As fans entered Golden Gate Park for a bittersweet third day of this year’s Outside Lands, audiences prepared themselves for the eclectic lineup to come. The feeling of community was strongly presented on the stages that day, with a robust lineup featuring artists on the cusp of breaking through, those at the height of their fame, some amidst a career-defining rebrand, and everything in between.

As day two of Outside Lands began, the crowd rushed through the gates as early as they were allowed to see a lineup so robust that even the first acts of the day had headlined some of the biggest festivals in the world. While the acts of the day proved eclectic at a glance, many of those who drew the most passionate audiences highlighted the deep connection the fans continue to feel to the Bay Area’s connection to the history and present of hip hop.

As another whimsical summer draws to a close, the city of San Francisco once again held its August Tradition of ending the solstice months with the biggest send-off imaginable. For the 17th year, Outside Lands came to the historic Golden Gate Park for three days of unparalleled live performances in a city whose culture and history, in many ways, paved the way for live music as we know it today. This year’s festival proved to incorporate the heart of the city in more ways than just through the music.

As the fog turned to rain and then back to fog, the ominous tone set by the weather created a fitting mood for a climactic end to the festival. The third day of Outside Lands largely focused on genres born in our own backyard. From living legends with decades of experience revolutionizing their genres to fresh faces who have seemingly appeared out of nowhere to define this year’s summer soundtrack, there was an undeniable spotlight on artists representing their roots in the American Midwest and South.

As fans eagerly rushed into Golden Gate Park for the second day of Outside Lands, anticipation was at its peak. With the fog beginning to fade as the music started, the stage was set to prove that San Francisco’s music community is still alive and well. Even the recent change of headliners in the weeks leading up to the festival couldn’t dampen spirits, as the audience crowded the barricades from the moment the gates opened and packed the venue well into the night.

Each year, as the Bay Area prepares to say goodbye to summer, Outside Lands consistently softens the blow with one final, spectacular send-off. As the crown jewel of San Francisco’s musical community, the August celebration draws artists and fans from all over the globe for one last hoorah in the city’s historic Golden Gate Park. This year’s festival proved to be an incredible addition to its legacy, showcasing a full range of talents across genres and styles.

With aspirations to become the undisputed torchbearers of modern psychedelic funk, the Colombian trio BALTHVS has emerged in recent years with an unparalleled and consistent string of musical releases, seizing every opportunity to showcase their passion and talent in every note. Known for their expansive, free-flowing style and soulfully gripping hooks, the band has been selling out venues worldwide on their latest tour.

Sturgill Simpson will headline this year's Outside Lands in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. This event marks the Grammy Award-winner’s first full show in three years. For his performance, Simpson will reunite with bassist Kevin Black, guitarist Laur Joamets, and drummer Miles Miller. The festival is scheduled for August 9-11, and tickets go on sale to the general public tomorrow, Wednesday, April 24 at 10:00 AM PT.

The final day of Outside Lands 2023 ended the weekend on a calm note. While the first two days featured many artists with a more upbeat and louder style, the third day allowed fans to sit back and unwind with a down-to-earth feel.

There are three topics we will inevitably bring up in every review of Outside Lands. The quality of the music, the cultural significance of Golden Gate Park in San Francisco’s art history, and how in one way or another, the fog always finds a way to impact the ambiance of the festival. With this year’s fog having an even bigger presence than in years past, we thought to search for a meteorologist to explain this phenomenon.