All You Need to Know About Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival

Your summer of festivals is right around the corner! It is finally time to unwind and lose yourself in the rhythm of live music, unforgettable performances, and non-stop dancing. California just so happens to be home to some incredibly alluring and enchanting places, almost as if it was made to host these amazing events.

Heading over to Northern California, a certain festival has been cooking for a while now, gaining popularity and being one of the most anticipated music festivals in California. It is none other than the Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival! Securing its place as San Francisco’s main event, Outside Lands has been attracting thousands of visitors every year. Among all the music festivals in 2023, this is the one that will leave a lasting impression on you and your friends. So what’s all the fuss about? Let’s break it down.

Origins of Outside Lands Festival 

Before setting out on this ethereal musical adventure, let’s look back at how it all started.

Outside Lands was originally used to refer to Golden Gate Park, back in the 1800s. This was mostly due to the location of the area, away from the masses. As this breathtaking park – and its beautiful gardens  – is the third most visited park in the nation, frequented by people of various backgrounds and cultures, it became a perfect candidate for the ultimate music festival venue. In 2008, the Outside Lands Festival came to life, with over 60 musical acts and art installations.

After being on hiatus for about two years, the Outside Lands Festival is finally set to return with a bang! And the anticipation is growing.

How much does it Cost? 

Depending on which part of the festival you are interested in, tickets and admissions may vary. After all, a large-scale event such as this one has a plethora of segments and performances, some of which may not be in your interest.

Once you have purchased your tickets, you will receive a wristband that you will have to wear the entire time you are within Golden Gate Park. You can even take a shower with it on, so it is recommended that you do not take it off!

Single Day General Admission tickets go for $215 plus fees, which will grant you access to the festival, food, beverages, and endless fun. Benefit from the same perks for three days for $449, with the 3-day pass. 

VIP tickets (Single day $499 and three days $1,029) will bring you to exclusive lounges, upgraded restrooms, dedicated entrances, and special viewing areas.

How To Get There?

With your tickets now secured, it is now time to think about how you’ll get to the festival. Commuting by vehicle is an option of course, but parking spaces are sparse, so it is usually not the recommended way of transportation. Thankfully, however, there are many other options for commuting, such as shuttles, rideshares, scooters, and even bikes.

The organizers of Outside Lands also offer prepaid local shuttles that will take you in and out of the venue every day. Starting from $26+ fees, the shuttle departs from Bill Graham Civic Auditorium and drops people off at the South entrance of the festival.

A tip for anyone getting dropped off at the festival is to do so a few blocks north or south of Golden Gate Park, as some streets will suffer from extreme congestion and traffic before and after the event.

Who Is Playing At Outside Lands 2023

Got everything ready and planned out? Let’s take a look at the incredible lineup prepared for Outside Lands 2023.

With over 60 musical acts and 90 artists, it will be impossible to catch every single performance. However, there is a schedule posted on the Outside Lands official website and app, to help visitors plan their day out.

Among the headliners are Grammy and Emmy winner Kendrick Lamar, Foo Fighters, Lana Del Rey, and Megan Thee Stallion. Which already sets the mood for this thrilling event. Other artists include Janelle Monáe, Noah Kahan, Willow, and so many more.

Make sure to check in with the schedule so you know when and on which stage your favorite artist will be performing!

Feeling Hungry? Taste of The Bay Area Has Got Your Back 

San Francisco is known for its delicious food and variety. An exciting festival like Outside Lands will without a doubt be tiring, and you will need to find some type of sustenance while you are there. Taste of The Bay Area is where you will be able to discover just what makes San Francisco food so popular. Outside Lands 2023 partnered up with some of the most exciting restaurants in the Bay Area to bring its visitors the best of the best.

You have all weekend to go around exploring the 90 restaurants available during the festival, with healthier food options, and Vegan, Vegetarian, and Gluten free options also prepared. Savor all kinds of mouth-watering dishes from Alma y Sazon, Alicia's Tamales Los Mayas, and many other amazing options. 

The Outside Lands official website will have an easily accessible list posted for people wanting to browse their options beforehand, so all that will be left is to decide on what to eat.

Some Tips to Keep In Mind

If you are not familiar with the area, no need to fret, as there are festival maps available on the website that will help you orient yourself.

Re-entry is not allowed in general, but in case of any emergencies, you can talk to an Outside Lands Supervisor before leaving in order to get scanned out. 

No need to bring cash with you, as this year Outside Lands will be taking all cashless payments, and there will be no ATMs around.