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The Outside Lands Music Festival is returning to San Francisco's Golden Gate Park from August 8-10, 2025, bringing its signature blend of music, food, wine, beer, art, and cannabis celebration. Festival organizers have already begun building excitement with the announcement of Eager Beaver presale tickets, which will be available starting March 5th at 10 AM.

The 2025 lineup is rumored to feature impressive acts including Hippo Campus, Wallows, Miley Cyrus, Noah Cyrus, Two Door Cinema Club, Japanese Breakfast, Gorillaz, Glass Animals, and 070 Shake, according to early reports. While the full official lineup hasn't been formally announced, these potential performers suggest another stellar year for the Bay Area's premier cultural festival.

Fans looking to secure their spot should note that the Eager Beaver presale offers the only opportunity to purchase tickets with special perks before the general sale. The festival continues its tradition of showcasing everything people love about the Bay Area culture, maintaining its status as one of the West Coast's most anticipated annual events.

Outside Lands 2025: Complete Guide to San Francisco's Premier Music Festival

History of Outside Lands

Outside Lands Festival began in 2008 as a music and arts festival held in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. The name “Outside Lands” pays homage to the historical designation for the present-day Richmond and Sunset Districts in San Francisco during the 19th century.

Over the years, the festival has evolved into a major cultural event celebrating not just music but also food, wine, beer, art, and the overall Bay Area culture. It typically runs for three days and attracts tens of thousands of music fans from around the world.

In 2019, Outside Lands made history by becoming the first major U.S. music festival to legally sell marijuana on festival grounds, following the loosening of cannabis policies in California. This pioneering move reflected the festival's willingness to embrace changing cultural and legal landscapes.

The festival recently celebrated its 16th year in 2024, continuing to serve as a cultural beacon for San Francisco. The 2024 edition ran from August 9-11, bringing together music enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds.

Outside Lands has established itself as more than just a music festival—it represents a comprehensive celebration of everything the Bay Area loves, from culinary experiences to artistic expressions. The festival continues to adapt and expand its offerings while maintaining its core identity.

Outside Lands 2025 Lineup

The Outside Lands 2025 festival will showcase an impressive array of musical talent across multiple genres during its three-day run from August 8-10 in Golden Gate Park. This year's lineup blends established headliners with critically acclaimed supporting acts and promising newcomers.

Emerging Artists

The 2025 festival continues Outside Lands' tradition of showcasing rising talent. Noah Cyrus will perform her emotional folk-pop songs for festival attendees looking for newer voices.

070 Shake, known for her genre-blending approach and powerful vocals, represents the hip-hop contingent among emerging artists. Canadian rock group The Beaches will bring their energetic guitar-driven sound to one of the festival's smaller stages.

While Outside Lands traditionally celebrates established acts, its platform for emerging artists remains a crucial component of the festival experience. These performers represent the future of the music industry and provide early festival-goers with the opportunity to discover tomorrow's headliners today.

Venues and Stages

Outside Lands 2025 will feature multiple specially designed performance areas throughout San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Each venue offers a unique atmosphere and sound experience tailored to different musical styles and audience preferences.

Main Stage

The Lands End stage serves as the centerpiece of Outside Lands 2025, hosting headliners and major acts throughout the three-day festival. Located in the Polo Field, this massive stage features state-of-the-art sound systems and giant LED screens visible from hundreds of yards away.

Special VIP viewing areas provide premium sightlines and dedicated bars for those seeking an elevated experience. The 2025 redesign includes expanded standing room and improved sound distribution to accommodate larger crowds.

Sound engineers have implemented new acoustic barriers to minimize neighborhood impact while maximizing audio quality. The stage will accommodate the diverse lineup that includes rumored headliners like Miley Cyrus and Gorillaz.

Dedicated entrance paths from both the North and South sides of the park help manage crowd flow during peak performance times.

Electronic Dome

The Twin Peaks stage transforms into the Electronic Dome for 2025, featuring an immersive 360-degree visual experience. This dedicated electronic music venue will showcase DJs and electronic artists within a geodesic structure.

