Outside Lands 2026 wrapped up on Sunday, August 9th at Golden Gate Park. Read on for the highlights of the final festival day below, and if you missed it, you can check out the highlights from day 1 and day 2.
A Different Kind of Church
Listen, I’m not a regular churn-goer, but I’ll happily spend my Sunday mornings/early afternoons with the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. The group warmed up the Lands End stage at noon on Sunday, and it felt like they took us to the churn of good vibes and wholesome fun. As they took the stage, one of the long-time members of the chorus told us that he’d been doing this a long time, but this was the most exciting event they’d ever done. Their set included covers that spanned across decades; from Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” to Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club.” Here’s hoping this becomes an annual tradition for the fest because it was such a fun, feel-good way to kick off the final day.
Double Death Cab and Outside Plans
This year was my first Outside Lands, but I heard from another festival attendee that one of 2025’s headliners, Vampire Weekend, played two sets at 12:45PM and in the evening. Luckily for those of us attending this year, we got treated to the same phenomenon with Death Cab For Cutie, who played two unique shows on Sunday. I caught their matinee set at 12:40PM on the Sutro Stage, which also happened to be them performing their beloved album 2005 Plans in its entirety. The album features fan favorites like “Crooked Teeth” and “I Will Follow You into the Dark.” For an hour, the festival became Outside Plans.
The meadow where the Sutro stage is situated quickly filled up, and this set was easily the most packed that I’ve seen a set before 1PM at a music festival. Especially on the last day of the fest, it’s such a feat to get everyone to show up early! We were also lucky that the show went on at all—Lead vocalist Ben Gibbard let the audience know that he woke up with no voice at all, but that the medical staff at the festival was able to treat him and get him back to singing for us. Gibbard was able to push through again for the later headlining show, which featured a mix of the band’s discography. The double-duty headliner is another tradition I hope Outside Lands and other festivals can keep alive.
Bands of Brothers
Saturday at Outside Lands gave us sets from siblings Audrey Hobert and Malcolm Todd, and Sunday we got incredible performances from not one, but two bands with siblings in them.
One of those bands was Day We Ran, hailing all the way from Australia and comprised of brothers Matthew, Michael, and Daniel Lough. Sunday marked the band’s first performance at Outside Lands, but Death Cab for Cutie wasn’t the only one performing double duty— Day We Ran performed a set at 1:25PM on the Panhandle stage, followed up by another more intimate show at Duboce Triangle at 3:25PM. Both sets drew enthusiastic crowds, and I was impressed by the beautiful harmonies delivered by the siblings.
Balu Brigada, the project of brothers Henry and Pierre Beasley from New Zealand, also drew an enthusiastic and large crowd at Lands End on Sunday afternoon. The duo told the audience that they feared no one might turn up to their set, but they think it ended up being the largest crowd they’ve ever played. The Beasley brothers exhibited energetic stage presence and had a sense of natural chemistry onstage that really only happens with family. Fans loved their performance of their hit “Backseat” as well as their live cover of “Oblivion” by Grimes.
Walking On a Sweet 2000’s Dream
Two other really fun and popular performances of the day went to Empire of the Sun and The Temper Trap. Watching their shows brought back all the feel-good nostalgia as they performed their landmark hits from the late aughts.
The Temper Trap played first over at Sutro again, and lead singer Dougy Mandagi asked the crowd “Did you miss us? We fucking missed you guys. We’ve been here once upon a time and now we’re back.” It truly felt like no time had passed as the band opened up with the opening track “Love Lost” from their 2009 album Conditions. The pinnacle of their set came with the performance of “Sweet Disposition” from the same album, which was received with overwhelming cheers from the massive crowd. I got goosebumps when the opening notes of the song rang out into the meadow, and I’m not sure if it was the San Francisco chill or the thrill of the nostalgia.
Later on, Empire of the Sun also drew a huge crowd at Lands End for their pre-headliner evening set. The band hit the stage donning their signature stage costumes, and dazzled the crowd with some of their nostalgic favorites from 2008 like “We Are The People” and “Walking On A Dream.”
