took MUNI to get to the park. As we didn’t leave very early, there were super crazy long lines snaking through the park. While we were searching for the end of the line, a hired security guard said he could get us all to the front of the line if we paid him $ 20 a person. There were four of us, and we definitely didn’t have $ 80 cash on us. So, we soldiered on. We walked and walked and the end of the line was not in sight. Our fearless leader found us a hill outside the gated area and we set up camp there, sitting among many people who had the same idea. It turned out to be a fantastic area as we were in the shade most of the time and we were able to sit and see the stage, even though the stage was pretty far away! I’m not into being close to the stage when it’s that crowded!!! Note for next time — bring binoculars!
Good times in SF!

I love free concerts, but this is among the best. With bands like OneRepublic and Plain White T’s it’s hard not to enjoy the event. If you want a good spot you’ll need to get there early because they have a capacity limit within the fenced area. You are allowed to bring in your own food and drinks. Alcohol is not allowed to be brought in. Smoking is also not allowed, though some people do get away with it. Make sure to bring sun block on sunny days. Other that have a good time.

Really fun concert that I liked better than the one in the Summer (probably because it didn’t rain at all, just was super hot for most of the day, shockingly). The reviews don’t lie – my girlfriend and I got on line around 10ish and the line stretched for miles around the block. I felt sorry for the people coming in after that and not even knowing how far it stretched back. There was only one instance of someone seeing their friend and cutting in line – I think everyone around was pretty good about policing it, however, this wasn’t the reason this won’t get 5 stars… as we were about to get in around 11:30 (I easily waited over 1.5 hours), a huge mass of people waiting around the corner of the front gate just steamrolled their way in, lines be damned. There were no police and no security nearby to curb this, so hundreds of people circumvented the line and got right in, which was infuriating. These front gates need to be policed so this doesn’t happen again. Why even have a line if you can just cut? I didn’t experience this at the last concert, and I’ll have real reservations about attending again if that is not fixed. Bag check guys in the front were a little too Secret Service though… they really dug their hands into everything to remove any alcohol or contraband… I know they’re just doing their job, but it’s not like that bottle of Reisling was going to make me into a homicidal disturbance. The giveaways are also always the same – free wayfarers or mesh backpacks… so didn’t miss much if you hit these monstrously long stands during the summer.
We found some seating inside on the hill after this debacle, but I wish I wore a hat – the weather would fluctuate from hot to breezy most of the day, and I had a fine raccoon eyes tan afterwards to show for it. Food, as always, was pretty meager, and the prices were awful (I think garlic fries were at least 10 bucks, but what did I expect), but thankfully I ate before I got in on line. So don’t listen to what everyone else says – no need to come early, just wait around the corner and when the gates open, storm the Bastille and don’t even bother to feel bad about it, since everyone else will be doing it too.

It’s a shame that they have to fence in a free concert. But I guess in order to sell alcohol at the event they need an enclosed area… That said coming from the south bay my friends and I didn’t think twice to leave early and made it there around 1pm.
There was no way we were going to be able to get in. It was a really nice day though and we made the best out of the situation. Finding a nice spot outside by the fence, we were able to see glimpse of the stage from a small hill.
My friend and I found a nice tall tree with a lot of branches and climbed up maybe 14ft high. I was one of those «Tree People» Ryan Tedder referenced during the One Republic set.
Climbing trees turned out to be the highlight of my weekend. haha

