History of Outside Lands (festival) in Timeline

Outside Lands is an annual three-day music, art, food, wine, beer, and cannabis festival held in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. Founded in 2008 by Another Planet Entertainment, Starr Hill Presents, and Superfly, it distinguishes itself as the largest independently owned music festival in the United States. The festival attracts a diverse, multi-genre, and multi-generational audience, offering a wide array of experiences beyond just music.

1975: The 1975 Perform at Outside Lands

In 2023, for the fifteenth anniversary edition of Outside Lands, performers included Kendrick Lamar, the Foo Fighters, ODESZA, Lana Del Rey, The 1975, Megan Thee Stallion, Zedd, Janelle Monáe, Maggie Rogers, and Fisher. In 1975 nothing happened at Outside Lands because the festival didn't exist at this time. As of its fifteenth anniversary, Outside Lands had injected more than $1bn into the local economy.

2004: Initial Conversation About Outside Lands

In 2004, the initial concept for Outside Lands emerged from a conversation between Allen Scott of Another Planet Entertainment and Rick Farman of Superfly, who also created Bonnaroo.

2008: Outside Lands Festival Founded

In 2008, Outside Lands was founded by Another Planet Entertainment, Starr Hill Presents, and Superfly, marking the inaugural year of the music, art, food, wine, beer and cannabis festival in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.

2008: Inaugural Outside Lands Festival

In 2008, the inaugural Outside Lands festival took place after more than three years of securing permits. Measures were implemented to address neighborhood concerns, including a multi-lingual community hotline and a transportation system with shuttles and dedicated bus lines. Residents were notified about the festival's hours and road closures, and an arborist determined stage placement to protect root systems.

2009: Outside Lands Main Stage Performances and Attendance Drop

In 2009, Outside Lands featured main stage artists such as Pearl Jam, the Black Eyed Peas, and the Dave Matthews Band, with the performances being livestreamed on YouTube. Tom Jones' performance was a highlight. However, attendance dropped to 90,000, indicating that the headliners were less popular than in the previous year.

2009: Beastie Boys Cancel Performance; Tenacious D Replaces Them

In 2009, city permits were delayed and the festival lineup was confirmed late. The Beastie Boys had to cancel their Sunday night headlining performance due to Adam Yauch's cancer diagnosis and radiation treatments, so Tenacious D replaced them.

2010: Performances and Organization Praised at Outside Lands

In 2010, 40 artists performed at Outside Lands, including Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars, My Morning Jacket, The Strokes, and Bob Weir and Phil Lesh's band, Furthur. LAist praised the festival's organization, crowd control, amenities, transportation options, and free valet bike parking.

2010: Outside Lands Shortened, Culinary Emphasis Added

In 2010, to keep Outside Lands viable during the recession, the festival was shortened from three days to two, and ticket prices were reduced. 'Food and Wine' was added to the festival's tagline to emphasize its culinary aspect, and 30 "rock star food and wine vendors" were announced, generating media attention.

2011: Economic Impact of Outside Lands in 2011

In 2011, Outside Lands generated over $60 million in economic impact in San Francisco.

2011: Outside Lands Returns to Three Days with New Features

In 2011, Outside Lands returned to a three-day schedule, featuring headliners such as Arcade Fire, Muse, and Phish. Wine Lands debuted with 30 regional vineyards. Additional features like an organic farmer's market, a sports bar, and a food truck forest were introduced, and McLaren Pass was opened to shorten travel time between stages.

2012: Outside Lands Sells Out with Expanded Culinary Experiences and Performances

In 2012, Outside Lands sold out again, headlined by Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Stevie Wonder, and Metallica. The culinary experience expanded to include Beer Lands, Choco Lands, Farm Lands, and Outside Lambs. Jack White performed a surprise pop-up show in McLaren Pass with the Peacocks.

2012: Michael Mina's Outside Lambs Culinary One-Off

In addition to Wine Lands and Beer Lands, the Lands at Outside Lands have included Bacon Lands, Cheese Lands, Choco Lands, Clam Lands and Farm Lands. Outside Lands has also hosted culinary one-offs, such as Michael Mina's Outside Lambs in 2012.