And The Surprise Guest Is…
When the Outside Lands set times dropped the week before the festival, eagle-eyed fans might have noticed a slot labeled “Surprise Guest” at the intimate Duboce Triangle stage on Sunday evening at 7:45PM. I had the set added to my schedule, but wasn’t sure if I’d end up making the show as there were a few other sets going on around the same time.
As Sunday evening rolled around and the mystery still loomed overhead, Outside Lands posted a hint on their Instagram stories that was a cowboy emoji followed by two bridge emojis. Fans started to speculate based on the clue that it might be Leon Bridges, and their hunches ended up being confirmed by the festival with in-app notification about an hour before the singer was scheduled to take the small stage.
In the minutes leading up to Mr. Bridges surprise set, the grassy hill around the stage became increasingly more packed and filled the air with excited anticipation. Bridges hit the stage backed by talented instrumentalists and backup vocalists, opening the show with some of his newer material like “Light The Way” and “Your Love is Electric” from his forthcoming album entitled Happiness Anytime. The new material had a groovy funkiness about it, mixing it up from his more soulful roots, but Bridges also included some of his earlier work like “Texas Sun” and “River” to close out the surprise performance. It was a beautiful way to wrap up the weekend at Outside Lands.
Outside Lands kicks off at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Friday, August 7th. The lineup is stacked with fresh new acts as well as familiar favorites. If you’re unsure who to add to your schedule besides some of the main acts, ANCHR has you covered. We always think it’s worth showing up early—you never know when you’ll discover your next favorite band— but read on to hear who ANCHR recommends adding to your early timeslots.
Haute & Freddy
Duo Michelle Buzz and Lance Shipp— AKA Haute and Freddy— craft vibrant alternative pop music that pulls in elements of 80s new wave and synth-backed melodies that’ll inspire you to get on the dance floor. After all, one of their most popular songs is their single “Dance The Pain Away,” so make sure to leave your problems behind during their Saturday afternoon set. Even better is that Buzz and Shipp perform while clad in brightly-colored costumes that look inspired by Baroque style with a touch of circus-chic, so you’ll feel like you’re getting a theatrical experience along with the music. They’ll be sure to get you hot and ready for the rest of the fest!
For Fans Of: Chappell Roan, Kate Bush, Eurythmics
Start With: “Dance The Pain Away,” “Freaks,” and “Anti-Superstar”
Time: Saturday, August 8th at 1:25PM
Where: Lands End
Die Spitz
Make sure to bring your ear plugs and stretch before Die Spitz’s set—they will be delivering ear-splitting guitar riffs that will encourage you to open up the pit early on day one of Outside Lands. Once you’re invigorated by their blend of heavy metal and punk influences, you’ll be ready to take on whatever the day has in store for you. Formed in Austin, Texas, the band is made up of Ava Schrobilgen, Eleanor Livingston, Kate Halter, and Chloe de St. Aubin—and they’ve released two full length records since their 2022 inception. If you don’t want to take our word for it, you can trust Jack White; Die Spitz’s sophomore album Something To Consume was released on Third Man Records.
For Fans Of: Lambrini Girls, Amyl and the Sniffers, Metallica
Start With: “Throw Yourself to the Sword,” “Hair of Dog,” “Riding With My Girls”
Time: Friday, August 7th at 1:40PM
Where: Sutro
After
Another duo you have to check out is that of Graham Epstein and Justine Dorsey, otherwise known as After. The dream-pop pair manage to create music that makes me feel just like I’m back in the simpler times of the early 2000’s, conjuring up memories of wandering the mall or watching Disney Channel Original Movies. I imagine browsing Tower Records and finding their CD alongside the likes of Dream (who remembers the bop “He Loves U Not”) or B*Witched if we could make music time travel—but alas, Dorsey and Epstein only started making music together in 2023. Fun fact, the two actually met each other on Hinge, and even though they’re not dating, they formed a magical musical partnership. And who knows, maybe their music will inspire a meet-cute straight out of an early aughts rom-com in the crowd during their set!
