San Francisco Popfest returns Memorial Day weekend with what I’d call the annual fest’s best lineup yet. Highlights include the legendary The Undertones (whose anthem “Teenage Kicks” was John Peel’s favorite song), Allo Darlin’ (the London band that released last year’s best indie pop record), and a Slumberland Records showcase headlined by the SF debut of acclaimed ’80s/’90s British band 14 Iced Bears.

On the local front, plenty of great acts are joining in on the festivities: Blackbird Blackbird, Dominant Legs, The Mantles, The Art Museums, Brilliant Colors and Terry Malts, to name more than a few. Sample over a dozen of the bands playing Popfest with the below mix compiled by the organizers.

San Francisco Popfest 2011 Preview by sfpopfest

Check out the full lineup below. TIckets for individual shows and weekend passes are available at SFPopfest.com. We’re proud supporters of the fest, so expect more coverage as it approaches.

Wednesday, May 25
The Black Ryder (co-headline)
Blackbird Blackbird
TBA in mid April
Wolf Feet
The Rickshaw Stop
8pm, $12, All Ages

Thursday, May 26
Dominant Legs
Aberdeen
The Motifs
Sweater Girls
Café Du Nord
8pm, $12, 21+

Friday, May 27
The Undertones
Allo Darlin’
The Mantles
The Smittens
The Rickshaw Stop
8pm, $15/17, All Ages

Saturday, May 28
Slumberland Records Showcase:
14 Iced Bears
Phil Wilson (of The June Brides)
Neverever
The Art Museums
Devon Williams
Brilliant Colors
Terry Malts
Sea Lions
Kids on a Crime Spree
English Singles
The Rickshaw Stop
5pm, $15/17, All Ages

Sunday, May 29
Acoustic Picnic Show at Dolores Park
1pm, Free, All Ages
Surprise Lineup

Sunday, May 29
Eternal Summers
The Beets
Catwalk
Seapony
Hemlock Tavern
8pm, $12, 21+