Outside Lands is an absolutely iconic and massive San Francisco Music Festival taking place each August. This festival brings in crowds from around the state, and even most locals end up back here year after year when they see the lineup (no matter how many times they say they are done)!
I have now been multiple times and packed this Outside Lands guide with everything you need to know before you go. My birthday, August 10th, has always fallen on the weekend of Outside Lands.
I love to make it home from my travels to celebrate here at OSL with my friends, gallivanting around the fields of Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, sipping wine as we walk through the trees between catching different musical and comedy acts, and I recommend everyone tries it at least once. I always try to experience the best of what this festival has to offer so I can bring this Outside Lands review to you.
As I always do with my music festival review-guides, this Outside Lands guide + festival review will break the festival down into 17+ categories, truly giving you all the information you could need before attending Outside Lands, from my experience here. That’s why it’s a ‘review-guide’ – because it’s a guide for you as I review my experience!
Outside Lands Venue
Outside Lands is held in the massive, long, Golden Gate Park smack dab in the middle of San Francisco. The size of this park is very easy to underestimate – it’s honestly HUGE.
The festival already takes ages to walk from one end to another, and it doesn’t even take up half of the actual park. So don’t be fooled – it’s a big venue. The coolest thing is that there are loads of big grassy fields that are perfect for big stages, but there are beautiful forests filled to the brim with trees to give you the feeling you’re truly in the middle of nature rather than in a big city.
At OSL, there are 4-5 main stages with tons in between. There are multiple little pathways through the trees and staircases over hills to get between all the good stuff in the venue. Here’s a look at the different places to visit during Outside Lands:
Land’s End + Sutro Stages
Land’s End (Main Stage)
The main stage on the biggest polo field where all the headliners played.
Heineken House
At the end of the main polo field, where all the electronic acts played. This was a capacity tent so for big acts there was often a line to get in, which was a big off-putting but more exclusive if you like that.
Sutro Stage
Over the hill from Land’s End (and finally connected by a staircase, preventing a loooong walk) we have Sutro – where the more electronic-indie groups played.
Panhandle
Panhandle was another main-ish stage across the venue in another big field.
Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks was the other ‘big’ stage all the way across the venue from Land’s End. It was often a bit of a bitch to walk to honestly – I really only saw a few acts there because I was focused elsewhere.
Those are the main stages of the venue, see below under “Festival Amenities – Other Stuff to Do” for the, well, other stuff to do!!
Outside Lands Crowd
The people at Outside Lands are generally American – specifically San Franciscan, even. It’s not a very international music festival. Over the years, I have met a few internationals, but other than that, nearly every accent is as Californian as can be.
I would say that OSL is basically an event that any music-loving person who lives in SF goes to every year. It’s just a thing like that. If you live in San Francisco, you’ll most likely see tons of people you know – it’s like a yearly reunion party that you’ll get stuck into if you live here. And if you don’t, you should just ask any of your friends who live in San Francisco and it’s likely at least some of them will be going.
As far as age goes, Outside Lands has a huge range of ages. There are definitely children here and there are elderly music lovers as well, and everything in between. Most people were probably in their 20’s to 40’s, but this festival really knows no age limit on the older or younger part of the spectrum.
It’s important to note that it is sooo CROWDED here. The crowd comes in full force here and it feels like they sell more and more tickets every year. So prepare for loads of people.
Outside Lands Vibe
The vibe at Outside Lands is that of a big, grassy, party. People are all happy and kind to each other within general SF reason, as with most festivals. People tend to know lots of people already and stay within their friend groups a little bit more here, rather than branching out and chatting with everyone. It’s no Tomorrowland or Lightning in a Bottle, but it’s a good vibe.
Outside Lands Atmosphere/Decorations
Outside Lands really uses the atmosphere of the tall trees to create its foresty and artsy vibe. There will be lanterns hung in the trees and the occasional art installation here and there (like the main windmill on the big polo field (that everyone takes photos with), more fun sculptures, an some shiny diamond mirror pods, and the massive ranger statues to go with the ranger theme).
There are painted walls surrounding much of the venue, which were clearly worked hard on by some very creative people. These add a nice colorful element to the atmosphere. Some signs are lit up in fairy lights, and some tents have flowy materials that blows in the wind.
But other than that, this isn’t the most art-y festival. Creativity is definitely imminent, but not a main focus of the festival per say. It’s a nice combination of music, art, and lots of food and wine.
