The Outside Lands subreddit has become the battleground for a heated debate over whether the iconic San Francisco festival should raise its age limit to 21+. This surge in conversation follows multiple reports of disruptive behavior attributed to underage attendees during recent editions.
On one side, many festival-goers defend the current policy, arguing that excluding under-21 fans would shut out a vital audience who treasure this live music experience, often rare and formative in their lives. They stress that a blanket age ban could unfairly punish responsible younger attendees.
On the flip side, critics highlight rampant teen intoxication and rowdy antics that strain security and diminish other attendees’ enjoyment. Several voices call for a shift in festival policy favoring stricter security enforcement rather than outright barring underage fans.
Adding fuel to the fire is Outside Lands’ artist lineup, which clearly tailors towards a younger crowd—prompting some to question if such a heavily party-oriented atmosphere is even appropriate for minors in the first place.
Despite divergent views, a clear consensus emerges around the need for improved management of youthful excess. Whether through better security, targeted outreach, or a revamped policy framework, the community agrees the status quo isn’t sustainable.
As the 2025 festival season unfolds, all eyes remain on Outside Lands organizers to see if they will address these growing concerns and balance safety with the legendary inclusivity that has made Outside Lands a staple in the festival scene.
Source: r/OutsideLands