A first-time attendee from Ohio just wrapped up their debut trip to Outside Lands (OSL) in Golden Gate Park, and their report is packed with praise — but also some sharp critiques.
Why the Venue and Food Score High
The expansive beauty of Golden Gate Park came through loud and clear for this newcomer. They loved the innovative GrassLands area and the sloped setups at the Sutro and Twin Peaks stages, which they said offered fantastic sightlines across the crowd. The vibe around the park felt vibrant and inviting.
On the menu front, OSL’s elevated food game was a highlight. The diverse, high-quality options stood out compared to other fests, earning multiple thumbs up from this attendee.
Standout Performances
- Tyler, the Creator’s set drew strong praise despite crowd rowdiness
- Thundercat’s groove-heavy performance resonated
- Mannequin Pussy, Doechii, and Vampire Weekend impressed with energy and crowd connection
The attendee clearly soaked up every note from this well-rounded lineup.
The Downsides: Teen Crowd and Congestion
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The most pointed complaints targeted the 13-18-year-old segment of the crowd, described as reckless during high-energy moments, particularly at Tyler’s set. Several festival-goers echoed frustrations about excessive talking and lack of respect for performances.
Congestion was another sore spot. Bottlenecks around Panhandle and Twin Peaks created frustrating crowd surges that could be managed better next year.
Finally, the surprising scarcity of visible urinals baffled the first-timer, who suggested adding them to reduce the notorious porta-potty lines.
Community Echoes and Suggestions
Comments on this firsthand report fueled debates about underage festival behavior. Some proposed that VIP zones might shield those seeking a quieter, more respectful experience. Others pushed for production and staging upgrades on par with giant fests like Coachella.
Still, many praised the food and overall vibe, acknowledging that both drunk teens and adults sometimes disturb the peace—meaning crowd management is a shared challenge.
Looking Ahead
This first-timer left Outside Lands with strong impressions and plans to return, eyeing a future in live music marketing or booking. Their account offers valuable insight for organizers aiming to preserve the festival’s magic while tackling teen rowdiness and logistical hiccups.
Source: r/OutsideLands