Things seemed easier at Outside Lands this time around, even though it was just as crowded as previous years. It’s tough to say exactly why this was the case, but the crowd just seemed … less compact.
Despite being filled to the brim, the audiences seemed better spread out across Golden Gate Park over the weekend of August 9–11, most likely due to one of OSL’s best-balanced roster blends in years.
For that reason, moving around didn’t feel like as much of a mission as before, even at headlining gigs such as Sabrina Carpenter, Kaytranada and the Postal Service — the Killers were a different story, but that has more to do with the Killers than Outside Lands. In the early evenings, acts such as ScHoolboy Q, TV Girl, Killer Mike and Men I Trust and BADBADNOTGOOD delivered headline-worthy performances that could just as easily have concluded the gathering on each day.
To that point, the Last Dinner Party, Billy Woods and Romy also held it down with slots or stages with less traffic, emphasizing that the three-day event’s most compelling attractions aren’t dictated by “When” and “Where.”
In 2024, Outside Lands has once again managed to retain its essence. Even with a lineup that might not necessarily impress fans of every genre, there’s always something for everyone if you look hard enough. For those growing older and recognizing fewer and fewer names on the bill, just being there and walking around is a thrill in itself, because they’re guaranteed to stumble upon something that appeals to their senses.
From Slowdive to Reneé Rapp to Chris Lake, the Bay Area came through with yet another series of explosive performances that ensure next year will be just as exciting, packed and sought after. As Ranger Dave retreats behind the mist till 2025, the hype around Outside Lands will not only remain but proliferate till next August comes around, and we can’t wait to run it back!
Outside Lands 2024 In Photographs
The Last Dinner Party | Photo Credit: Josh Withers
Sabrina Carpenter | Photo Credit: Skylar Greene
Billy Woods| Photo Credit: Karan Singh
Twin Peaks Stage | Photo Credit: Alive Coverage
Photo Credit: Alive Coverage
