Ready to dance under the eucalyptus trees, sip local wine, and scream-sing along with Doja Cat? Whether you’re packing your hydration pack for the wild in Golden Gate Park or prepping your living room for a livestream soirée, Outside Lands 2025 is calling — and honey, we’ve got the ultimate guide to make it unforgettable.
From transportation hacks to bag policies and streaming parties at home, here are 51 essential tips and tricks to slay Outside Lands like a pro — with glitter in your hair and a fully charged phone.
The Festival Basics You Need to Know
Where is Outside Lands?
Outside Lands takes over Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, one of the largest and most iconic urban parks in the U.S. Picture lush greenery, art installations, and fog-kissed vibes — it’s pure West Coast magic.
What are the 2025 festival dates?
Mark it down: August 8–10, 2025 (Friday through Sunday). You’ll want to request PTO now before your coworkers beat you to it.
What time does the music start and end?
- Gates open at 11:00 AM.
- Music starts at 12:00 PM.
- Music ends at 10:00 PM each day.
Plan your arrival accordingly — and make brunch plans early!
Is Outside Lands all ages?
Yes! It’s an all-ages event, though obviously some zones (like the beer and wine lands) are 21+. Families, friend groups, and solo adventurers are all welcome.
Packing & Prep – What to Bring (and What to Leave)
Bring a hydration pack (but follow the rules)
Only dedicated hydration packs under 2.5L capacity with no more than one pocket are allowed. And yes — they must be empty at the gate.
Bring clear bags or small bags only
Bag policy is strict:
- Clear bags, vinyl, or PVC only
- Small purses/fanny packs (6” x 8” x 3” max) are allowed even if not clear
- No backpacks unless they’re clear
- No drawstring or oversized bags
Don’t bring these banned items:
Just to name a few:
- Selfie sticks
- Drones
- Umbrellas
- Outside alcohol
- Lawn chairs
- Professional camera gear
- Hammocks
- Pets (except service animals)
- Totems/flags
Trust us — they’ll confiscate them and it’s not worth the drama.
Pack like a seasoned festival-goer:
- Portable phone charger
- Refillable water bottle
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissues or toilet paper
- Earplugs
- Bandana or face mask (for dust)
- Sunglasses
- Comfy, weather-appropriate shoes
Layers are your best friend
August in SF is unpredictable. It may be sunny at 1PM and freezing by 7PM. Bring a light jacket or flannel you can tie around your waist.
Don’t forget the sunscreen
Even under fog, you can get burned. SPF is a must — yes, even for melanin-rich queens and kings.
Style, Comfort & Staying Cute for a Festival
Plan your look… but prioritize comfort
This isn’t Coachella. SF style is effortlessly cool. Think: layered looks, sneakers or boots, oversized sunnies, and vintage chic. Leave the stilettos at home.
Rock some flair
Outside Lands is proudly inclusive. Be bold with your fashion, flags, and makeup.
Be weather-ready fabulous
Golden Gate Park is notorious for fog. A cute windbreaker or statement poncho? Yes, please.
Transportation Hacks & Gate Strategy
Don’t drive (seriously)
Parking is nonexistent. You’ll risk tickets, towing, and missed sets. Skip the stress.
Use public transit like a boss
Take BART to Civic Center, then:
- Use Muni 5 Fulton or 5R to 30th Ave
- Or take N Judah (extra service runs late)
Use Lyft — the official rideshare partner
Official drop-off/pick-up spots:
- Balboa & 30th Ave
- Irving St. between 25th–27th Ave
Consider the Park & Ride Shuttle
New this year: Shuttles from the Cow Palace in Daly City. Free parking + fast access = smart move.
VIP or GA+? Know your gate
- GA: Main Gate (JFK & 30th) or South Gate (Middle Dr. & Metson)
- VIP/Golden Gate Club: 36th Ave & JFK
- ADA entrance: Also 36th Ave & JFK
Bike, scoot, or walk in
There’s free bike parking, and it’s a lovely stroll if you’re nearby. Scooters are also a solid choice.
Navigating the Festival Grounds
Download the Outside Lands app
It’s your lifeline. Set your schedule, check maps, get alerts, and find food. iOS and Android both supported.
Grab a festival map at the entrance
Also available via the app — especially helpful when finding stages, toilets, and that one vegan bao truck.
Rent a locker
Keep your hoodie and backup charger secure. GA, GA+, and VIP options available to rent in advance.
Food, Drink & Hydration
Try Taste of the Bay Area
Local chefs, restaurants, and food trucks serve up delicious eats — from dumplings to donuts to gluten-free poke bowls.
