Ready to dance under the eucalyptus trees, sip local wine, and scream-sing along with Doja Cat? Whether youre packing your hydration pack for the wild in Golden Gate Park or prepping your living room for a livestream soire, Outside Lands 2025 is calling and honey, weve got the ultimate guide to make it unforgettable.From transportation hacks to bag policies and streaming parties at home, here are 51 essential tips and tricks to slay Outside Lands like a pro with glitter in your hair and a fully charged phone.The Festival Basics You Need to KnowWhere is Outside Lands?Outside Lands takes over Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, one of the largest and most iconic urban parks in the U.S. Picture lush greenery, art installations, and fog-kissed vibes its pure West Coast magic.What are the 2025 festival dates?Mark it down: August 810, 2025 (Friday through Sunday). Youll want to request PTO now before your coworkers beat you to it.What time does the music start and end?Gates open at 11:00 AM.Music starts at 12:00 PM.Music ends at 10:00 PM each day.Plan your arrival accordingly and make brunch plans early!Is Outside Lands all ages?Yes! Its an all-ages event, though obviously some zones (like the beer and wine lands) are 21+. Families, friend groups, and solo adventurers are all welcome.Packing & Prep What to Bring (and What to Leave)Bring a hydration pack (but follow the rules)Only dedicated hydration packs under 2.5L capacity with no more than one pocket are allowed. And yes they must be empty at the gate.Bring clear bags or small bags onlyBag policy is strict:Clear bags, vinyl, or PVC onlySmall purses/fanny packs (6 x 8 x 3 max) are allowed even if not clearNo backpacks unless theyre clearNo drawstring or oversized bagsDont bring these banned items:Just to name a few:Selfie sticksDronesUmbrellasOutside alcoholLawn chairsProfessional camera gearHammocksPets (except service animals)Totems/flagsTrust us theyll confiscate them and its not worth the drama.Pack like a seasoned festival-goer:Portable phone chargerRefillable water bottleHand sanitizerTissues or toilet paperEarplugsBandana or face mask (for dust)SunglassesComfy, weather-appropriate shoesLayers are your best friendAugust in SF is unpredictable. It may be sunny at 1PM and freezing by 7PM. Bring a light jacket or flannel you can tie around your waist.Dont forget the sunscreenEven under fog, you can get burned. SPF is a must yes, even for melanin-rich queens and kings.Style, Comfort & Staying Cute for a FestivalPlan your look but prioritize comfortThis isnt Coachella. SF style is effortlessly cool. Think: layered looks, sneakers or boots, oversized sunnies, and vintage chic. Leave the stilettos at home.Rock some flairOutside Lands is proudly inclusive. Be bold with your fashion, flags, and makeup. Be weather-ready fabulousGolden Gate Park is notorious for fog. A cute windbreaker or statement poncho? Yes, please.Transportation Hacks & Gate StrategyDont drive (seriously)Parking is nonexistent. Youll risk tickets, towing, and missed sets. Skip the stress.Use public transit like a bossTake BART to Civic Center, then:Use Muni 5 Fulton or 5R to 30th AveOr take N Judah (extra service runs late)Use Lyft the official rideshare partnerOfficial drop-off/pick-up spots:Balboa & 30th AveIrving St. between 25th27th AveConsider the Park & Ride ShuttleNew this year: Shuttles from the Cow Palace in Daly City. Free parking + fast access = smart move.VIP or GA+? Know your gateGA: Main Gate (JFK & 30th) or South Gate (Middle Dr. & Metson)VIP/Golden Gate Club: 36th Ave & JFKADA entrance: Also 36th Ave & JFKBike, scoot, or walk inTheres free bike parking, and its a lovely stroll if youre nearby. Scooters are also a solid choice.Navigating the Festival GroundsDownload the Outside Lands appIts your lifeline. Set your schedule, check maps, get alerts, and find food. iOS and Android both supported.Grab a festival map at the entranceAlso available via the app especially helpful when finding stages, toilets, and that one vegan bao truck.Rent a lockerKeep your hoodie and backup charger secure. GA, GA+, and VIP options available to rent in advance.Food, Drink & HydrationTry Taste of the Bay AreaLocal chefs, restaurants, and food trucks serve up delicious eats from dumplings to donuts to gluten-free poke bowls.Yes, there are vegan & gluten-free optionsThe food lineup is chefs kiss and dietary-friendly. Check the app for vendor details.Stay