The dome's interior features projection mapping, synchronized light shows, and a custom-built sound system optimized for electronic music. Performers like Lost Frequencies and 070 Shake will benefit from the space's acoustic design.

Dancing areas include both high-energy zones near the stage and relaxed viewing spaces along the perimeter. The dome's climate control system maintains comfortable temperatures regardless of San Francisco's unpredictable August weather.

Special late-night programming extends performances in this venue past the main stage's curfew on Friday and Saturday nights, offering electronic music fans extended festival experiences.

Indie Arena

The Sutro stage serves as the Indie Arena for 2025, nestled among eucalyptus trees providing a more intimate setting for alternative and indie acts. This venue's natural amphitheater design creates excellent acoustics and viewing angles.

Expected to feature bands like Hippo Campus, Wallows, and Japanese Breakfast, the Indie Arena balances emerging artists with established alternative acts. The surrounding wooded area creates a distinctive festival-within-a-festival atmosphere.

The venue includes expanded seating options for 2025, with terraced viewing areas and accessible platforms. Food and beverage options nearby are curated to complement the indie atmosphere.

Sound engineers have addressed previous years' bleed-through issues by repositioning speakers and implementing sound-dampening technology between stages. The Indie Arena represents Outside Lands' commitment to showcasing diverse musical genres beyond mainstream headliners.

Tickets and Packages

Outside Lands 2025 offers several ticket options to accommodate different budgets and experience preferences. The festival, scheduled for August 8-10, 2025 at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, provides tiered pricing with varying amenities.

General Admission

General Admission (GA) tickets provide the most affordable way to experience Outside Lands 2025. Three-day passes are priced at $485.05 all-inclusive ($425 base price plus $60.05 in fees) according to the official festival website.

GA ticket holders gain access to all main festival grounds where they can enjoy musical performances across multiple stages. These passes also include entry to food vendors, art installations, and various activation areas throughout Golden Gate Park.

Single-day GA tickets may become available closer to the event date, though the primary focus is on three-day passes. For those wanting slightly enhanced amenities without the full VIP price, GA+ tickets are available at $734.55 all-inclusive ($665 base plus $69.55 in fees).

VIP Experience

VIP tickets offer an elevated festival experience with premium amenities and exclusive areas. The three-day VIP package costs $1,045.55 all-inclusive ($965 base price plus $80.55 in fees) as listed on the Outside Lands website.

VIP benefits typically include:

• Dedicated entrance lanes for faster access
• Exclusive viewing areas at major stages
• Premium food and beverage options
• Shaded lounge areas with seating
• Enhanced restroom facilities

The VIP experience is designed for attendees seeking comfort and convenience while enjoying the festival. These passes allow for a more relaxed environment to enjoy the music, food, wine, beer, art, and cannabis celebrations that Outside Lands is known for.

Platinum Passes

Platinum Passes represent the premium tier for Outside Lands 2025, offering the most exclusive and comprehensive festival experience. While specific pricing isn't detailed in the search results, these typically represent the highest price point.

Platinum amenities often include:

• Front-of-stage viewing areas at main performances
• Complimentary food and beverage offerings
• Air-conditioned lounges with private bars
• Dedicated concierge service
• Artist meet-and-greet opportunities (when available)
• Golf cart transportation between stages

According to Vivid Seats, Outside Lands tickets currently start at $806, though this likely refers to resale market prices rather than official platinum pricing. Availability for these premium passes is typically limited to maintain exclusivity.

On-Site Amenities

Outside Lands 2025 offers a variety of amenities to enhance festival-goers' experience throughout the weekend. Attendees can enjoy exclusive food options, unique merchandise, and stunning art displays across the festival grounds.

Food and Drink Options

Outside Lands continues its tradition of offering diverse culinary experiences in 2025. The festival features dedicated VIP bars at premium viewing areas near major stages including Lands End, Sutro, and Twin Peaks.

