Outside Lands is more than just a festival. It’s a love letter to San Francisco. From fog-touched cliffs to nightlife legends, every stage and area name adds a piece of local history. Outside Lands spans genres, but this year’s standout EDM artists include John Summit, Levity, Gesaffelstein, and Sammy Virji. Here’s your unofficial guide to the names behind some of the most iconic Outside Lands stages.
Lands End
The biggest stage gets the boldest name. Lands End is a real place on the northwest edge of San Francisco, where rugged trails hug the coastline and shipwrecks lie below the cliffs. With panoramic Golden Gate views and salty ocean air, it feels like the edge of the world.
At the festival, Lands End delivers that same larger-than-life energy. The stage sits near Golden Gate Park’s windmills, with a replica of the Bay Bridge in the background and a big stretch of open field in front. Even though the sets here aren’t usually EDM-focused, you’ll find lasers that can cut through Karl the Fog and turn the sunset into something even more vibrant.
Twin Peaks
Named after the twin hills that tower above San Francisco, Twin Peaks offers some of the best views in the city. From the real-life lookout, you can see the entire skyline and both bridges. It’s a place that feels elevated, expansive, and a little wild.
At the festival, the Twin Peaks stage brings that same high-energy perspective. It’s the second-largest stage and often hosts pop, hip-hop, and dance-forward acts. EDM fans should keep an eye on this lineup, with some of the best dance music and genre-bending sets happening here.
Sutro
The Sutro Stage is named after Adolph Sutro, a 19th-century San Francisco mayor who built the famous Sutro Baths. The old seaside bathhouse was part playground, part cultural hub, and its ruins still sit along the coast today.
Sutro at Outside Lands channels that same off-the-path vibe. It’s tucked into a tree-lined corner of the park and often features indie, alt, and experimental sets. If you’re wandering between bigger sets, this is the place to stumble onto something new.
Panhandle
The Panhandle is a long, skinny park that branches off Golden Gate Park. Back in the 1800s, it was the first green space to be planted in what was then a stretch of windswept sand dunes. In the 1960s, it became a hub for counterculture gatherings and even hosted a surprise Jimi Hendrix set during the Summer of Love.
The Panhandle stage keeps that spirit alive. It’s intimate, low-key, and a place of discovery. You might catch a vibey electronic duo, a soulful vocal set, or something entirely unexpected. With open lawn space and food vendors nearby, it’s also the perfect spot to chill out and recharge.
SOMA
SOMA stands for South of Market, a neighborhood known for its warehouses, nightclubs, and underground culture. It’s the heart of San Francisco’s nightlife scene and home to everything from raves to queer leather bars.
At Outside Lands, SOMA is the stage for dance music lovers. Originally housed inside a tent, it’s now an open-air setup with club-level production. The sound surrounds you and the crowd is there to party. Whether you’re into house, techno, or heavier sounds, this is your stage.
Dolores’
Dolores Park is one of San Francisco’s most iconic spots. It sits between the Mission and the Castro, two neighborhoods full of culture and community. On sunny days, Dolores becomes an unofficial city-wide picnic. It’s loud, joyful, and famously queer.
The Dolores’ area at Outside Lands captures that spirit. Curated by local collectives, it’s a wide-open dance floor filled with disco balls, drag performances, and music that spans from pop edits to soulful house. No matter your vibe, you’ll want to stop by. Dance music has deep roots in queer spaces, and this stage celebrates that history with joy and freedom.
Explore It All
Part of what makes Outside Lands special is how it weaves San Francisco’s stories into every corner of the park. Each stage name has a history, and each spot has its own vibe. Whether you’re following the music or your curiosity, you’ll find something worth dancing to. From SOMA to Sutro, the Outside Lands stages reflect the city itself: bold, diverse, and full of surprises. Check out the full lineup and get your tickets here.
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