Outside Lands Lineup/Music/Artists
The Outside Lands lineup is pretty much always good, with a strong representation in most genres. Most lineups include a bit of everything from 80’s throwbacks, to rap + hop hop, to house music, to acoustic electronic fusion, to bouncy electronic to live bands, to solo acts. Past headliners have included Janet Jackson, Odesza, the Weeknd, Mac Demarco, Wolfgang Gartner, Big Gigantic, Kendrick Lamar, Tame Impala, James Blake, Tash Sultana, Foo Fighters, Chris Lake, Rufus Du Sol, and Tyler the Creator.
See, you can’t find much more variation than the music at Outside Lands. For more info on stages, see the ‘venue’ section above!
Outside Lands Camping + Accommodation
Outside Lands Camping – there is none. Sorry, you’ll have to find a place to stay in expensive-af San Francisco.
I Hope you have some friends here, or I recommend finding a cool Airbnb or apartment/hotel near Golden Gate Park (but booking wayyyy in advance!)! It can get expensive for sure, so booking as early as you can is recommended. I generally use booking.com these days as they have great discounts.
Outside Lands Festival Amenities – Other Stuff to Do
There’s A LOT more to do at Outside Lands! Here are some of the other main areas of the festival with comedy, food, drink, wine, and more, and a couple other special events they had going on that are notable.
The Barbary
Located in its own little nook, The Barbary is where a lot of comedians and speakers came to do their thing. Bill Nye was probably the most notable of these one year, accompanied by all sorts of awesome acts.
Gastro Magic
Gastro Magic is another super interesting feature of Outside Lands where chefs and other creative cooks came to display their talents and teach people some things about food.
Wine Lands
Wine Lands is a haven for wine lovers, full of fancy wine from all over the world. However, the pours are very pricey.
Grass Lands
Didn’t ya know it’s legal in California?! Grass Lands is an area of the forest dedicated to the weed-smoking attendees focused (and I quote) on the ‘celebration, education, and integration of cannabis products into everyday life.’ Welcome to San Francisco!
Eco Lands
Eco Lands is the mecca of all things eco, populated by all kinds of non-profits and NGO’s either helping out or being helped by Outside Lands. Here you could talk with different organizations and learn about the efforts of OSL to manage waste and take part in public works.
Outside Lands Food + Drinks
It wouldn’t be Outside Lands if there wasn’t an absolutely gourmet selection of food and drinks available at every corner… that’s what they pride themselves on! Near each stage is plenty of vendor options, craft beers, amazing cocktails, and of course, wine. See below for more info on food and drink.
Feast in the Trees event + Chase Sapphire Lounge
Chase Sapphire Lounge + Feast in the Trees
Chase was a sponsor of the festival one year I went, and they had an entire Chase Sapphire Lounge across from the Panhandle stage where members with Sapphire reserve cards could come in for free, lounge, mingle, and have happy hours each day at 6 (“sapphire at six”).
They also had a few special events called “feast in the trees” where special members could gain access to tickets to very special meals on a platform in the middle of the Golden Gate Park forest. It was magical! The one I went to was a lunch made by a well-known chef with wine pairings – it was a cool deal.
Outside Lands Transportation/Hotels/Parking
To get to Outside Lands, you’ll likely want to take a ride-share or SF’s public transportation, the BART. Uber and Lyft are HUGE in this city and are always readily available within minutes, and are most peoples’ transportation mode of choice. The J line and I believe the N line of the BART stop right outside Golden Gate Park.
From within the city, Uber and Lyft are always the call. From outside the city, maybe a combination of the BART and/or Uber! If you are staying nearby, many people opt to walk.
Outside Lands Food/Drink
Outside Lands is specifically known for its amazing food and drinks. That doesn’t mean that they will be cheap, however…
‘Wine Lands’ is the place you can try all sorts of amazing wine. But, someone told me they paid $22 for a pour of wine there. I think I paid about $18 for a glass. I understand they need to make money but like… this was extra extra.
There are food stands near pretty much every stage, most notably all along the side near the Panhandle stage and up the hill from Sutro. You can get everything from Chinese dumplings to Korean BBQ Wings to loaded crisscut fries to pizza to glazed pork ribs. The options are both extensive and famous, with well-known eateries and food trucks from around San Francisco making an appearance.
They also have cocktail stands all over the place with hand-crafted cocktails, an actual specific cheese stand, and bars all over the place with 6-8 types of beer. The beers will set you back a lot though…. it hurts a little. Even the San Francisco chronicle said the drink prices had gotten out of control YEARS ago.
Outside Lands Price
For 3 Days, Outside Lands costs over $525 including taxes and fees. The one-day tickets have tipped over $225, too. Obviously the three-day ticket is more economical, but DAMN. And that’s just GA. VIP goes from about $520 for one day. Check most recent tier tickets here.
