It makes sense that the 1960s home to flower children, historic rock concerts, and the summer of love is also home to Outside Lands, a multi-stage music and arts festival in Golden Gate Park. The 3-day August event—which started in 2007—fills the park’s meadows and glades with a platinum-level lineup of diverse artists. Past headliners have run the musical gamut—from The Who and Metallica to Stevie Wonder, Kanye West, and Radiohead.
Choose between general admission passes or upgrade to VIP status for special lounge access, exclusive viewing areas, and entry to special options for food, beer, wine, and spirits.
Speaking of those options… you can ditch your preconceived idea that they will be limited to typical festival fare. Outside Lands is known for surprisingly swanky food and wine options for all attendees, so come hungry—and ready to tip a few back. The Wine Lands and Beer Lands big-top tents pour some of the finest in craft libations sourced locally, as well as from beyond. Cheese Lands, ingeniously located right by Wine Lands, offers up delectable treats from Mission Bay Wine & Cheese.
Hungry for more than just nibbles? The Taste of the Bay “local flavors” area has in the past featured such options as bacon-wrapped sausages from Mexican cantina Tres, gourmet pies from Little Star Pizza, lamb burgers from Black Cat, and frozen treats by Smitten Ice Cream. There are even chef demos, wine-tasting events, and a pop-up bar Cocktail Magic, featuring a magician and bartenders from local bars, such as Horsefeather and Pacific Cocktail Haven.
There will also be plenty of Bay Area artists on hand to add visual splendor to the experience in the form of live-painted murals and sculptures. Thought-provoking discussions with engaging guests about virtually everything will be had at the D.A.V.E. (Discussions About Virtually Everything) stage. Past speakers include such luminaries as Governor Gavin Newsome, Bill Nye (the Science Guy), and Grateful Dead co-founder Mickey Hart.
Insider tip: Buy Outside Lands shuttle passes and ditch the car—pick-up and drop-off spots are located citywide.