How can you not like a free concert with some legit bands? I have been to the Now and Zen Fest for a few years when Michelle Branch was playing two years ago and also when One Republic and Goo Goo Dolls played this year. They changed the location to Sharon Meadow which is way smaller and closed off so you cant really sneak in from the back (TWSS). Here are the tips of trips when you go to this concert.
I have taken public transportation to this event and driven. Avoid pub transportation like the plague because from San Jose to Golden Gate Park would require you to drive to bart/​Caltrain, Muni, and walk to the park. It gets super crowded and the likelihood of getting lost or taking the wrong transportation can happen. Well I suck at directions so maybe it is just me. When the concert ends at 5pm, you are tired and you do not feel like taking a 40 minute Muni ride then another hour bart ride then driving 30 minutes to go home. During all of that, you are in tight spaces and tired. If you drive, parking is very difficult at 11am. I am warning you. I was lucky to find ONE spot after circling for 15 minutes but I did it! If you want to secure a close spot for parking and when getting in line, then get in line by 9:30am. Parking should be a breeze. If not, park at the hospital nearby like my friend did.
The concert starts at noon (ends at 5pm) but doors open at 11am. I am almost certain the line forms around 8am especially with such a huge lineup. I arrived around 11:15am and the line literally extended and wrapped past the tennis courts for over 2 miles. This is not an exaggeration. I just so happen to pass by my friend who got in line at 9:30am and we were probably in the front of the pack (possibly within 150 people). Once they started to let people in, we were inside and parking our asses and blankets down at around 11:30am or so. If you want to get a good spot on the grass in the first section of the grass and not the hill in the back, then you have to get here at 9:30am. If I had not cut in front of my friend, I would have been waiting in line waiting to get inside for 1.5−2 hours. Even when the concert had started and it was around 2pm, I still saw that long line trying to get in. It is not a joke. I think that it reached maximum capacity at 3 – 3:30pm so you def cannot leisurely walk right in. You wont be able to get inside but you can sit outside the gates and listen awkwardly.
Definitely bring hella blankets to sit on and snacks for a great picnic. I came with a decent sized group so we picked up some Vietnamese sandwiches and I packed some fruit and light snacks. They do not allow alcohol so during the bag check, they made you discard it. They have food trucks and beer there as well if you are too lazy to pack. There are also booths where you can win free stuff but obvs they are super packed. They had free coconut juice which was cool and you could win sunglasses! Thank goodness my friend was good at throwing a beanbag because I couldnt win shiz.
I would say the best place to place your blanket is toward the back of the front section. There is the lawn area directly in front of the stage and the second section where the hill is. The hill is obvs too far but the front section is awesome. If you plan on sitting and not standing, then you should set up in the second half of the flat area. The first ¼ of that area are for the diehard fans who stand up the entire time and do not have any blankets or seating. The speakers are loud if you are up for it and you can squeeze your way to the stage. I was sitting in the second half and it was perfect. Obviously when the big acts come on, everyoneee is standing so you cant really sit down while they perform if you want to see the performers. There is set up in between so you can just linger and sunbathe if the weather permits.
**TIPS**
1) The concert is in the beginning of the fall so it was surprisingly really warm that day. My face got burned to a crisp and my forehead is as red as an apple. I have a legit sunglasses tan as well… so dont be a fool like me and not rub on that sunscreen… BRING AND WEAR IT!
2) Bring hella blankets and food for everyone to enjoy :)
3) If you are down to take public transportation for 2 hours in cramped areas, go right ahead. If not, arrive at 9:30am and you will most likely be able to find parking and a great spot in line.
4) Enjoy!

Such much fun! If you decide to go, remember that it is FREE and therefore tons of people will show up. I arrived close to 9AM and the line was already halfway down the block. Expect there to be lines!
Getting in early was a good idea for us since we hit all the booths and got a spot on the hill before the crowds really started to come in. Unfortunately the food choices were not all equally popular so I did hear several people complaining about waiting in line for 2 hours (no exaggeration) for a grilled cheese sandwich.
The show reached maximum occupancy before the last 2 groups were on and I’m very grateful that I had made a spot on the hill and planted myself since people were sardined everywhere.
If you feel like having a great day, bring a blanket to sit on, an umbrella for sun/​rain, and your own food if you want to save some money!

When it comes to free concerts on a perfect Sunday afternoon, you can’t complain… especially when the acts include bands like OneRepublic, Goo Goo Dolls, and Plain White T’s as it did for Now & Zen 2013. Sharon Meadow is a pretty large area, but don’t let that fool you into thinking you can come later. I came at 9am (gates opened at 11, concert started at 12) and the line was already about a mile long! My friends came at 11 and managed to get in by 1pm and only because they started letting people in the ADA entrance… otherwise, I’m certain they wouldn’t have gotten in.
Inside, there are a variety of food trucks and booths to keep you entertained. But my advice is to bring your own picnic — NO COOLERS/​ICE CHESTS THOUGH! This is because most of the trucks ended up having a obscene line or sold out of food midway. As for the booths, many give out free knick-​knacks. The most popular being lipbalm, drawstring bags, sunglasses. Many people crowd onto the flat part of the meadow because it’s closer to the stage, but I personally enjoyed sitting farther away on the hill… no one to obstruct my view!

