Concert in the Park

MAIN STAGE:

Kool & the Gang: Biography

From Nairobi to Newark, Kool & the Gang has performed continuously longer than any R&B group in history. Their undeniable funk and jazzy arrangements have also made them the most sampled R&B band of all time. Every year, even after a half-century on the road, yields a non-stop schedule of shows across the globe. 

Thanks to iconic songs like Celebration, Cherish, Jungle Boogie, Summer Madness, and Open Sesame, they’ve earned several awards, a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame, an induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in June 2018 and most recently, an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame – Class of 2024. 

Today, the group enjoys global fame and recognition along with a following that spans generations due in part to the group’s widely sampled catalogue. Their music is heard everywhere, from movie soundtracks to television commercials, including Rocky, Saturday Night Fever, Pulp Fiction, Wreck-It Ralph and countless others. 

Performance time: 3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. (Main Stage)

Mercy and the Heartbeats

A dance band comprised of veteran musicians from some of the most popular and successful dance and touring bands in the Bay Area and beyond. If you've got Mercy, then you've got all your favorite songs - 70’s and 80's classics, 90's singalongs, and the most current radio hits. A band not to be missed!

Performance time: 1:00 p.m.-2:15 p.m. (Main Stage)

COMMUNITY STAGE:

El Camino High School Jazz Band:

The El Camino High School Jazz Band from South San Francisco, has thrilled audiences throughout our community and beyond for more than six decades. Our acclaimed high school ensemble brings the vibrant sounds of jazz to life, from timeless big band standards to contemporary grooves and dynamic funk. Led by our passionate student musicians, we deliver masterful performances rooted in exceptional musicianship. Join us as we perform at local festivals, school assemblies, private events, and community celebrations, sharing the joy and energy of live jazz!

Performance time: 11:40 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (Community Stage)

GenenTonix

GenenTonix is Genentech’s one and only a cappella singing group. "Our members come from every part of the company, and our mission is to unite in community through song. We perform at campus events year-round, especially during the holidays. We are delighted to sing for the South San Francisco community!" - GenenTonix team.

Performance time: 12:30 p.m.-12:45 p.m. (Community Stage)

South City Folk Jam

The South City Folk Jam is a gathering of musicians of all skill levels who meet twice a month to play a lot of fun songs together. We play all different kinds of music including Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, the Beatles, the Eagles, Dolly Parton, Bob Marley, Green Day and lots more. So if you play a folk instrument (such as the acoustic guitar, ukulele, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, accordion, etc.)— or if you just like to sing— then come on out and join the band! Check out the South San Francisco Parks & Recreation Fall guide for the dates and times of upcoming jams or look on our web page at www.ssfca.gov/rec-catalog or for more information about the South City Folk Jam, visit www.southcityfolkjam.com. 

Performance time: 2:30 p.m.-2:50 p.m. (Community Stage)

Transportation & Parking 

Concert in the Park takes place at Orange Memorial Park, located at W. Orange Avenue and Memorial Drive in South San Francisco. Click here for directions on Google Maps. 

Free South City Shuttle 

We're excited to offer a special express South City Shuttle route to Concert in the Park, courtesy of Parking Company of America, our generous Free Shuttle Sponsor. 

We want everyone to have a fantastic day at Concert in the Park! Read on to learn more from our list of frequently asked questions to help you plan your day. 

Before You Go 

Where can I find more information about what is allowed at the event? 

Read the Concert in the Park 2026 Guidelines for Attendees(PDF, 178KB) to learn more about items and activities that are allowed at this event. 

At the Event 

Is there reserved seating for this event? 

Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and there is no reserved seating. 

We encourage everyone to bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the performances comfortably. If you're bringing taller or high-back chairs, please be considerate of those around you by setting up toward the back of the audience area whenever possible.  

Will food and beverages be available? 

Yes! Enjoy a variety of local food vendors that will be at the event. Beer and wine sold by the South San Francisco Friends of Parks and Recreation will also be available for purchase for guests 21 and older with valid ID (cash or check only). 

Are outside food and beverages allowed? 

Yes! You're welcome to bring your own food and beverages to enjoy during the concert. A variety of local food vendors will also be on-site with delicious food and drinks available for purchase. 

Please note that food and drink are not allowed on the Sports Field, except for vendors in the Exhibitor Area within the confines of their booth. Water is ok on the Sports Field. 

Is alcohol allowed at the Concert? 

Beer and wine will be available for purchase through the South San Francisco Friends of Parks and Recreation (cash or check only). 

Please remember that alcoholic beverages must remain within the designated event area at Orange Memorial Park. 

Can I smoke or vape at Concert in the Park? 

To help keep the event enjoyable for everyone, smoking and vaping are prohibited throughout Orange Memorial Park, in accordance with Chapter 8.5 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code.  

Are pets allowed at the event? 

ADA service animals that are individually trained to assist a person with a disability are always welcome. 

For the comfort and safety of all guests, emotional support animals and family pets are not permitted. With large crowds and amplified music, we encourage you to leave your furry friends at home. 

Community & Support 

Can my community group have a resource table at Concert in the Park? 

Concert in the Park features a vibrant Vendor Area with community organizations, governmental agencies, artists, and makers. Vendor space is limited, and priority is given to governmental agencies, nonprofit community resource providers, and local handcrafted merchandise vendors. All applications are subject to review and approval.  

The application period for vendors is now closed. If you’d like to be added to the vendor invitation list for future events, please email Han-Ching Wong at hanching.wong@ssfca.gov. 

Where do I collect lost and found items? 

If you've misplaced something during the event, stop by the Parks and Recreation Information Booth. 

Items that aren't claimed during the event will be held at the Parks and Recreation Office (901 Civic Campus Way, 3rd Floor) for up to two weeks following Concert in the Park. 

How can my organization donate to Concert in the Park? 

Concert in the Park is South San Francisco's largest community event, welcoming thousands of guests each year for a day of live music, family activities, and community celebration. 

Support from sponsors helps keep this beloved tradition free for everyone. If your organization is interested in becoming a sponsor, please visit our Sponsorship section to learn more about available opportunities. 

Food vendor applications for the 2026 Concert in the Park are now closed. The South San Francisco Parks and Recreation Department is no longer accepting food vendor inquiries or applications for this event. 

How do food vendors apply for a Vendor Booth? 

To participate as a food vendor at future events, please submit an email of interest to Kasey Jo Kelley at kaseyjo.kelly@ssfca.gov. 

Candidates canvassing for the upcoming November Election or individuals/groups representing politically oriented activities are welcome to occupy the Elections/Public Forum Booth in the Exhibitor Area between 11:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

This booth is being provided to allow candidates or individuals/groups representing politically oriented activities to distribute election materials and to speak to residents. 

Read the Concert in the Park 2026 Attendee Guidelines(PDF, 178KB) for more information.