By: Noah Gloege

World Editor

The Outside Lands Music Festival will return to Golden Gate Park on Aug. 7 and 8. Last year, Tyler the Creator, Hozier, and Doja Cat headlined the event and garnered massive interest with their performances. Organizers estimated that 225,000 attendees went to the festival, averaging about 75,000 people per day. The 2026 Outside Lands festival marks its 18th year in San Francisco. A press release from the organization described the festival as the Bay Area’s top music and culture event. They also outlined it as a festival known for its diverse lineup, world-class food and drink, immersive art installations, and welcoming, community-focused atmosphere. The release stated that the festival is “deeply rooted in San Francisco’s creative spirit and the festival celebrates everything that makes the Bay Area unique.”

This year, San Francisco’s mayor, Daniel Lurie, also hinted at some possible acts on social media, sharing that “before the official lineup drops, here’s a little bit of a cheat sheet.” He went on to mention New Zealand rock band Balu Brigada, R&B singer Mariah the Scientist, deep house DJ and producer Disco Lines, pop TikTok favorite Malcolm Todd, U.K. indie duo Wet Leg, Djo, and the electropop duo Snow Strippers. “I think I’m allowed to say that,” Lurie added. The Strokes are returning after their 2021 performance. The SOMA stage, the festival’s open-air dance area, will feature Ben Böhmer, KI/KI, and Carlita. In total, more than 80 acts will perform over the weekend in August.

This year’s lineup, announced on Mar. 3, features 11 headliners, including Charli XCX, Rüfüs Du Sol, The Strokes, The xx, Baby Keem, Turnstile, Djo, Labrinth, Empire of the Sun, and Grizztronics. Charli XCX, known for three Grammy wins, will make her debut at the festival.  The show will also feature a mix of indie, hip-hop, and electronic music. Hip-hop artists GloRilla from Memphis and the reunited duo Clipse are part of the lineup. Indie fans can look forward to Death Cab for Cutie, a Pacific Northwest band that has become popular with Bay Area audiences. House and techno acts Lane 8, Boris Brejcha, and Boys Noize will also perform. The festival will also include indie-pop singer Dijon. Bay Area pop-punk band The Story So Far and rock group Geese are set to take the stage as well. 

Presale tickets went on sale at noon on Tuesday, Mar. 3, for returning attendees, with additional presales on Wednesday, Mar. 4. Three-day passes are listed for about $750 on resale sites and are officially priced at $775. Another Plane Entertainment in Berkeley runs the festival, which has grown into one of the country’s largest independent music festivals, featuring international acts and local food and drinks.

Sources: (SF Chronicle, SF Gate, Outside Lands)