Outside Lands is a three-day music festival held every August in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park

Outside Lands takes place the first full weekend in August each year at Golden Gate Park. The festival runs Friday through Sunday and features multiple stages with rock, hip-hop, electronic, indie, and pop acts. You'll find food vendors, art installations, and a beer and wine garden throughout the park grounds.

The festival draws roughly 200,000 people over the three days. It's one of the largest music festivals on the West Coast and has been running since 2008. The event is produced by Another Planet Entertainment and Superfly, the same companies behind festivals like Outside Lands' sister event in Lake Tahoe.

Outside Lands is an outdoor festival, so weather and logistics matter more than at indoor venues. The San Francisco fog is common in August, and the park has limited parking. Most people take public transit or rideshare to get there.

Key Takeaways

  • Outside Lands happens the first full weekend in August at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, with three days of music across multiple stages.
  • Three-day passes and single-day passes are both sold, and prices vary by year and how far in advance you buy.
  • You'll need to bring cash or a card for food, drinks, and merchandise, as most vendors accept both but some smaller ones are cash-only.
  • Parking at Golden Gate Park is extremely limited, so public transit (BART, Muni, or shuttle services) is the most practical way to arrive.
  • The festival runs rain or shine, and August fog is common, so layers and a light jacket are essential even though it's summer.

Ticket types and pricing structure

Outside Lands sells three-day passes and single-day passes. Three-day passes let you attend all three days for one price. Single-day passes cost less per day but add up if you want to see acts across multiple days. Prices change each year and depend on when you buy — early-bird pricing is lower than last-minute tickets.

The festival also offers VIP passes, which include perks like a dedicated VIP area, shorter bathroom lines, and access to a VIP lounge with food and drinks. VIP passes cost significantly more than general admission. Some years the festival sells out of certain ticket types before August, so buying in advance is common.

Tickets are sold through the official Outside Lands website and through Ticketmaster. You'll receive a digital ticket or a physical wristband depending on when and how you purchase. If you buy in advance, you typically pick up your wristband at the festival or have it mailed to you.

What to bring and what's prohibited

Outside Lands allows a small backpack or bag, a blanket or small towel, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle (empty, to fill at water stations). You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks into the festival. The festival has water stations throughout the park where you can refill bottles for free.

You cannot bring glass bottles, cans, outside alcohol, or weapons of any kind. Drones, professional cameras with detachable lenses, and recording equipment are not allowed. Pets are not permitted, with the exception of service animals. The festival does not allow umbrellas, but ponchos are allowed.

Wear comfortable shoes — you'll be walking on grass and pavement for hours. Layers are essential because San Francisco fog can roll in even in August, and temperatures drop in the evening. Sunscreen and a hat are useful during the day when the sun is out.

Getting there and parking

Golden Gate Park is in the western part of San Francisco. Public transit is the most practical option. BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) runs to downtown San Francisco, and from there you can take Muni buses or cable cars to the park. The festival runs a shuttle service from BART stations on festival days, which is faster than figuring out bus routes.

If you drive, parking at Golden Gate Park itself is extremely limited and fills up quickly. Street parking in the surrounding neighborhoods is possible but requires arriving very early. Many people park at BART stations in the East Bay and take BART into the city instead. Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) is an option but gets expensive and congested on festival days, especially at pickup time when thousands of people leave at once.

The festival is located near the Panhandle area of the park. If you're staying in San Francisco, walking or biking may be feasible depending on where you're staying. Bike parking is available at the festival.

Food, drinks, and money

Outside Lands has dozens of food vendors selling everything from tacos and pizza to sushi and vegetarian options. Prices are higher than restaurants in the city — expect to pay $12 to $18 for a meal. The festival also has a beer and wine garden where you can purchase alcohol. You must be 21 with a valid ID to buy alcohol.

Bring cash or a card. Most major vendors accept both, but some smaller food stalls are cash-only. ATMs are on-site but lines get long and fees may explore. Bringing cash in advance is more reliable than counting on ATMs.

Water is free at water stations throughout the festival. Soft drinks and other beverages are sold by vendors. The festival does not allow outside alcohol, so you cannot bring your own beer or wine.

Schedule and stage layout

The festival publishes a full schedule of which artists perform on which days and at which times a few weeks before the event. The schedule is released on the Outside Lands website. Golden Gate Park has multiple stages spread across different areas, so you'll need to walk between stages to see different acts.

The main stages are the Sutro Stage, the Lands End Stage, and the Panhandle Stage. Smaller stages and art installations are scattered throughout the park. The festival runs from roughly 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day, though exact times vary by stage and year.

Plan which acts you want to see in advance, especially if multiple artists you like are performing at the same time. The walk between stages can take 10 to 20 minutes depending on crowds, so factor that into your schedule.

Weather and what to expect

August in San Francisco is typically cool and foggy, not hot and sunny like many people expect. Daytime temperatures range from the mid-50s to mid-60s Fahrenheit. The fog often rolls in during the afternoon and evening. Rain is uncommon in August but not impossible.

The festival runs rain or shine. If it rains, the event continues. Bring a poncho or rain jacket just in case. The grass can get muddy if it rains, so waterproof shoes or boots are useful. Layers are your best strategy — wear a t-shirt and bring a jacket you can tie around your waist or put on as needed.

The festival is outdoors on grass and pavement for the entire day, so be prepared for standing and walking. Bring sunscreen even on cloudy days, as UV rays still penetrate fog. A hat and sunglasses are practical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave and come back the same day?

Yes. Your wristband is your entry ticket, so you can leave the festival and return the same day. Keep your wristband on and don't remove it. If you're buying a single-day pass, you can only re-enter on that specific day.

Is there camping at Outside Lands?

No, Outside Lands does not offer on-site camping. You'll need to stay in a hotel, Airbnb, or with friends in San Francisco or the Bay Area. Some people camp at state parks outside the city and drive or take transit in for the festival.

What if I lose my wristband?

Contact the festival organizers when ready through the Outside Lands website. Replacement wristbands may be available for a fee, but availability depends on when you lose it and how close you are to the festival dates. Keep your wristband find and don't remove it.

Are there age restrictions?

Outside Lands is open to all ages during the day. If you want to enter the beer and wine garden, you must be 21 with a valid ID. Children under 12 may be free or discounted depending on the year — check the official website for current pricing.

Can I bring a friend's ticket if they can't go?

No. Wristbands are non-transferable and tied to the person who purchased them. If your friend can't attend, they should contact the festival about refund or exchange options, though policies vary by year and how close you are to the event date.