Written by Molly Kish //
Phono del Sol //
Potrero del Sol Park – San Francisco
June 17th, 2017 //
SF’s premiere community-centered, non-profit music and food festival returns to Potrero del Sol Park this weekend for its seventh year.
Organized by Bay Area online music publication The Bay Bridged along with local legend John Vanderslice’s Tiny Telephone recording studio, Phono del Sol has held its own as a haven for independent and DIY culture that’s been otherwise lost amid the mainstream.
Dishing up an eclectic sample of Bay Area entertainment and culinary flavor, this year’s lineup features 10 burgeoning indie, punk and hip-hop acts as well as some of the city’s premiere food trucks and restaurants, lots of craft beer and cocktails, a playground and skatepark, and even a flamingo fountain.
In order to make sure you bring your best self at this year’s Phono del Sol, Showbams has concocted a list of do’s and don’ts curated our own playlist below so that you can have the best time.
Do: Grab your ticket while they’re still available to purchase! You’ve got a variety of admission options to choose from and all for less than what you’d typically spend on a round of avocado toast and mimosas at the terribly basic, competing brunch plans you’ll be avoiding.
Don’t: Be that person holding up the entry line because you forgot to print out your ticket or download the Ticketfly mobile app before you get to the festival’s entrance.
Do: Arrive early for “Happy Hour” specials from Noon to 2 p.m. in the beer/cocktail gardens, catch early performances and stake you claim on prime real estate for viewing the remainder of the festival.
Don’t: Forget to grab cash before you enter! Avoid the long lines and surcharge fees at the limited amount of ATMs on site and make a pit stop before you head over to the fest. Phono del Sol is a cash-only event, and there are no in’s and out’s or refunds, so be prepared.
Do: With limited shade available, make sure to wear sunscreen. Shade is limited and the rays will be coming in strong this Saturday. Avoid being as pink as the flamingos at Phono del Sol and actively hydrate at the water refill stations throughout the park.
Don’t: Bring weapons, fireworks, explosives, chains, lasers, illegal substances, alcohol, large containers, coolers, picnic baskets, instruments, professional cameras, records or a stank-ass attitude. No one has time for amateur-hour smuggling efforts — leave the obvious contraband at home.
Do: Take advantage of the first come/first serve bike parking and copious amount of public transportation options to and from the festival grounds. BART riders can walk to Potrero del Sol from the 24th St. and Mission St. station, and Muni riders can use the 9, 10, 19, 27, 33 and 48 lines.
Don’t: Forget portable chargers and power chords in case you need to Venmo, PayPal or want to jump on a ride-share after the fest.
Do: Get acquainted with the lineup through our curated Phono del Sol playlist and check out the festival’s list of food trucks here to plan your munchies for the day!
Don’t: Forget to print out the day’s schedule for those important set times! There will be two stages timed out to prevent performances from overlapping, but we know that you don’t want to run the risk of missing your new favorite band, getting lost in a sea of vendors and traffic.
Where’s this schedule you’re telling us to print?