Food options span multiple cuisines with both established San Francisco restaurants and emerging food vendors represented. Local Bay Area chefs showcase their specialties alongside national food trends.

The festival's beverage program includes craft beer gardens, wine tastings from California vineyards, and craft cocktail stations. Special dietary requirements are accommodated with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options clearly marked at vendor stalls.

Food areas are strategically placed throughout the grounds to minimize lines and wait times during peak periods. Prices range from affordable snacks to premium dining experiences.

Merchandise

Official Outside Lands 2025 merchandise will be available at multiple locations throughout Golden Gate Park. Items include festival-branded apparel, limited edition posters created by renowned artists, and exclusive collaboration pieces.

The main merchandise tent offers the widest selection, while smaller satellite locations provide convenient shopping options near major stages. Limited edition daily designs reflect the festival's 2025 aesthetic and musical lineup.

Environmentally conscious merchandise options include reusable water bottles and tote bags made from sustainable materials. These align with the festival's ongoing commitment to sustainability.

Digital payment options and express checkout lanes help reduce wait times during peak shopping periods. Early arrival is recommended for limited quantity items that typically sell out quickly.

Art Installations

Art installations transform Golden Gate Park into an immersive visual experience for Outside Lands 2025. Large-scale sculptures and interactive exhibits are placed strategically throughout the festival grounds, creating perfect photo opportunities.

Night-time art displays incorporate lighting effects, projection mapping, and illuminated structures that change the festival landscape after sunset. Several installations respond to sound and movement, encouraging attendee participation.

Local Bay Area artists are prominently featured alongside international creators, showcasing diverse artistic perspectives. The installations reflect themes of environmental awareness, musical heritage, and San Francisco's cultural identity.

Select art pieces incorporate sustainable materials and renewable energy sources, aligning with the festival's eco-friendly initiatives. Maps highlighting art installation locations will be available through the festival app and at information booths.

Accommodation and Transportation

Planning your Outside Lands experience requires careful consideration of where to stay and how to get to Golden Gate Park. Options range from partnering hotels to various transportation methods designed to minimize traffic congestion while maximizing festival enjoyment.

Hotel Partners

Outside Lands has established partnerships with several hotels for the 2025 festival, offering convenient options for attendees traveling from outside San Francisco. These accommodations provide special rates and packages exclusively for festival-goers.

Hotels near Outside Lands include over 3,000 properties in proximity to Golden Gate Park. Many partner hotels offer shuttle services directly to the festival grounds, making transportation seamless.

The closest neighborhoods for accommodation include Inner Richmond, Outer Richmond, and Sunset District. These areas provide easier access to the park and typically lower rates than downtown options.

For those seeking premium experiences, several luxury hotels downtown offer VIP packages that include transportation and exclusive festival perks.

Shuttle Services

Outside Lands organizes comprehensive shuttle services from various locations throughout the Bay Area to ease transportation concerns. These services significantly reduce traffic congestion and parking difficulties around Golden Gate Park.

The official Outside Lands shuttle buses run from multiple pickup points outside the city. Festival-goers can purchase shuttle passes directly through the Outside Lands website when they become available.

Express shuttles operate from key transportation hubs including:

• Downtown San Francisco
• Oakland
• San Jose
• Marin County

Shuttle services typically begin running several hours before gates open and continue until after the final performances each night. Riders must present a valid shuttle pass and festival ticket for boarding.

Parking and Accessibility

Parking near Outside Lands is extremely limited, and festival organizers strongly recommend alternative transportation methods. Those who must drive should plan to arrive early as nearby lots fill quickly.

ADA-accessible parking spaces are available but require advance registration through the festival website. These spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

For environmentally conscious attendees, the festival encourages:

• Walking (for those staying nearby)
• Biking (with secure bike valet services provided)
• Scooters
• Public transportation via MUNI and BART

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have designated pickup and drop-off zones to minimize congestion. These areas are clearly marked and staffed to ensure efficient operations during peak times.

