Golden Gate Park once again became the epicenter of music and culture as San Francisco’s Outside Lands Festival returned for its 17th year from August 8 to 10, 2025. Over three days, the sprawling park transformed into a vibrant blend of stages, art installations, food pavilions, and interactive spaces, welcoming an estimated 75,000 attendees each day. The festival showcased an impressive range of talent with more than 90 acts, delivering everything from indie rock and hip-hop to pop, electronic music, and genre-blending experimental performances.
The event’s headliners reflected the diversity of the lineup. On Friday night, Doja Cat opened the festival’s main stage in explosive fashion, fusing her pop-rap hits with elaborate choreography and a tightly curated setlist. Her performance leaned into spectacle, drawing massive crowds that spilled far beyond the central viewing area. Saturday night belonged to Tyler, the Creator, whose stripped-down set relied heavily on his energy and lyrical flow rather than flashy production. His minimalist approach, though divisive among some attendees, resonated deeply with fans who came for the raw, unfiltered performance style he has championed in recent years. The festival closed on Sunday with Hozier, who delivered a soulful and politically charged set that stretched nearly two hours. His performance built toward an emotional finale of “Take Me to Church,” punctuated by a fireworks display that lit up the park and the San Francisco skyline.
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Beyond the headliners, the festival was rich with standout moments from emerging and mid-tier artists. Doechii was a clear crowd favorite, delivering a high-energy performance packed with political commentary and earning the highest audience engagement through the festival’s interactive app. Her set was widely discussed as one of the most dynamic of the weekend. Gracie Abrams also made her Outside Lands debut, offering an intimate and deeply emotional performance that connected with audiences on a personal level. Several notable public figures, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and California Governor Gavin Newsom, were spotted in the audience, underscoring the festival’s status as both a cultural and social event.
Surprises added an extra layer of excitement to the weekend. Pop artist Role Model invited Troye Sivan to join him on stage for a live duet of “Sally When the Wine Runs Out,” sparking one of the loudest audience reactions of the festival. Jack Antonoff, performing with his band Bleachers, created one of the most heartfelt moments when he brought his father on stage to honor the late Jonathan Mayers, one of the festival’s co-founders. The tribute culminated in the naming of a section of the grounds as “Mayers’ Way,” ensuring his contributions will be remembered for years to come.
While music was the primary draw, the festival embraced the full spectrum of Bay Area culture. Food played a starring role, with local vendors serving everything from gourmet street tacos to bison burgers, reflecting the region’s reputation for innovative cuisine. The new Duboce Triangle stage provided an intimate space for emerging artists, while large-scale art installations dotted the park, creating interactive and visually striking spaces for attendees to explore between sets.
The city of San Francisco worked closely with festival organizers to address the logistical challenges of such a large-scale event. Expanded public transportation schedules, dedicated shuttle services, and strict vehicle restrictions in the surrounding neighborhoods were implemented to manage the flow of attendees and reduce the environmental impact. Sustainability remained a guiding principle, with waste reduction initiatives, composting programs, and a focus on locally sourced food and materials.
Despite its many successes, the weekend was not without its critiques. Some audience members felt that certain headliner performances, particularly from Tyler, the Creator and Doja Cat, lacked the elaborate production values expected of festival closers. Issues with sound quality were reported at a few of the smaller stages, and elevated concession prices—especially for water—sparked frustration among attendees. Others expressed a desire for more legacy acts or reunions to balance the focus on emerging and current chart-toppers.
Still, Outside Lands 2025 delivered on its promise of an immersive, multi-genre celebration. It captured the eclectic spirit of San Francisco while fostering moments of artistry, activism, and pure entertainment. With its mix of headline-making performances, surprise collaborations, and an unmistakable community atmosphere, the festival reaffirmed its place as one of the country’s premier live music experiences—one that continues to evolve while honoring the city that makes it possible.
