After an incredible 2025 edition, Outside Lands is set to return bigger and better than ever. Get ready with these essential tips for Outside Lands 2026, the world’s largest independently owned music festival. With our comprehensive festival guide, you’ll be prepared to experience another unforgettable weekend in Golden Gate Park.
What is Outside Lands?
Outside Lands is an annual, three-day music festival that takes place in San Francisco, Calif. Since its inception in 2008, the event has grown to attract approximately 225,000 attendees annually (details). Music artists from genres like pop, rock, hip-hop and EDM perform in Golden Gate Park for massive crowds. Produced by Another Planet Entertainment, Starr Hills Presents and Superfly Presents, the first Outside Lands festival took place in 2008. The headlining acts included The Black Keys, Cold War Kids, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and Beck. Radiohead, another headliner in 2008, became the first music group to perform in Golden Gate Park at night.
Along with the musicians performing on its stages, Outside Lands features food, art, and wine attractions for guests to enjoy. The festival is known for eco-friendly programs, such as solar-powered stages, refillable water stations, and an industry-leading waste diversion program. In 2024, Outside Lands reached an 89% waste diversion rate, diverting over 284,000 pounds of waste through recycling and composting. Notably, the festival utilizes 100% compostable cups, plates, and utensils, and switched to R99 renewable diesel for generators, reducing emissions by up to 80% (learn more).
When is Outside Lands 2026?
Mark your calendars: Outside Lands 2026 is scheduled for August 7-9, 2026.
Festival gates will open at 11 a.m. with music sets beginning at noon on all three days. Music is scheduled to conclude at 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 9:40 p.m. on Sunday. This marks the festival’s 18th anniversary, continuing its tradition as August’s must-attend music event.
Outside Lands 2026: What to Expect
While the full 2026 lineup has yet to be announced, industry insiders are already buzzing about potential headliners. Based on current tour cycles and festival booking patterns, expect to see a mix of established superstars and emerging artists across all genres.
Confirmed 2026 Enhancements:
- Expanded VIP experience areas with premium viewing platforms
- New “Discovery Stage” dedicated to up-and-coming artists
- Enhanced mobile app with AR festival map and real-time updates
- Upgraded food and beverage offerings with 15 new vendor partnerships
The festival will continue its commitment to showcasing the best of the Bay Area’s culinary scene while introducing exciting new food concepts and dietary-inclusive options.How Many People Attend Outside Lands?
How Many People Attend Outside Lands?
Outside Lands consistently draws crowds exceeding 240,000, maintaining its position as the largest independently run festival in the United States. The 2025 festival generated an estimated $95 million in economic activity for the Bay Area, including $82 million for San Francisco and over $12 million in taxes, demonstrating the event’s significant regional impact.
Is Outside Lands All Ages?
Outside Lands is an all-ages event, with free entry for children ages two and under. There will be plenty of fun activities to keep everyone entertained.
Can You Camp at Outside Lands?
Nope, Outside Lands is a non-camping music festival. Once the festival gates closes down each night, guests must leave Golden Gate Park – so no sleeping in your vehicle or the park itself.
If you haven’t found a place to stay yet while attending the festival, check out these exclusive San Francisco travel deals from HotelPlanner. Festivalgoers can find hotels and other lodgings close to the festival grounds.
Buying Outside Lands Music Festival Tickets: When, Where & Key Tips
When Tickets Go On Sale:
- Presale registration opens: February 2026
- Presale tickets: March 2026
- General sale: April 2026
Pricing Expectations: Based on 2025 pricing and industry trends, expect:
- 3-Day General Admission: $425-450
- Single Day: $155-175
- VIP packages: $850-1,200
- Premium experiences: $1,500+
For guaranteed validity and buyer protection, always purchase from trusted platforms like TicketSmarter’s Outside Lands page or the official festival site. Many festivalgoers note that Outside Lands is considered one of the priciest music experiences in the U.S.—the average daily cost was $301.70 in 2024, including ticket price, food, beverages, and parking (see details).
- TicketSmarter provides robust fraud protection and authentic festival tickets with added peace of mind.
- You can use digital tickets for quick and convenient entry—just keep your ticket app or barcode ready at the gates.
- Watch out for price alerts or weekday sales for extra savings.
- Ticket options may include general admission (festival seating) and limited VIP upgrades. General admission is first-come, first-served—arrive early for the best spots.
- Ticket resale options are available; use platforms with verified exchanges to avoid scams and gain flexibility if your plans change.
For more details on music festival ticketing trends, check out TicketSmarter’s Music Festivals News and the Coachella Festival Guide for comparison and broader festival tips.
Preparation – Before the Festival
After you get your tickets and travel details sorted, focus on what you’ll be bringing with you and what to wear to Outside Lands. While the festival takes place in August, the weather in San Francisco at that time of the year will be the city’s foggiest, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Unlike the desert heat at festivals like Coachella, the weather at Outside Lands runs a bit cooler. With that in mind, try to dress in layers or grab a jacket so you can stay comfortable as the weather shifts. Pack reusable bottles, since single-use plastic is almost fully banned at the event; refill stations are abundant on festival grounds (environmental info). Free hydration stations will be in designated areas on the festival grounds.
