First-Timer’s Guide to Outside Lands: Tips for a Memorable Festival Experience

Welcome to the wild and wonderful world of Outside Lands, the music festival that transforms San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park into a magical playground of music, art, and amazing vibes. Whether you’re a local or traveling from afar, this guide will help you navigate your first-time festival experience like a pro. Grab your festival gear, and let’s dive in!

1Dress in Layers – Welcome to San Francisco Weather!

If you know anything about San Francisco, you know the weather is as unpredictable as it gets. Golden Gate Park can go from sunny and warm to chilly and foggy in a heartbeat. Be prepared with layers! Think cozy hoodies, stylish jackets, and maybe even a scarf to keep you comfortable when the temperature drops.

2Secure a Locker – Your Personal Festival HQ

Lockers are your best friend at Outside Lands. They’re perfect for storing extra layers, snacks, and anything else you don’t want to carry around all day. Make sure to reserve your locker ahead of time, as they tend to sell out quickly. Having a locker means you can enjoy the festival without being weighed down by all your stuff.

3Porta Potty Survival Kit – Bring Toilet Paper and Hand Sanitizer

Ah, the infamous porta potties. They’re an inevitable part of festival life. Be a festival hero by bringing your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer. These essentials will make your bathroom breaks a bit more pleasant, and you’ll be thanking yourself later!

4Stay Hydrated – Water Is Your Best Friend

Remember, Outside Lands is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, but staying hydrated is crucial. Bring an empty water bottle or CamelBak and take advantage of the free water stations around the park. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will keep your energy up and help you enjoy the festival to the fullest.

5Protect Your Ears – Use Earplugs

Music festivals are all about enjoying the tunes, but it’s important to protect your hearing too. Bring a pair of earplugs to shield your ears from the loud music. You’ll be grateful in the future when you’re still able to enjoy concerts without any hearing issues. Plus, earplugs are a small investment for a big payoff!

6Getting to the Festival – Public Transport is Your Best Bet

Driving:

Driving to the festival? It’s not the best idea, but if you must, aim to arrive early or find parking in nearby school lots offering spots for a fee. Another option is to park downtown in garages like 5th and Mission and use public transport.

Public Transport:

• BART: If you’re coming from the South Bay or East Bay, take BART to Powell or Montgomery stations. From there, hop on the 5 Fulton MUNI bus, which will drop you right at the entrance at 30th Avenue. If you’re using CalTrain, catch the N Judah MUNI directly from CalTrain to the festival’s Southern entrance.
• MUNI: Take the N Judah MUNI train straight to the Southern entrance of the festival. It’s a convenient and efficient way to get right into the heart of the action without the hassle of parking.

Ride-Share:

Ride-sharing is a great option for getting to the festival. It’s easy and convenient.

7Leaving the Festival – Beat the Surge

Public Transport:

Brace yourself for a packed public transport experience, with lots of people trying to get on the same train or bus. Don’t worry, you have options:

• 5 Fulton Bus: These buses run frequently and are lined up, ready to take you home right after the festival ends. It’s a reliable option to get back to the city.
• N Judah Train: While this train runs less frequently, it’s still a viable option for getting out of the park. Just be prepared for a tighter squeeze.
• Alternative Routes: For a less crowded option, consider walking to nearby streets like Balboa or Geary. Catch a 31 Balboa or 38 Geary bus, which will take you to Market Street and BART with a bit more breathing room.

Ride-Share:

Be ready for surge pricing with Uber and Lyft when leaving the festival. To avoid the chaos at the main entrance, walk a few blocks away to find your ride more easily. This helps skip the congestion and makes it simpler to locate your car.

Shuttles:

Consider taking a shuttle to or from Bill Graham Civic Center for around $25 a day. Shuttle passes go on sale in advance, so grab one early!

Outside Lands is more than just a music festival; it’s a magical experience filled with incredible performances, delicious food, and unforgettable memories. With these tips, you’ll be fully prepared to make the most of everything this amazing festival has to offer. Have a blast, and enjoy every moment!