The Stories Division

Behind The Ticket

Every unforgettable event has a story. Discover the people, places and passion behind the Bay Area's most memorable experiences.

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Earlier Behind The Ticket features from our archive.

Venue Spotlight

Boots on the Ground: When 12,000 People Show Up for Al Green

Gina was in line before the gates opened and still lost her usual spot. On her fourth trip to Stern Grove, she learned what “arrive early” really means.

Mike MacPherson 4 min read

Behind the Ticket: How Much Is a Free Ticket Really Worth?

This weekend, Public Enemy and Al Green play Stern Grove for free. But when demand is greater than capacity, even a $0 ticket has a story behind it. Behind the Ticket - There’s more to your ticket than the price printed on it.

Mike MacPherson 7 min read

Festival Spotlight

Outside Lands 2026: Road Closures and 20 Things to Do Instead

Outside Lands returns to Golden Gate Park on Friday, August 7, and runs through Sunday, August 9. Charli xcx headlines Friday, The Strokes Saturday, RÜFÜS DU SOL Sunday. It's the festival's 18th year, and the SFMTA expects roughly 75,000 people a day. Three-day general admission, GA+ and VIP sold out months ago, and most single day tickets have gone since. Roughly 800,000 people live in San Francisco. About seven million live in the Bay Area. The overwhelming majority of them are not going to Outside Lands. If that's you, the festival is still going to happen to you. This guide covers what actually changes across the city, and we highlight twenty events happening between Thursday and Sunday that have nothing to do with the festival.

Mike MacPherson 12 min read

Innovation

The Calendar Is the Collection

The Bay Area is running more immersive experiences than at any point in its history. Their economics couldn't be more different and the industry's first major bankruptcy explains why that matters.

Mike MacPherson 9 min read

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