There is no re-entry to Outside Lands, so once you’re outside the gates, you can’t get back in. With that in mind, below are some suggestions of what to bring to Outside Lands.
For Your Daypack:
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water Bottle
- Hydration Pack Under 2.5 Liters
- Portable Phone Charger
- Battery-Powered Misting Fan
For the Best Outside Lands Experience:
- Wear comfy shoes
- Avoid the crowds
- Plan out must-see shows and consider resting during ones that aren’t a high priority
- Make sure you have cash, credit cards and transit cards
- Bring a fanny pack or clear drawstring bag
- Bring items to keep you warm, dry, or cool depending on the weather
- Rain poncho
- Windbreaker
Bag Policy & Prohibited Items
The following bags are allowed:
- Backpacks and bags larger than 6” x 8” x 3” made of clear plastic, clear vinyl, or clear PVC
- Small bags, fanny-packs, purses up to 6” X 8” X 3” (do not have to be clear)
- Empty dedicated hydration packs with a bladder capacity of under 2.5L/150 in. and no more than one additional pocket.
Prohibited Items Include:
- Standard size backpacks with hydration bladders
- Drawstring bags
- Large backpacks
- Weapons of any kind (including pocket knives)
- Outside food or drinks
- Strollers, wagons, etc.
- Fireworks and explosives
- Umbrellas
- Pets (Service animals are exempt from this)
- Personal transport (bikes, scooters, skateboards, etc.)
Transportation to Outside Lands
If you plan on driving with your own vehicle, try to arrive early to find good parking spots. There will be free parking and on-street parking options available, however, details have not yet been released.
If you don’t want to take your own vehicle, alternate transportation options to get to Golden Gate Park include:
- Taxis
- Rideshare (Uber or Lyft)
- Shuttles
- Buses
Can You Bring Food to Outside Lands?
No, you cannot bring food to Outside Lands, but there are plenty of options within the festival grounds.
If you start to get hungry, plan break times to check out the food trucks and vendors. As Outside Lands partners with the best of the local restaurants and food trucks in the Bay Area, a full list of food vendors will be published before the festival begins. There will even be food vendors available for people who may have any dietary restrictions, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available.
Get 2023 Outside Lands Tickets Today
Now that you have all of these tips for Outside Lands, go out and have a great time! If you are a hard-core festival aficionado, check out these other music festival tickets that will be making their debut.
Purchase your Outside Lands tickets confidently and enjoy secure mobile ticketing, exceptional fraud protection, and exclusive discounts where available—all on TicketSmarter. For ticketing insights and major festival comparisons, see our Music Festival News and Coachella Festival Guide.
Music Festival Tickets: Quick Facts
| Tip Category | Quick Takeaway |
|---|---|
| When to Buy | Early bird/presale = best prices; general sale = higher risk, higher price |
| Where to Buy | Official sites and major resale platforms (TicketSmarter, etc.) |
| Ensure Protection | Trusted platforms offer fraud protection and buyer guarantees |
| Seat Selection | Festival seating = first-come, first-served; Reserved = higher cost, guaranteed seat |
| Discounts | Students, groups, bundles, and cardholder deals often available |
| Avoid Scams | Research, use credit cards, avoid deals that seem suspicious |
| Festival Policies | Check chair and seating rules, arrive early for better spots |
Frequently Asked Questions: Music Festival Tickets & Outside Lands
What are the best platforms to find music festival tickets with guaranteed validity?
Always use trusted and authorized sites like TicketSmarter,
which offers secure purchasing and buyer protection for all music festival tickets, including Outside Lands.
Where can I locate affordable tickets for significant music festivals this year?
Affordable tickets can be found during early bird sales or via reputable platforms that offer price comparison and alerts, such as TicketSmarter. Bundled deals and student discounts may also be available.
Which ticket resale sites have the best offers for music festival access?
Verified ticket exchanges like TicketSmarter’s marketplace provide secure re-sale with fraud protection and authenticity guarantees—especially useful if the festival is sold out.
What should I know about different seating options available at music festivals?
Most festivals use general admission (festival seating), which is first-come, first-served; premium and reserved seating (if offered) costs more. Check festival policies on seating and chair use for comfort and sightlines.
Who provides the best reviews for trusted music festival ticket sellers?
Read customer reviews for TicketSmarter on major review platforms and check the Music Festivals News section for insights about reputable sellers and user experiences.
What is the best timing for purchasing tickets to popular music festivals?
Buy as early as possible—during early bird or presale—for the best prices and availability. Last-minute resale tickets may be cheaper, but waiting is a risk for popular, fast-selling events.
What platforms have tickets available for sold-out music festivals?
Major platforms with verified resale, like TicketSmarter, often list tickets for sold-out festivals. Ensure authenticity and protection by only purchasing through authorized ticket marketplaces.
Written by: TicketSmarter Editorial Team
Description: The TicketSmarter Editorial Team are live event and ticketing professionals, leveraging industry experience and insider festival knowledge to help fans have safe, fun, and memorable live music experiences. All advice and recommendations are designed to optimize your festival adventure and protect your investment.
Updated date: August 4, 2025
