After a pandemic-related cancellation in 2020, Outside Lands will officially return to Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. For the first time in the festival’s history, the event will take place on Halloween weekend (instead of the usual August timing). With a stacked music lineup and a plethora of local food and drink options on tap, there’s plenty to look forward to. Here are five lesser-known acts and five classics you should check out:
The Rising Acts
Bartees Strange
Even if Bartees Strange’s singing style and instrumentation don’t fit neatly into genre boxes, one thing’s clear: These tracks rock. His rollicking cuts, like standouts “Boomer” and “In a Cab”, oscillate from elements of hip-hop to jazz to blues rock.
Sutro Stage, Friday (10/29), 1:25-2:10 p.m.
Boy Scouts
Boy Scouts is one of the artists who was recently added to the Outside Lands lineup late last month. Hailing from Oakland, the singer-songwriter will bring new record Wayfinder — full of warm acoustic guitar jams — for a hometown crowd on Saturday.
Panhandle Stage, Saturday (10/30), Noon-12:40 p.m.
Hinds
Hinds likely have one of the longest journeys to get to Outside Lands (no small feat during a pandemic). The rockers from Madrid will bring their jangly, lo-fi rock stateside, like with their recent single “Good Bad Times.”
Lands End Stage, Saturday (10/30), 1:10-1:55 p.m.
Cam
If you were enthralled by Kacey Musgraves’ brand of “galactic country” at the last Outside Lands, you’ll likely dig Cam’s latest record, The Otherside. Check out the anthemic, synth-infused single “Till There’s Nothing Left” for a taste of what Cam has in store.
Sutro Stage, Sunday (10/31), 1:55-2:40 p.m.
Caroline Polachek
You may recognize Caroline Polachek from her earlier project, the synth-pop outfit Chairlift. Now as a solo artist, Polachek is still serving up slices of pop goodness, from recent single “Bunny Is a Rider” to a killer cover of the Corrs’ classic hit “Breathless.”
Twin Peaks Stage, Sunday (10/31), 2:10-2:55 p.m.
The Established Acts
Tyler, the Creator
Tyler, the Creator is riding high after releasing one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the year, Call Me If You Get Lost. Based on earlier festival appearances this summer, expect intricate set pieces and stunning visuals to accompany his high-energy set for one of the most hyped crowds of the weekend.
Twin Peaks Stage, Friday (10/29), 8:25-9:40 p.m.
Dr. Dog
Dr. Dog recently announced their retirement from touring, so this is one of your last chances to see the Philly rockers in action in the flesh. In fact, this is the last festival they have on the docket. Their psych-rock inflected jams are perfect for taking in, particularly in an outdoor festival setting.
Sutro Stage, Saturday (10/30), 4:30-5:20 p.m.
Vampire Weekend
Outside Lands will mark Vampire Weekend’s first return to performing live since before the pandemic. (This gig is also their only concert that’s scheduled as of now.) The band’s current incarnation of their touring lineup is a thrill to see live, as they unleash sprawling, jam band-style renditions of their hits. And keep an eye out for new tunes from their recently released 40:42 EP, which could be getting their live debut.
Lands End Stage, Saturday (10/30), 6:30-7:40 p.m.
Lizzo
Lizzo went platinum with her last album, Cuz I Love You, with buoyant smash hits like “Juice” and “Good As Hell.” Now you’ll get a taste of what the singer/rapper has in store for her next phase — look out for recently released single “Rumors.” Oh, and Lizzo is a classically trained flutist, so keep an ear out for some woodwind magic, as well.
Lands End Stage, Saturday (10/30), 8:25-9:55 p.m.
Tame Impala
When Outside Lands wraps up on Sunday evening, the last band standing on the Lands End Stage will be Tame Impala. Kevin Parker and co. have secured the stage’s longest set time of the entire festival, a testament to the Australian psych rocker’s ascension to a headlining mainstay of the festival circuit. With consistently excellent visuals and light show elements, Tame Impala’s set should be a trippy thrill to close out the weekend.
Lands End Stage, Sunday (10/31), 8-9:35 p.m.
