1966–Longshoreman’s Hall- Trips Festival Program-PAE Graded Mint '97'

The Trips Festival was the first major public psychedelic event held in the San Francisco in the 1960’s. As such ephemera from this event is universally recognized as possessing unsurpassed historical significance. We are pleased to offer the finest quality specimen of the 8 page program to this event that we have ever seen or heard about.

The Trips Festival came on the heels of the June 1965 Charlatans run at the Red Dog Saloon followed by 3 Fall Shows by The Family Dog and two Mime Troupe Benefit shows thrown by Bill Graham.  Ken Kesey and The Merry Prankster’s Acid Tests soon followed

However it was not until January of 1966 that these groups  loosely came together to create " The Trips Festival." Conceived by Stewart Brand organized by Bill Graham and fueled by Owsley Acid the Trips Festival was essentially an Acid Test on a large public scale.

Held at Longshoreman’s hall in Fisherman’s Wharf this three-day immersion course in the psychedelic experience sparked the events that closely followed most significantly the first shows at the Fillmore Auditorium by Bill Graham and the Family Dog.

Offered here is a pristine example of the 8 page program. It is featured in The Art of Rock plate 2.41 page 115. Since the program is in The Art of Rock we submitted it to CGC for independent authentication and grading. Unfortunately because the program is 8 pages they declined to certify it as a poster or handbill. (Which obviously it is not.) This program is the finest we have ever seen or heard about. It is the ultimate specimen from the ultimate 1960’s psychedelic event. A True museum piece in every regard!

In the past we have recorded 4-5 different auction appearances over the past 10 years. In all instances the program exhibited handling and folds from having been carried for days at the event. The high watermark was achieved for an example that brought $4331 on 5/12/11. It will be interesting to see what value is attached to this un-improvable specimen.


Item– Trips Festival Program Longshoreman’s Hall
Grade – PAE Mint 95
Bands/Bill – Grateful Dead Big Brother & the Holding Co. The Loading Zone
Venue – Longshoreman’s Hall
City – San Francisco CA
Date – 1/21/66
Dimensions – 7 inches square
Printing - OP-1 Original Printing
Artist – Peter Bailey
Series/Promoter – Stuart Brand
Paper Type – Thin
A.O.R.- 2.41

Condition Details- 100% Authentic with no restoration of any kind. No nicks cuts tears or pinholes. Just the faintest hint of handling is all that keeps this from absolute perfection.

*****This  program is available for inspection at our gallery by appointment