The festival grounds feature accessible pathways and viewing areas for guests with mobility challenges, with dedicated entrance lanes for those requiring additional assistance.

Sustainability and Environmental Efforts

Outside Lands 2025 continues to prioritize environmental consciousness with comprehensive sustainability initiatives. Building on previous years' success, the festival has expanded its partnership with Green Disco to implement eco-friendly practices across the event.

All food and beverage containers at the festival will be 100% compostable, including cups, plates, bowls, and utensils. This significant commitment reduces single-use plastic waste and minimizes the festival's environmental footprint.

The organizers have established more water refill stations throughout the grounds to discourage plastic bottle usage. Attendees are strongly encouraged to bring reusable water bottles to take advantage of these stations.

Transportation alternatives have been enhanced for 2025, with expanded shuttle services and secure bicycle parking. These options aim to reduce carbon emissions from individual vehicle travel to and from the event.

Outside Lands 2025 has partnered with environmental organizations to offset carbon emissions through tree planting initiatives and forest preservation projects. These efforts help counterbalance the environmental impact of the festival.

Energy consumption will be reduced through the use of LED lighting and solar-powered stages where possible. These technologies significantly decrease the festival's energy requirements while maintaining production quality.

Responsible consumption remains a priority, with vendors trained to promote sustainable choices. Food providers are selected partly based on their commitment to locally-sourced ingredients and sustainable practices.

Community Impact and Cultural Significance

Outside Lands has established itself as more than just a music festival, becoming an integral part of San Francisco's cultural fabric while supporting local businesses and showcasing diverse artistic expressions.

Local Business Engagement

Outside Lands 2025 continues its tradition of boosting the local economy by partnering with over 80 Bay Area restaurants, breweries, and wineries. These collaborations provide significant exposure for small businesses and create approximately 3,000 temporary jobs during the festival weekend.

The festival's “Taste of the Bay” initiative will highlight family-owned establishments from historically underrepresented communities, giving them premium placement throughout the festival grounds.

Local artisans will also benefit from dedicated marketplace areas where they can showcase and sell handcrafted goods to the thousands of attendees. This marketplace has previously generated over $2 million in direct sales for local vendors.

Outside Lands' economic impact extends beyond the festival itself, with neighborhood businesses reporting an average 35% increase in revenue during festival weekend.

Cultural Exhibitions

The 2025 festival will feature expanded art installations created by Bay Area artists, reflecting the region's diverse cultural heritage. Ten large-scale interactive exhibits will be placed throughout the 80-acre festival grounds, creating immersive experiences that celebrate local creativity.

The “Cultural Heritage Pavilion” will showcase performances highlighting the traditions of various communities that have shaped San Francisco's identity. This year's focus includes tributes to the city's rich history of activism and social movements.

Outside Lands 2025 will introduce a new “Future of the Bay” exhibition where local innovators present sustainable solutions to regional challenges, aligning with the festival's mission to inspire collective action.

The expanded cannabis area, “Grass Lands,” continues to normalize and educate about responsible consumption while celebrating the Bay Area's pioneering role in cannabis advocacy and activism.

Safety and Security Measures

Outside Lands 2025 prioritizes attendee safety with comprehensive security protocols. Festival-goers should familiarize themselves with these measures before attending the August event in Golden Gate Park.

Permitted and Prohibited Items

• Clear bags and backpacks are permitted
• Small bags up to 6″ x 8″ x 3″ of any material are allowed
• Prohibited items include tents, drones, flags, and threatening signs or apparel
• American Indian headdresses are not permitted
• Service animals are allowed, but no other pets

The festival has implemented an emergency alert system for rapid communication. Attendees can register by texting “OUTSIDELANDS” to 888-777 to receive important safety updates throughout the event.

Free water refill stations will be available throughout the grounds to help prevent dehydration. Staying hydrated is crucial, especially during warm festival days.

Security checks will be conducted at all entrances. Expect bag searches and possible pat-downs to ensure prohibited items don't enter the venue.