Yes, there are vegan & gluten-free options
The food lineup is chef’s kiss and dietary-friendly. Check the app for vendor details.
Stay hydrated
Free water refill stations are scattered throughout the park. Use that hydration pack or refillable bottle!
Sample wine, beer & cocktails
Check out Wine Lands, Beer Lands, and Cocktail Magic for curated sips from Bay Area makers. Drink responsibly — it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Sustainability & Social Impact
Outside Lands = eco-conscious queen
In 2024, the festival diverted 89% of waste from landfills — one of the highest diversion rates in the country.
Bring compostable or reusable gear
Single-use plastics are so last season. Reuse, recycle, and compost whenever possible.
Visit “The Mission” space
This zone highlights local nonprofits and causes worth supporting — from queer youth orgs to climate justice leaders.
Watching from Home? Here’s How to Make It Epic
Watch the livestream on Prime Video or Twitch
Amazon Music is livestreaming the entire weekend — including Tyler, The Creator, Doja Cat, Hozier, and more. The full livestream includes Tyler, The Creator, Hozier, Doja Cat, John Summit, Anderson .Paak & the Free Nationals, Vampire Weekend, Glass Animals, Bleachers, Gracie Abrams, Doechii, Still Woozy, Wallows, MARINA, Royel Otis, BigXthaPlug, Bakar, Flipturn, Mannequin Pussy, CA7RIEL Y PACO AMOROSO, Mayer Hawthorne, Wasia Project, Big Freedia with San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, Klangphonics, Hope Tala, Destroy Boys, Luna Li, INJI, Matt Champion, Paco Versailles, Almost Monday, NewDad during Outside Lands 2025.
Where to tune in:
- Prime Video
- Amazon Music’s Twitch: Link to livestream
Set up a themed viewing party
Invite friends, hang some fairy lights, blast the stream through your speakers, and serve up San Francisco-inspired cocktails.
Use a second screen for set times and artist info
Stay organized by keeping the festival schedule up on a tablet or laptop while you stream.
Don’t forget the snacks
DIY food pairings: wine + cheese plate for Wine Lands, craft beer + sliders for Beer Lands. You can even stream with themed playlists during breaks.
Wristbands, Tickets & Safety
Don’t take off your wristband!
One wristband = access all 3 days. Removing or tampering with it will void your ticket.
No re-entry allowed (mostly)
You only get one entry per day. Emergencies? Ask a Supervisor at the gate to be scanned out properly.
Lost your ticket or confirmation?
Contact official ticket support or check if you purchased from an authorized partner like Stubhub.
Children 2 and under get in free
Kids over 2 need a ticket — though maybe leave the littlest ones home after 6 PM.
Safety, Wellness & Inclusivity
Security is tight
All bags are inspected. Expect metal detectors and ID checks for 21+ areas.
Prescription meds are allowed
Bring them in the original container, and notify staff if needed.
LGBTQ+ friendly
Outside Lands has a long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Be yourself, feel safe, and look out for each other.
Use the 311 system for city-related issues
Noise, transit, or neighborhood concerns? SF’s 311 hotline is your friend.
Making the Most of Your San Francisco Trip
Flying in? Use SFO or OAK
- SFO: ~30 mins to the festival
- OAK: ~50 mins but often cheaper flights
Stay in the city — not too far west
Neighborhoods like Hayes Valley, Haight-Ashbury, Castro, or Mission are great home bases with easy access to transit.
Explore beyond the festival
Check out queer nightlife, Alamo Square, Dolores Park, Twin Peaks views, or even a day trip to Sausalito.
Bonus Tips for the True Pros
Register your wristband in the app
If you lose it, this helps with replacements.
Use Apple Pay or Google Pay
Outside Lands is 100% cashless. Load your wallet before heading out.
Take a pic of your parking spot or gate
Festival brain fog is real. Take pics of where you entered, where you parked your bike, etc.
Screenshot your schedule
Reception gets spotty with 75,000+ people in one park. Screenshots = backup.
Plan meet-up spots
“Let’s meet by the Churro cart” isn’t helpful when there are 12 of them. Pick a landmark like the windmill or Wine Lands for group meetups.
Soak it all in
Outside Lands is more than a music fest — it’s a celebration of art, food, sustainability, queerness, and community. Make memories, be present, and dance your heart out.
Whether you’re wristband-deep in the Golden Gate Park crowds or streaming Doja from your couch in glittery sweatpants, Outside Lands 2025 promises to be one of the most magical weekends of the year. Plan ahead, pack smart, stay hydrated, and get ready to live your best foggy, fabulous life.
See you in the Lands — or in the livestream chat