2013: Paul McCartney Headlines Sold-Out Outside Lands

In 2013, Outside Lands sold out for the fourth consecutive year, with Paul McCartney headlining. His set included fireworks and a performance of "Yesterday" with the Kronos Quartet. Nine Inch Nails and the Red Hot Chili Peppers also headlined.

2014: Big Freedia's Bounce and Beignet Brunch Debut

In 2014, Big Freedia's Bounce and Beignet Brunch with chef Brenda Buenviaje debuted at Outside Lands, becoming an annual tradition.

2014: Outside Lands Sells Out Quickly; New Features Introduced

In 2014, Outside Lands sold out in 24 hours, featuring over 100 artists, including Tom Petty, The Killers, Willie Nelson, and Kanye West. New walking paths, a solar-powered stage, and a recycling center were unveiled. Gastro Magic debuted on a dedicated stage.

2014: Forged Tickets Seized at Outside Lands

In 2014, hundreds of forged Outside Lands tickets were seized by the San Francisco police, having been sold outside the festival grounds for up to $1000.

2014: GastroMagic Stage Introduced

In 2014, the GastroMagic stage was introduced at Outside Lands, featuring cooking demonstrations and collaborations between chefs, musicians, comics, and other personalities. Acclaimed chefs read bad Yelp reviews on the stage.

2015: Elton John, The Black Keys, and Kendrick Lamar Headline Outside Lands

In 2015, Outside Lands featured Elton John, The Black Keys, and Kendrick Lamar as headliners. The lineup was announced in a Funny or Die video by San Francisco 49er Aldon Smith. The Barbary Stage featured comics from The Daily Show, Tig Notaro, and the Upright Citizens Brigade.

2015: Security Increased with RFID Wristbands

In 2015, security was increased at Outside Lands, with radio-frequency identification wristbands replacing paper tickets.

2016: Cocktail Magic Debut

In 2016, Cocktail Magic debuted at Outside Lands, featuring themed cocktail bars like "Shaken, Not Stirred", "Everybody's Tavern", and "Buttery Tipple". Magicians, illusionists, and musicians performed on the Cocktail Magic stage.

2016: Weekend Passes Sell Out Quickly; Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem Perform Live

In 2016, weekend passes for Outside Lands sold out in 45 minutes with only a partial lineup announced. The reformed LCD Soundsystem performed on Friday night, and Radiohead headlined on Saturday. Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem played live for the first time ever.

2017: Outside Lands Celebrates Tenth Anniversary

In 2017, Outside Lands marked its tenth anniversary with headliners Metallica, The Who, Gorillaz, Solange, and Lorde. Cage the Elephant replaced Queens of the Stone Age. Roy Choi hosted "Feast in the Trees," a pop-up dinner.

2017: Culinary Performances

In 2017, Roy Choi prepared kalbi, kimchi and short ribs and made a birthday cake for Del the Funky Homosapien on stage. Susan Feniger cooked with Adam Duritz, and Action Bronson talked about his cookbook.

2018: Outside Lands Features Diverse Lineup

In 2018, 210,000 tickets were sold for Outside Lands, featuring Janet Jackson, The Weeknd, Florence and the Machine, and Janelle Monáe. The lineup was noted for its diversity and inclusion. New attractions included the Bubble Tea Party and D.A.V.E: Discussions about Virtually Everything. Grass Lands, a curated cannabis experience, was introduced.

2018: Gastromagic Collaborations

In 2018, Bill Nye collaborated with chef Matty Matheson for a science-related performance. Shangela joined chef Tiffani Faison for "Fish and Tea," and Naomi Pomeroy collaborated with Portugal. The Man. Katey Red filled in for Big Freedia at the Bounce and Beignet Brunch.

2018: Grass Lands Launch

In 2018, Grass Lands was launched at Outside Lands, primarily serving as an educational platform and showcase for cannabis brands. At the time, smoking was illegal in Golden Gate Park.

2019: Cannabis Sales Permit

In 2019, 36 hours before the festival gates opened, a temporary sales permit was issued allowing the sale and consumption of cannabis products within the Grass Lands area for those 21 and older. More than $1 million in cannabis products were sold. Bloom offered an oxygen bar, and Flow Kana's Farm to Bong provided produce for creating smoking devices. THC-free food such as Johnny's Donuts were available, and Cannabis Voter and United Playaz had booths.

