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Outside Lands Festival 2025: An Unforgettable Year in Golden Gate Park

Photography & Article by: Josue Cambara | Aug 8 – 10, 2025


Doechii performing live at Outside Lands by Josue C for HAZZE MEDIA
Doechii performing live at Outside Lands 2025 photographed by Josue C for HAZZE MEDIA

On August 8–10, another edition of Outside Lands transformed Golden Gate Park into a vibrant celebration of music, food, and culture. With the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in the distance and San Francisco’s signature fog drifting across the trees, the festival once again reminded everyone why it’s one of the most unique live music experiences in the U.S. This year’s lineup featured the likes of Doja Cat, Hozier, Tyler, the Creator, Gracie Abrams, Doechii, John Summit, and many more. Bringing rock, hip-hop, pop, and EDM together in one place. The roster ensured there was something for everyone.


One of the best parts of Outside Lands has always been the venue itself. Surrounded by towering trees and moody fog, Golden Gate Park provides an atmosphere that no other festival can replicate. The grounds were packed with amenities: photo ops with Ranger Dave, the festival’s mascot and Instagram-worthy art displays. There was a massive variety of food options—from Mexican street food to Asian treats and smoky barbecue. A clever new addition this year was TV screens in the food areas, allowing fans to keep up with main stage sets while grabbing a bite. Energy was high all weekend long, even spilling onto public transit, where festivalgoers buzzed with excitement. Security lines also moved smoothly, keeping spirits up and the vibe positive.




Day one kicked off with Mannequin Pussy on the main stage, using the livestream’s Amazon Prime sponsorship as an opportunity to call out corporate billion-dollar industries like Amazon. Thundercat followed, showcasing his funky basslines and soulful grooves, while Bay Area native Still Woozy treated the crowd to what he called his “biggest hometown show ever,” full of energy and crowd interaction.



But the day belonged to Doechii, who delivered one of the weekend’s most talked-about performances. With choreographed dance numbers, creative stage design, and undeniable star power, she set a new standard for what a modern hip-hop act should look like in a festival setting.


Doja Cat performing live at Outside Lands 2025 photographed by Josue C for HAZZE MEDIA
Doja Cat performing live at Outside Lands 2025 photographed by Josue C for HAZZE MEDIA

Doja Cat closed the night with a powerhouse headlining performance. She ran through hits like “Kiss Me More,” “Say So,” “Paint the Town Red,” along with deep cuts from her Scarlet (Deluxe) album. At the end of the night, she confirmed a new album is on the way, leaving fans eager for her next era.



Saturday began with a rare treat: Vampire Weekend played two sets at different times, giving fans flexibility to catch them without conflicts. LaRussell shared his inspiring story of going from struggling to book gigs last year to performing at Outside Lands, even joining fans in the back to dance mid-set. Bakar performed his viral hit “Hell n Back” from the soundboard, thrilling fans too far back to see the stage. Ludacris transported the crowd to the early 2000s with a nostalgic set that felt like a time capsule of hip-hop’s bling era.



Later, Gracie Abrams drew one of the biggest, most dedicated crowds of the weekend, with fans camping at the barricade all day. They sang every lyric back to her, making for one of the most emotional moments of the festival. Gesaffelstein delivered a mesmerizing visual set in his signature metallic suit, pairing pounding beats with cinematic light design.



Then came Tyler, the Creator, closing Saturday with tracks from his new album Don’t Tap the Glass. Songs like “Big Poe,” “Sugar On My Tongue,” and “I’ll Wait For You” (featuring Yebba) had the Bay Area crowd in awe. Tyler proved once again why he’s considered one of the best live performers of his generation.


The final day had a more relaxed vibe, with Finneas showcasing his solo work for fans who knew him primarily as Billie Eilish’s brother. BigXThaPlug brought Texas-sized energy to the Twin Peaks stage, while Bleachers encouraged the crowd to let loose with sing-alongs and crowd surfing. Glass Animals lifted spirits with their infectious energy and even shared a touching moment with a fan they recognized from one of their earliest U.K. shows.


Hozier performing live at Outside Lands 2025 photographed by Josue C for HAZZE MEDIA
Hozier performing live at Outside Lands 2025 photographed by Josue C for HAZZE MEDIA

Closing out the weekend, Hozier delivered a stunning set that was both musically rich and socially conscious. Using his platform, he spoke passionately about women’s rights, the LGBTQ+ community, and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. It was a rare but powerful reminder of how music and advocacy can come together on a massive stage.



With its breathtaking setting, diverse lineup, and seamless mix of music, food, and culture, Outside Lands 2025 once again lived up to its reputation as one of the country’s premier festivals. From Doja Cat’s commanding headliner set to Hozier’s moving finale, the weekend had something for every kind of music fan. Here’s to another unforgettable year in Golden Gate Park—and the anticipation of what 2026 will bring.


With its breathtaking setting, diverse lineup, and seamless mix of music, food, and culture, Outside Lands 2025 once again lived up to its reputation as one of the country’s premier festivals. From Doja Cat’s commanding headliner set to Hozier’s moving finale, the weekend had something for every kind of music fan. Here’s to another unforgettable year in Golden Gate Park—and the anticipation of what 2026 will bring.

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