The VIP tickets have a few special access areas with fancier bars, seating areas, and even some with TV’s showing acts live from elsewhere. The VIP sections has special viewing areas close to the stage at most of the main stages as well.
Outside Lands Security
Outside Lands security happens at a few main entrances to the venue, on the north and south side of Golden Gate Park near 34th street. First you’ll take off your bag and belongings and have them checked while you walk through a metal detector. Then you’ll scan your wristband in, and you’re in!
None of the security checks are usually too invasive, or very much more than an open and close of the fanny pack.
These days, if you have a backpack bigger than 8 inches or so, it needs to be clear. This was a pretty big inconvenience in my eyes at first but it seems that most festival companies are manufacturing clear backpacks these days. My friend Amazon Prime’d on just before and got it right in time.
I usually bring fanny packs each day and am totally fine. Either way, just make sure your backpack is clear or your bag is small!
Outside Lands Toilets
At OSL, it is definitely a porta-potty situation throughout the whole venue. They have both porta potties and some plastic, portable bathroom stall units (which I prefer).
The toilets are usually fairly clean and seem to be cleaned quite regularly. There are 4-5 main areas with dozens of porta potties and bathrooms stalls, and the lines are usually not too crazy unless you go to the ones right behind a stage after an act ends!
In some of the VIP Lounges/Sections, however, they have ‘real’ toilets – they have some inside trucks in some areas (with doors and proper flush) and some fancier yet still portable toiletes. That is the only way to luxury!
Outside Lands Weather
You should ALWAYS be prepared for cold Outside Lands weather. If you haven’t met Karl, SF’s famous fog, you definitely will at least once during your music festival weekend.
Sure, OSL happens in the middle of summer, but it gets COLD. You will always need a fairly heavy jacket, and usually pants. You’ll be brave if you wear shorts or a skirt; even the sunny days cool off substantially at night.
Some years are very lucky with weather, with warm and sunny days – but you will still always need furs and thick coats once night falls.
Outside Lands Fashion
Outside Lands fashion is like a colder weather and more hipster-boho version of Coachella. People match hats with fancy flare pants and fur jackets, with bohemian accessories and cute boots.
You won’t see anyone here in crazy wigs, excessive sparkles, or absurd amounts of jewels like at some festivals. It’s mostly a boho fashion show with a festival flare.
Outside Lands Time
Outside Lands runs from about 11am to 10pm or so on each day. It ends early, so many people choose to go out afterwards. This is a very debatable decision. 😛 Either way, there’s always a lot going on in the city for those who want to continue partying and also official after parties each night.
Money at Outside Lands
Money is handled normally at Outside Lands – cash or card, no fancy wristband system or anything.
Final Outside Lands Tips
- Walking the stairs over the hill – a new addition a few years ago was having stairs over the small hill between the Land’s End polo field and the Sutro stage. This was apparently a life-changing shortcut, shaving many minutes off of the otherwise long commute between the two stages. Make sure to use this.
- Find less populated bathrooms – At Outside Lands Festival, it’s not always the smart choice to go to the closest bathrooms. There are some porta-potty areas that are much more secluded than others, or on a less-busy side of the stage. Be vigilant about this if you don’t want to wait in line!
- Try the food! – Outside Lands doesn’t bring in all sorts of delicious and fancy vendors for nothin’. Treat this like a music AND food festival, and make sure to experience both. Heading to Gastro Magic would be a great idea too, to experience all the epicness that this festival has to offer.
- Check out the comedy – It may not be part of the main lineup, but The Barbary is a super cool addition to the festival and had many interesting and/or hilarious acts. Don’t miss out on it!
- Get in Early – Getting into the venue a tiny bit earlier may enable you to check out more of the extra things there are to do without feeling pressed to make certain music acts. It’ll give you more time to explore the venue as well! This is the festival that when 5-6pm hits, you’ll have a strict schedule of musical acts and huge crowds… so it’s nice to have some free time earlier in the day.
- Explore San Francisco if you are visiting! Here are a few of my guides:
Passionate, full-time travel blogger with over 230k on social media and 150kMPV blog. Extraordinary photographer with two DSLR's + a drone with a love for capturing candid moments, epic drone shots, and magical compositions. I'm a natural-born content creator originally from California, but I've been on the road for 9 years living, working, traveling, blogging, and photographing my way around the world. I recommend the most amazingly adventurous and unique + boutique travel experiences/stays and helpful products to my audience and write comprehensive guides on my website that have helped millions of travelers so far. I love to inspire people to plan their dream trips, and many readers have given feedback as such. The reach on my platforms continues to soar, especially when combining cutting-edge social content with optimized articles on my high-authority website.