Free is always an awesome thing to have in today’s social and economic times.
alice’s Annual Now & Zen fest was a fun time with lots of vendors (of course food was expensive but to be expected), lots of drinks and plenty of good music. Every year they have a pretty nice line up for all of their free Golden Gate Park concerts and this year was no different. I love Goo Goo Dolls so I was enthralled to see them perform free after the bf spent a fortune getting front row seats for their concert last year.
I was also kind of excited to see Michelle Branch. I really haven’t heard much of her as of late but after she began performing I came to realize why she has been missing… as of late…
Regardless, I think it’s a fantastic thing that alice does, free concerts, and the venue is usually a great view no matter how far you are. Thanks Alice!

I don’t even listen to this radio station but it didn’t stop me from enjoying their nice free concert.
I was out for an afternoon stroll after a bookclub meeting when I let curiosity get the best of me. I meandered alongside the gates, past the bicycle parking area, and finally made my way inside.
I sat/​stood next to a lovely family and enjoyed a full set of music by the Goo Goo Dolls. The sun even poked out. All in all it was entirely lovely and the fact that it was free made it all the more delightful.

Amazing free concert put on by Alice 97.3 at Sharon meadows in golden gate park. This was our first time to now and zen and loved the line up. It actually sold out! Ryan star, five for fighting, Natasha bettingfield, plain white t’s and Sarah.
It was beyond hot this year but the concert was worth it. The booths they had were pretty good and they also had quite a few stands with free stuff.
You can also bring your own food and drinks, which is nice so you don’t have to spend extra money. We brought a blanket and a little umbrella we put up in between sets. Amazing surrounding scenery in the Golden Gate Park.
This free concert is a must! Thanks Alice!

Natasha Bedingfield, Ryan Star, Sara Bareilles, Plain White T’s, Five for Fighting
We got there at 9am! Got a good place right in the front with our blankets and whatnot.
Free is always good but it was freaking hot and around 1 it got really crowded and these people were smoking pot right next to me. I think its three stars cause currently have a sunburn. It is a good experience and if you go with the right people you can have a lot of fun!

ONLY IN SF FREE CONCERT: Natasha Bedingfield, Ryan Star, Sara Bareilles, Plain White T’s, Five for Fighting.
it’s been years since I was able to attend the Now and Zen Fest. Last time we had backstage passes because a friends, friends, sister worked for them. Free soju sure blurred it back then and I couldn’t enjoy much of it. Especially when i was at that moment of meeting Maroon 5 in person only to trip infront of them and they passing me by.
THIS YR we gathered our drinks, box of fried chicken, blankets, and laid out on the grassy hill and enjoyed the blue skies, sunshine, alcohol, and free performances.
LOVED IT. can’t go wrong with a free concert. only in SF =)

I had always heard about Now and Zen on the radio and I finally checked it out. Went with a couple friends and it was nice and sunny out. A very relaxing Sunday (?) afternoon for me. Enjoyed the music. And there were tons of people around. Also convenient if you wanted any food and drinks since they were selling stuff there.
I’ll try to make it out again for the next one, and probably sit a little closer so we can see the performers more clearly.
And I liked the music! :)

What can be better than drinking beer in Golden Gate Park on a sunny Sunday afternoon???
I’ve attended this concert for 3 years now, and I must say, this year’s lineup wasn’t quite as good. It started out ok, but fizzled out in the end. Oh well, by the end, I was drunk and didn’t care much about the music anyway.
Thanks to Nike Club Run SF, my running buddy and I were able to score 10 free tickets to this concert. So we got there early to stake out a good spot, and then headed straight for the beer tent! There was a 2 beer maximum per person, so what do we do??? Bring the nondrinkers to carry more beer! We must’ve looked like a bunch of Asian lushes double fisting it.
So we liked the first few acts… Lanka, Sara Bareilles and Gavin Degraw. Sugar Ray was just eh… definitely getting too old. So after 40 beers (between 6 of us)
, Duffy comes on and we only know her one song that’s on the radio. After that, everything else she sang was slooooow and mellow. So lots of beer + hot sun + boring Duffy = NAP TIME! Yup, all 10 of us were knocked the f*ck out!
Even though the concert was eh, we still had lots of drunk fun! Good thing the tickets were free!
mental note: bring sunscreen and re-​apply or you’ll turn red like a lobster!