hydratedFree water refill stations are scattered throughout the park. Use that hydration pack or refillable bottle!Sample wine, beer & cocktailsCheck out Wine Lands, Beer Lands, and Cocktail Magic for curated sips from Bay Area makers. Drink responsibly its a marathon, not a sprint.Sustainability & Social ImpactOutside Lands = eco-conscious queenIn 2024, the festival diverted 89% of waste from landfills one of the highest diversion rates in the country.Bring compostable or reusable gearSingle-use plastics are so last season. Reuse, recycle, and compost whenever possible.Visit The Mission spaceThis zone highlights local nonprofits and causes worth supporting from queer youth orgs to climate justice leaders.Watching from Home? Heres How to Make It EpicWatch the livestream on Prime Video or TwitchAmazon Music is livestreaming the entire weekend including Tyler, The Creator, Doja Cat, Hozier, and more. The full livestream includesTyler, The Creator, Hozier, Doja Cat, John Summit, Anderson .Paak & the Free Nationals, Vampire Weekend, Glass Animals, Bleachers, Gracie Abrams, Doechii, Still Woozy, Wallows, MARINA, Royel Otis, BigXthaPlug, Bakar, Flipturn, Mannequin Pussy, CA7RIEL Y PACO AMOROSO, Mayer Hawthorne, Wasia Project, Big Freedia with San Francisco Gay Mens Chorus, Klangphonics, Hope Tala, Destroy Boys, Luna Li, INJI, Matt Champion, Paco Versailles, Almost Monday, NewDad duringOutside Lands 2025.Where to tune in:Prime VideoAmazon Musics Twitch: Link to livestreamSet up a themed viewing partyInvite friends, hang some fairy lights, blast the stream through your speakers, and serve up San Francisco-inspired cocktails.Use a second screen for set times and artist infoStay organized by keeping the festival schedule up on a tablet or laptop while you stream.Dont forget the snacksDIY food pairings: wine + cheese plate for Wine Lands, craft beer + sliders for Beer Lands. You can even stream with themed playlists during breaks.Wristbands, Tickets & SafetyDont take off your wristband!One wristband = access all 3 days. Removing or tampering with it will void your ticket.No re-entry allowed (mostly)You only get one entry per day. Emergencies? Ask a Supervisor at the gate to be scanned out properly.Lost your ticket or confirmation?Contact official ticket support or check if you purchased from an authorized partner like Stubhub.Children 2 and under get in freeKids over 2 need a ticket though maybe leave the littlest ones home after 6 PM.Safety, Wellness & InclusivitySecurity is tightAll bags are inspected. Expect metal detectors and ID checks for 21+ areas.Prescription meds are allowedBring them in the original container, and notify staff if needed.LGBTQ+ friendlyOutside Lands has a long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Be yourself, feel safe, and look out for each other.Use the 311 system for city-related issuesNoise, transit, or neighborhood concerns? SFs 311 hotline is your friend.Making the Most of Your San Francisco TripFlying in? Use SFO or OAKSFO: ~30 mins to the festivalOAK: ~50 mins but often cheaper flightsStay in the city not too far westNeighborhoods like Hayes Valley, Haight-Ashbury, Castro, or Mission are great home bases with easy access to transit.Explore beyond the festivalCheck out queer nightlife, Alamo Square, Dolores Park, Twin Peaks views, or even a day trip to Sausalito.Bonus Tips for the True ProsRegister your wristband in the appIf you lose it, this helps with replacements.Use Apple Pay or Google PayOutside Lands is 100% cashless. Load your wallet before heading out.Take a pic of your parking spot or gateFestival brain fog is real. Take pics of where you entered, where you parked your bike, etc.Screenshot your scheduleReception gets spotty with 75,000+ people in one park. Screenshots = backup.Plan meet-up spotsLets meet by the Churro cart isnt helpful when there are 12 of them. Pick a landmark like the windmill or Wine Lands for group meetups.Soak it all inOutside Lands is more than a music fest its a celebration of art, food, sustainability, queerness, and community. Make memories, be present, and dance your heart out.Whether youre wristband-deep in the Golden Gate Park crowds or streaming Doja from your couch in glittery sweatpants, Outside Lands 2025 promises to be one of the most magical weekends of the year. Plan ahead, pack smart, stay hydrated, and get ready to live your best foggy, fabulous life.See you in the Lands or in the livestream chat Source