Dead & Company delivered a soaring, emotionally charged performance on August 3, 2025, in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, marking the conclusion of the Grateful Dead’s 60th anniversary celebration—and quite possibly the band’s final show together.
Under clear skies, tens of thousands of fans filled the Polo Field for the sold-out final night of the three‑day event. With rotating guest artists including Billy Strings, Sturgill Simpson performing as Johnny Blue Skies, and the Trey Anastasio Band, each night featured unique setlists and musical surprises.
Sunday’s first set opened with a driving cover of Sam Cooke’s “Good Times,” followed by a seamless transition from “China Cat Sunflower” into “I Know You Rider.” The band treated the crowd to a funk‑laden “Shakedown Street,” infused with playful nods to Phish’s “Ghost” and The Commodores’ “Brick House.” They closed the set with a powerful rendition of “Deal.” The second set began with “Scarlet Begonias” featuring Trey Anastasio, who remained onstage for a spirited “Fire on the Mountain.” Grahame Lesh, son of founding bassist Phil Lesh, joined for a heartfelt version of “Broken Arrow” and later returned for “Cumberland Blues.” The show moved through a dynamic “Drums” and “Space” segment, weaving in jazz references like “My Funny Valentine,” before transitioning into a reflective “Standing on the Moon.” John Mayer led the band through crowd favorites “Sugaree” and “Sugar Magnolia,” capping off an evening filled with musical storytelling and nostalgia.
Fans shared deep emotional connections to the performance. One longtime Deadhead from St. Louis remarked on how powerful it was to see Grahame Lesh playing his father’s bass, calling it a full-circle moment. Another attendee who traveled from Chicago noted that the experience was not just about the music, but also about the enduring community that surrounds it.
The anniversary concerts were part of a broader citywide tribute. San Francisco marked the occasion with Dead-themed art exhibitions, tribute performances, panel discussions, and over 400 Grateful Dead banners adorning city lamp posts. The economic impact was significant, with city officials reporting a 50 percent surge in hotel bookings during the weekend. That increase is expected to surpass the $31 million boost seen during the band’s 2023 performances at Oracle Park.
The famed “Shakedown Street” returned to JFK Promenade, where around 100 vendors set up shop. These merchants, many of whom have followed the band for decades, sold everything from tie-dye apparel and crystal jewelry to handmade art. Several vendors reported record-breaking sales, reflecting the robust turnout and the continued vibrancy of the Grateful Dead’s fan base.
While the event was framed as a potential final performance, band members left the door open for the future. After their 2023 farewell tour, which also concluded in San Francisco, Bob Weir stated that while Dead & Company had ended touring, the group itself still existed, though without any firm plans for future shows. Their 2025 residency at the Las Vegas Sphere, part of the “Dead Forever” series, showcased their enduring relevance and was widely praised for its immersive visuals and dynamic setlists.
For those unable to attend in person, the August 3 concert was broadcast live in IMAX theaters across the United States and Canada. These screenings offered fans a cinematic experience of the landmark performance, complete with high-definition visuals and surround sound that brought the magic of Golden Gate Park to audiences far beyond San Francisco.
Whether this final show marks the true end or merely another chapter, Dead & Company left little doubt about their cultural significance. They honored and extended the Grateful Dead’s storied six-decade journey, reminding audiences once more why this music—and the community it fostered—remains such a powerful, enduring presence in American life.