Outside Lands 2024 - In Review

Review by: Mudit Mahajan | August 30, 2024

Since the festival’s start in 2008, Bay Area residents and visitors alike have packed out Golden Gate Park in San Francisco for Outside Lands Festival. Last weekend brought in a turnout of 75,000 each day, adding to the numerous activities the park already boasts. 

Our first day was eventful with sets from Rocco, underscores, Shaboozey, Knock2, Renee Rapp, Kevin Abstract, Daniel Caesar, Tyla, and more. The crows were filled with good vibes and energy, people turning up to keep themselves warm in the frigid weather. Knock2’s performances amongst the California rave community have gained massive recognition, and it’s evident why. Shaboozey’s country songs had the entirety of the Sutro stage singing along in awe as the artist ran around the stage. Seeing Kevin Abstract, Tyla, and Daniel almost back to back brought an enormous crowd to the area. They performed both throwbacks and newer albums, Daniel promoting his latest album, Never Enough. Friday’s lineup could have appealed for anyone, regardless of genre. It was a glimpse into what makes Outside Lands such a well-rounded festival. 

Day two we had a chance to check out Sabrina Carpenter, Schoolboy Q, Channel Tres, Men I Trust, and AG Club. My personal favorite was AG Club. The Bay Area native hip hop group hailing from Antioch didn’t disappoint, raging with the crowd and biking on the stage while screaming lyrics to hit song, Memphis. Channel Tres has been making waves, and for a good reason. The DJ brought out his mixes and had everyone dancing, the noticeable house influence making a massive return in 2024. Q has been in the game for so long that you can feel the authenticity ranging from TDE in LA back up to the Bay, expressing their love for the city. Going from a most calm Men I Trust crowd on one end of the park to the other for Sabrina’s set, a large portion of the field was already in clusters. The singer was indeed working late, Golden Gate Park chanting lyrics to Espresso and Please, Please, Please. 

On the way to the third and final day, I witnessed Chappell Roan entering the park in a disguised van with a full police escort. It then kicked off with acts including Wisp, BADBADNOTGOOD, TV Girl, Killer Mike, Victoria Monet, Post Malone, and KAYTRANADA. Chappell’s performance filled almost the entirety of the main stage, Lands End. I have never seen this many people gathered for one performance in my life. A highlight was KAYTRANADA, easily one of the most fun sets to just take in. The artist performed not too far away at Cow Palace last year to close out 2023, a sort of redemption moment seeing home close out our Outside Lands experience.

Outside Lands is a worthwhile experience. The food is phenomenal, local vendors line up to serve classics alongside unique and cultural dishes. Music lovers, wine enthusiasts, and cannabis consumers, all uniting for their shared appreciation of these performers is what makes this festival special. 60 degrees with 20 MPH winds, rain, hilly and rocky treks to get from one stage to another. I wouldn’t want it any other way.