Activities & Experiences at Outside Lands 2024 Beyond the Music
Golden Gate Park’s annual transformation into a music lovers playground where fun-seekers come together to dance in Karl the Fog’s mist is now underway. As many know, the magic of Outside Lands goes way beyond electrifying live sets. This festival is a sensory feast, offering a kaleidoscope of experiences that celebrate everything from gourmet delights, to cutting-edge fashion, all in a spirit of free love.
See below for our round-up of must-try activities and unique experiences that make this year’s Outside Lands an unforgettable adventure.
Pickup Vintage, One-of-a-Kind Apparel at Aviator Nation Pop-Up in Hellman’s Hollow
The official Outside Lands merchandise tent is packed with awesome finds. But if you’re on the hunt for something truly unique and vintage, head over to the Capsule Collection by Aviator Nation pop-up. Dive into their exclusive OSL collection featuring hoodies, sweatpants, t-shirts, and hats that radiate good vibes. With their retro style and bold colors, you’ll be guaranteed to stand out in the crowd.
Enjoy the High of Grass Lands, the Curated Cannabis Space
For the 6th year in a row, Grass Lands, presented by Embarc, is back at Outside Lands. These are the trailblazers who brought cannabis sales and consumption to the California State Fair.
This 21+ celebration of cannabis culture is nestled a little south of the Polo Field, offering a treasure trove of products from California’s finest purveyors. Lauren Carpenter, CEO and Co-Founder of Embarc Events, shares, “We hope Grass Lands provides festival-goers a place of respite. Three days on your feet can be intense, and this little slice of the festival is where folks can kick back, relax, and recharge.”
Grass Lands has its own lineup of musical performers, kicking off with Oakland-based musician Eric Silverman on Friday, followed by a soulful performance from Afro-Indigenous group The Futurelics. Saturday features the beats of San Francisco Giants resident DJ Umami. The weekend wraps up with Oakland’s surf-soul-party-funk band Californicorns on Sunday.
After exploring and finding your new favorite ganja treat, chill out in an Adirondack chair in the consumption area to enjoy your purchase. There’s even a large consumption deck at the top of the hill for attendees to create art. With lawn games, hidden garden gnomes, and ceramic art in the trees, Grass Lands is packed with lots of fun touches that make it truly special.
Help Get Out the Vote for This Election by Connecting with HeadCount
The awesome crew at HeadCount has set up a couple of booths dedicated to helping festival attendees get registered to vote, sign up as a poll worker, and learn more about this year’s election. Plus, they’ve got some super stylish VOTE pins to give away for those who register. So swing by, get yourself set up for the 2024 election, and wear your VOTE pin with pride.
Watch a Loving Couple Get Married or Renew Their Commitments at “City Hall”
A new tradition at Outside Lands is the enchanting City Hall, nestled in the eucalyptus shade at McLaren Pass. Festival-goers can reserve a spot to host a wedding or recommitment ceremony, and anyone can witness. Imagine the joy of seeing love become official this OSL weekend. With cozy bench-style seating and a beautiful floral arch, the space feels intimate and special for everyone involved.
Support Ocean Conservation and Whales by Getting a Glass of Gin from the Gray Whale Gin #OceanLove Experience
Beer and wine are classics at Outside Lands, but why not shake things up with a refreshing citrus and mint-forward glass of Gray Whale Gin? Founded on the principle that a consciously crafted spirit can bring us together for good times while doing good in the world, Gray Whale Gin is a small-batch, California-created must-try refreshment.
This gin is a masterpiece, perfected with sustainably sourced and wild-harvested botanicals foraged along the migratory path of the California Gray Whale. Imagine savoring juniper from Big Sur, limes from Temecula Valley, fir trees from Sonoma, sea kelp from the Mendocino Coast, mint from Santa Cruz, and almonds from the Central Valley—all in one delightful sip.
Here’s the best part: every bottle of Gray Whale Gin purchased gives back to a partnership with Oceana, the world’s largest organization devoted to ocean conservation. Cheers to good times and doing good.
Sip Saucy Beverages of All Kinds When Visiting Wine Lands, Beer Lands, and Cocktail Magic
The variety of libations available at Outside Lands is off the charts. Cocktail Magic, located in Lindley Meadow, has six themed bars where masters of mixology shake, stir and serve delicious specialty craft cocktails, mocktails and low ABV options. Standout offerings include the Parmesan Espresso Martini (Ketel One Black Pepper Vodka, Butter Washed Coffee, Coffee Liqueur, Fernet Branca) and Ziggy Stardust (Ketel One Vodka, Ginger Syrup, Black Sweet Sesame, Lime).
Beer Lands is a mega taproom with bubbly options from Northern California’s best brewers. Beyond the pours, visitors can learn from the expert craft brewers themselves with a 30 minute “Meet the Brewers” session in the Beer Sessions tent. Noteworthy beer options include the appropriately named Karl the Fog from Calicraft Brewing in Walnut Creek, the 2055 Center Street – West Coast Pale Ale from Olfactory Brewing with Mosaic and Centennial hops, along with Peace Love & Haze (6.2% / 28 IBU) from Dust Bowl Brewing, with pineapple, guava and orange notes.
Those looking to Rosé all day or enjoy other types of vino varietals can seek shelter in Wine Lands along McLaren Pass. This year has offerings from more than 30 different California wineries. There’s also a special VIP access which gives 10 exclusive pours and the ability to rest in their VIP courtyard. A couple of the more unique wine options served are the 2023 ‘Send Nudes’ Pinot Noir from SLO Down Wines in Napa, the 2023 Rosé of Grenache from Leo Steen Wines in Healdsburg, and 2023 ‘Skin Contact’ White Mendocino from Vinca Minor Wines in Berkeley.
Indulge in Festival Cuisine from 100 Local Restaurants Thanks to Taste of the Bay Area
Last, but not to be overlooked, and your stomach will thank you, are all the many exotic food options available. Taste of the Bay Area has curated a lineup of sweet, spicy, and savory nibles from 100 local restaurants. Some tasty options to consider this year include Malaysian Mee Goreng Noodles from Azalina’s, Panceta Lo Meng from Bodega SF, Chicken Tikka Masala Rice Bowls from Curry Up Now, and Lobster-Loaded Tatos Tots from The Alice Collective.
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