by Chloe Catajan
@riannachloe

Outside Lands heads back to Golden Gate Park this August to celebrate summer in San Francisco fashion. Live music meets Karl the Fog, plus plenty more Bay Area staples—from good eats, lush greenery, and Grass Lands to disco, drag and DIY spirit at Dolores. Every year, tens of thousands of music fans, local and beyond, come to enjoy the festival’s unique experiences and stacked lineup.

Another exciting bill is set for the 2025 edition, taking place August 8 to 10. Doja Cat makes her Outside Lands debut Friday, and Tyler, The Creator takes the stage the next night for his long-awaited return since headlining 2021. We’ll get some alternative flavor from Vampire Weekend, Beck, and Glass Animals, while Hozier and Gracie Abrams provide a soundtrack for the yearners. You can also expect to hear viral anthems from Doechii, Artemas, Royel Otis, Fcukers, and so many more. 

With over 110 acts in store, it goes without saying that Outside Lands has a lot to offer. On top of a chance to see major headliners all in one place are opportunities to discover your next musical obsession. Maybe they’re local, on the rise, or somewhere in between. The San Francisco experience, of course, wouldn’t be complete without some Bay Area representation on your rotation. 

Don’t know where to start? Consider this your soundcheck before heading to the fest. 

DJ Mandy

You might know Amanda Shultz as DJ Mandy on TikTok, where she first went viral for her off-kiter remixes. The UC Berkeley student’s use of abrupt transitions, air horn inserts, and random sound bites captivated people online, earning her fans who appreciated her humorous bit. She’d tease her true mixing chops every now and then, and has since launched her professional career. She plays the SOMA Stage Saturday, August 9. 

Infinite Jess

Also hitting the SOMA Stage is Infinite Jess, a San Francisco-based DJ whose love for vintage-vinyl collecting shines through in the way she hits the decks. She’s no stranger to mixing slow jams and golden-age boogie into dance sets. She’s also active in the Bay Area underground music scene and hosts two monthly radio shows, The Saturday Morning Comedown on SutroFM and Into The Fog on Lower Grand Radio.

Midrift

Call it slacker rock, call it shoegaze: Midrift’s sound is equal parts grain, grit, and gauze, recalling the likes of Whirr and Title Fight. Releases like “Twin Flame” and “into place” feel like nostalgia in a bottle, shaken up and fizzing out. The San Francisco trio has a lot of big slots in store for them this year, including performing at Sound and Fury, opening for Basement, and of course, playing Outside Lands on Friday, August 8.

Sarah Kinsley

Sarah Kinsley creates vibrant anthems that blend her classical training with modern pop sensibilities. Her latest album, Escaper, layers lush instrumentals and spritely vocals that tie together its free-spirited, frolicky nature—a fitting soundtrack to listen to among the fields of Golden Gate Park. Though currently based in New York, Kinsley was born in Mountain View. Her Saturday set at Outside Lands marks her third Bay Area performance in recent years. 

The Army, The Navy

A folk-pop duo from Mill Valley, The Army, The Navy frequently explores earthy themes in their catalog, including albums Sugar for Bugs and Fruit For Flies. Yet, their soft-spoken vocals and equally delicate melodies have an ethereal effect that is sure to create an otherworldly experience at Outside Lands. The pair, consisting of Maia Ciambriello and Sasha Goldberg, recently released a new single called “Dirty Laundry” and will embark on a European and Australian tour after their Saturday Outside Lands set.

To view and purchase ticket options, visit sfoutsidelands.com/tickets and be sure to come back to SoundcheckSF for our recap of all three days.