by Dan Garcia
Outside Lands 2025 proved once again why it’s one of the country’s most unique and eclectic music festivals.
Over three fog-filled days, Golden Gate Park transformed into a genre-hopping paradise where hip-hop, R&B, and pop collided with indie rock, electronic, and more. With a mix of global superstars, hometown heroes, and breakout talents, the festival kept fans moving, singing, and sometimes bundled up against the San Francisco chill.
While the Bay Area’s natural fog machine added an atmospheric glow to the stages, it was the artists who brought the real heat and this year’s lineup delivered. From Doechii’s masterclass in stage presence to Anderson .Paak’s West Coast homecoming, the weekend was a reminder that Outside Lands thrives on moments that feel both larger-than-life and deeply personal.
Doechii’s Set Was the Weekend’s Most Electrifying Moment
There’s no other way to put it: Doechii owned Outside Lands 2025.
Kicking off her set with a choreographed classroom-themed performance of “Stanka Pooh” and “Bullfrog” in front of a massive boom box prop that opened to reveal her DJ, she made it clear this wasn’t going to be just another festival performance, this was a statement. Fresh off announcing her upcoming headlining tour at Lollapalooza earlier this month, she treated fans to a preview of what’s to come, balancing tight choreography with fearless vocals and charisma that could be felt all the way to the back of the field.
Doja Cat Brought the Glam, the Hits, and the Weird
Doja Cat’s Saturday night set felt like stepping into a surreal, zebra-striped fever dream. Sporting a bleach-blonde, ’80s-inspired wig and an outfit that Madonna would’ve killed for, she commanded the stage with a mix of confidence, humor, and sharp precision. Whether she was delivering fan favorites like “Say So” and “Paint the Town Red”, Doja reminded the crowd why she’s one of pop and hip-hop’s most unpredictable and unforgettable stars.
Tyler, The Creator Didn’t Tap The Glass
Although dressed as his new persona from his freshly released
album Don’t Tap the Glass, Tyler, The Creator surprised fans by not performing tracks from the LP. Instead, he gave the Outside Lands crowd the same tried-and-true set he’s been touring the past year, a greatest-hits energy blast that had every corner of Golden Gate Park moving.
Anderson .Paak’s West Coast Finale Was Pure Joy
For Sunday’s closing night, Anderson .Paak returned to his California roots in style. Splitting headlining duties opposite Hozier, .Paak turned his set into a joyful, high-energy homecoming, complete with his signature drumming skills, silky vocals, and a setlist stacked with crowd-pleasers. Just a day earlier, he’d spun a DJ set at the festival, but Sunday was his time to shine in full form. From the first note to the last, it felt like a love letter to the West Coast.
Ludacris Proved the Hits Still Hit
Saturday’s early evening belonged to Ludacris, who reminded everyone just how deep his catalog runs. Even performing for a crowd heavy with Gracie Abrams fans waiting for the next set, Luda won them over with unstoppable energy and a run of classics. The biggest singalong of his set? His verse from Justin Bieber’s “Baby,” which sent the park into pure chaos.
LaRussell’s Bay Area Pride Shined Bright
For Vallejo’s own LaRussell, Outside Lands was more than just a festival slot, it was a hometown statement. Backed by a full choir and oozing gratitude, he delivered one of the most heartfelt performances of the weekend. At several points, he jumped into the crowd to perform a couple songs surrounded by fans, turning the Polo Field into an intimate block party in the middle of Golden Gate Park.
Bigxthaplug Brought Southern Heat to the Fog
Sunday afternoon got a jolt of Texas energy courtesy of Bigxthaplug. His booming presence and bass-heavy set cut through the Bay Area chill, drawing one of the day’s most hyped crowds and proving his fast rise in hip-hop is no fluke.
Jorja Smith Delivered R&B Perfection
Balancing smoky vocals with understated confidence, Jorja Smith’s Sunday set was a warm, soulful exhale towards the end of a high-energy day. Fans swayed and sang along to every note, proving that sometimes the quietest moments can leave the loudest impressions.
Thundercat’s Funky Start to the Weekend
Friday’s festivities kicked off with Thundercat’s signature blend of virtuosic bass playing and cosmic funk. His playful stage banter
and genre-bending jams set the tone for a weekend where no sound or style was off limits.
Matt Champion Made His Solo Statement
Stepping out from the shadow of his Brockhampton days, Matt Champion used his Outside Lands set to carve his own lane. Mixing new solo tracks with the kind of experimental, genre-fluid production he’s become known for, Champion kept the crowd locked in from start to finish. His set felt like a bridge between past and future, a unique declaration that his next chapter is well underway.
For three days, Outside Lands 2025 blurred genres, elevated local talent, and proved that Golden Gate Park can feel like the center of the music world.
Check out some of our favorite moments below in our exclusive photo gallery from the festival.