2019: Diverse and Inclusive Lineup

In 2019, Outside Lands featured its most diverse and inclusive lineup ever, highlighting women, people of color, and queer artists.

2019: GastroMagic Stage Events

In 2019, the GastroMagic stage hosted a Bon Appétit test kitchen with Andy Rappaport, Molly Baz and Andy Baraghani, who cooked with Cupcakke and Ella Mai. Anderson .Paak performed on the GastroMagic stage, and Boyfriend presented a snack cabaret with Chris Cosentino.

2019: Outside Lands Receives Support for Permit Renewal; Sells Marijuana On Site

In 2019, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted to support Outside Lands' application to renew its 10-year permit. The festival was headlined by Twenty One Pilots, Childish Gambino, and Paul Simon. Bob Weir joined Simon on stage. Outside Lands became the first major U.S. music festival to sell marijuana on festival grounds.

2020: Inside Lands Virtual Event

In 2020, Outside Lands held a virtual event called Inside Lands that streamed on Twitch during the pandemic. Chris Cosentino was featured during this virtual event.

2020: Outside Lands Cancelled; Inside Lands Streamed on Twitch

In 2020, Outside Lands was cancelled due to the pandemic. Inside Lands, a virtual version of the festival, was streamed on Twitch.

2021: GastroMagic Collaborations

In 2021, GastroMagic featured Elizabeth Falkner with The Strokes' Albert Hammond Jr. making cream puffs. James Beard Award-winning chef Kwame Onwuachi cooked for Chali 2na of Jurassic 5.

2021: Grass Lands Stage Added

In 2021, Grass Lands added a stage for performances, DJ sets, demos, and discussions with cannabis industry leaders.

2021: Outside Lands Postponed; COVID-19 Protocols Implemented

In 2021, Outside Lands was postponed until Halloween weekend. Attendees were required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. SOMA premiered, requiring vaccination and masks. J Balvin became the first Latinx headliner.

2022: GastroMagic Highlights

In 2022, GastroMagic highlights included Nyesha Arrington and Kali Uchis making red pepper arepas. Salt Tank prepared chicken parmesan sandwiches for Philip Rosenthal and his daughter Lily.

2022: Grass Lands Activities

In 2022, Grass Lands featured a communal mural, a snack-stocked bodega sponsored by Stiiizy, booths selling foods such as grilled cheese, a farmer's market/dispensary sponsored by High Times, and a joint-rolling bar hosted by Zig-Zag. Local LGBTQ+ brands and small farms were featured, and Headcount's Cannabis Voter Project registered voters.

2022: Waste Diversion Efforts

In 2022, Outside Lands, working with Clean Vibes, diverted more than 90% of the festival's waste from landfills through recycling and composting. Volunteers received tickets in exchange for their services.

2022: Outside Lands Held in August

Outside Lands was held on August 5–7, 2022, featuring artists including Green Day, Post Malone, SZA, Phoebe Bridgers, Weezer, Jack Harlow and Kim Petras.

2023: Cocktail Magic Expansion

In 2023, Cocktail Magic expanded to eight stages, offering non-alcoholic beverages along with cocktails and food pairings. Elements of GastroMagic were incorporated, including Bounce and Beignet. DJs Invisibl Skratch Pikl, with guests Cut Chemist, Dan the Automator, Del the Funky Homosapien and Cellski, performed.

2023: Outside Lands Features Bay Area Culinary Scene

In 2023, Outside Lands highlighted San Francisco's culinary culture with 96 Bay Area restaurants, 35 wineries, and 30 breweries participating in the festival. The food and drink options were so impressive that the San Francisco Chronicle noted they could rival any gastronomically-focused event in the country.

2023: Proposed Additional Concerts at Golden Gate Park

In May 2023, San Francisco Mayor London Breed proposed additional concerts at Golden Gate Park to follow Outside Lands, starting in 2024. These "headliner-driven" events, promoted and produced by Another Planet, would utilize existing Outside Lands infrastructure.

2024: Additional Concerts Proposed to Begin

In 2023, San Francisco Mayor London Breed proposed additional concerts at Golden Gate Park to follow Outside Lands, with the events beginning in 2024.