Shakedown Street is the area of ajam band parking lot where thevending takes place.^[1][2][3] It is named after theGrateful Deadsong of the same name,^[1][4][5] and began in the early 1980s in the parking lots at Grateful Dead concerts.^[1] Items sold have included food, and beverages such asalcoholic beverages, clothing (such as T-shirts)^[6] and jewelry,^[1][4] among others.Ticket scalping may also occur.^[1]

In theDeadhead community,^[4] and other like-minded musical scenes,^[2] a uniquetailgating culture evolved.^[1] More than just a party for fans, it is a way for the faithful to sell wares which in turn fund their tickets and gas to the next concert in order to spend weeks, months, or even entire tours on the road.^[7] Along with the more traditional fare and beverages such as individual cans or bottles of beer, there may be a selection of vegetarian food^[6] such asgrilled cheese sandwiches,egg rolls,burritos,falafel,^[6]quesadillas, and pizza. Certain illicit foods such as hash brownies and "ganja gooballs" are also sometimes found in the parking lots. Other products available for the tailgaters include handmade jewelry, bumper stickers, t-shirts,^[6] drugs, or drug paraphernalia.

The Shakedown Street vending scene also provides a common area where touring music fans may socialize with one-another while traveling from show to show during a band'sconcert tour.^[7] This can instill a sense of community among fellow touring concert goers.^[7]

Chef Ra purveyed his rasta pasta dish in the Shakedown Street area of parking lots at many Grateful Dead concerts.^[8]

Shakedown Street is referenced in the television show American Dad in season 16 episode 4, titled “Shakedown Steve.”

• Ayers, Mike (June 29, 2015)."Grateful Dead 'Fare Thee Well': Scenes From Shakedown Street".The Wall Street Journal. RetrievedAugust 22, 2015.

• Grateful Dead
• Drug culture

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