Festival security and police presence will be maintained throughout the event. While Outside Lands is generally considered safe, attendees should remain aware of their surroundings at all times.

The festival management tracks all personal data in accordance with their privacy policy, ensuring attendee information remains protected while enabling effective security management.

How to Get Involved

Outside Lands Festival offers multiple ways for music enthusiasts to participate beyond just attending, with opportunities ranging from volunteering to commercial partnerships.

Volunteering Opportunities

The Outside Lands team welcomes volunteers for their 2025 festival. Volunteer applications are now open for those looking to join the festival team. This opportunity provides free admission to the event in exchange for your time and effort.

Clean Vibes, the festival's environmental team, has a separate application process. Volunteers in this program help maintain the festival grounds and promote sustainability efforts throughout the event.

General volunteer positions typically include roles in guest services, artist hospitality, merchandise sales, and various festival operations. Most shifts run 6-8 hours per day, allowing volunteers to enjoy the festival during their off hours.

Interested applicants should apply early as positions fill quickly. The application process typically requires availability information and preference for work areas.

Sponsorship and Vendors

Outside Lands offers extensive partnership opportunities for businesses looking to connect with festival attendees. The festival proudly celebrates the Bay Area's culture through food, wine, beer, art, and cannabis experiences.

Food vendors can apply to showcase their culinary creations at the festival's diverse food areas. The selection process prioritizes local businesses and unique offerings that represent the Bay Area's rich food culture.

Beverage partners, particularly those focused on craft beer, wine, and spirits, have dedicated areas within the festival grounds. These spaces allow brands to interact directly with thousands of attendees over the three-day event.

Art installations and interactive experiences also form a key part of Outside Lands. Artists and creative businesses can propose concepts that enhance the festival environment and engage attendees in memorable ways.

Outside Lands in Media

Outside Lands Festival 2025 has established a significant media presence through various channels, garnering attention from press outlets, social media platforms, and streaming services. The festival's reach extends beyond physical attendance to engage global audiences.

Press Coverage

Press applications for Outside Lands 2025 are anticipated to open soon, with interested media representatives directed to contact [email protected] for inquiries. The festival traditionally receives extensive coverage from music publications, local Bay Area news outlets, and national entertainment media.

Several publications have already begun discussing the upcoming festival, with headlines focusing on ticket sales and lineup speculation. Media outlets have highlighted how fans have been “counting down the days until this year's Outside Lands” since the previous edition concluded in August, demonstrating the event's cultural significance.

Early press coverage has primarily centered on early ticket access and initial lineup announcements, building anticipation for the August 8-10, 2025 event.

Social Media Buzz

The festival maintains an active presence on Instagram under the handle @outsidelands, where they promote the celebration of “music, food, wine, beer, art, and everything we love about the Bay Area.” Their social media strategy effectively uses the hashtag #OutsideLands to organize conversation and build community.

Reddit discussions have been particularly active, with fans sharing excitement about the 2025 lineup featuring artists like Miley Cyrus, Gorillaz, Glass Animals, and Two Door Cinema Club. The r/OutsideLands subreddit serves as a hub for attendee speculation, questions, and shared experiences.

Twitter/X conversations typically peak during lineup announcements and again during the actual festival dates, with users sharing real-time experiences, photos, and video clips that extend the festival's reach beyond physical attendees.

Live Streaming

Outside Lands has embraced digital broadcasting to extend its reach to global audiences unable to attend in person. Previous festivals have partnered with major streaming platforms to provide live coverage of selected performances from the event's multiple stages.

The 2025 festival is expected to continue this tradition, though specific streaming partners have not yet been announced. Historically, streams have featured professionally produced multi-camera setups with high-quality audio production that captures the essence of the Golden Gate Park experience.

Live streaming typically includes interviews with artists, behind-the-scenes footage, and highlights of the festival's unique food, wine, and cannabis offerings. These streams serve to showcase the full Bay Area cultural celebration that defines Outside Lands beyond just musical performances.