For Fans Of: Slow Pulp, Samia, The Marias
Start With: “Deep Diving,” “300 Dreams,” “Take Me to Sunrise”
Time: Saturday, August 8th at 1:55PM
Where: Twin Peaks
Bad Nerves
I often wonder what they put in the water in the UK because so many of my favorite bands come from across the pond, and Bad Nerves is another one to add to that list. Hailing from Essex in England, the band consists of Bobby Nerves, Will Power, Jon Poulton, Sam Morley, and Jimmy Ger. They’re another set that I’d recommend the ear plugs and pre-show stretching for in order to keep up with their lightning quick guitar riffs and razor sharp drum beats. Bad Nerves puts a raucous and refreshing spin on 70’s punk and 2000s NYC rock influences for a sound that is sure to get you amped up for the day and weekend.
For Fans Of: The Hives, The Strokes, Viagra Boys
Start With: “Baby Drummer,” “Network,” and “Dreaming”
Time: Friday, August 7th at 12:25PM
Where: Sutro
Audrey Hobert
You probably have heard Audrey Hobert’s viral hit “Sue Me,” but the singer has a plethora of songs that are chock-full of relatable lyrics and infectious hooks. I saw Hobert play a sold out show at Thalia Hall during Lollapalooza week and during the show she mentioned that she goes to a lot of concerts herself. “I’d always wonder what the difference between myself and the person onstage is,” she told the crowd, revealing that she didn’t really think there is a big difference between her and the audience and any one of them could be up there onstage. While I appreciate her humility and the human connection of that sentiment, I have to disagree that I personally wouldn’t be able to pull off the performance that Hobert did. I won’t spoil too much, but let’s just say there’s trampolines, height props and costumes involved, so I’m looking forward to catching her again at Outside Lands!
For Fans Of: Robyn, Renee Rapp, Charli xcx
Start With: “Sue Me,” “Sex and the city,” and “Phoebe”
Time: Saturday, August 8th at 2:40PM
Where: Lands End
Wunderhorse
The brainchild of songwriter and frontman Jacob Slater, Wunderhorse is another great alternative rock band from across the pond. The project started as a solo project for Slater, but has evolved into a full band also including Harry Fowler, Jamie Staples and Seb Byford. If you’re wondering how Wunderhorse will sound live, look no further than their sophomore record, entitled Midas— the album was tracked completely live to tape, really giving listeners a raw and unfiltered listening experience. Make sure to catch them at Outside Lands so you can get the full show in addition to their authentic sound.
For Fans Of: Bruce Springsteen, Fontaines D.C. and The Strokes
Start With: “Leader of the Pack,” “Aeroplane,” and “Midas”
Time: Saturday, August 8th at 1:50PM
Where: Sutro
Grace Ives
I remember having the Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Grace Ives on my most-anticipated list of Pitchfork Festival 2023, and for good reason. Ives blends together the perfect mix of eclectic and relatable lyrics with dreamy vocals, glossy drumbeats and feel-good synthesizers. Since the last time I saw her, Ives released her third studio album Girlfriend and it was definitely worth the 4-year wait following her second album. While I’m a fan of her earlier discography, there’s an elevated air about this newer material that I think will translate well to an afternoon festival set. Take her single “Stupid Bitches” from the aforementioned album— it starts out with a simple synth before a punchy percussion beat is laced in; it has a sweeping cinematic quality that would make it great for an opening scene of a movie or TV show. Make sure that Grace Ives is part of the soundtrack of your Outside Lands!
For Fans Of: Lana Del Rey, Caroline Rose, Sylvan Esso
Start With: “Stupid Bitches,” “Lullaby,” and “Trouble”
Time: Friday, August 7th at 1:20PM
Where: Lands End
Balu Brigada
Balu Brigada is another feel-good indie rock act you should have on your radar for this weekend. Fronted by brothers Henry and Pierre Beasley, the band hails all the way from New Zealand, and they deliver upbeat bops that are easy for anyone to digest. They describe their music as “grove-pop” which perfectly encapsulates the pop elements woven into their groovy guitar melodies. If that’s not enough to get you hooked, they also have a song called “Golden Gate Girl” which will be super meta to hear in Golden Gate Park.
For Fans Of: Royel Otis, Foster The People, Good Neighbours
Start With: “So Cold,” “Golden Gate Girl,” and “Sideways”
Time: Sunday, August 9th at 2:25PM
Where: Lands End
Sports
Sports is a tried and true band that is also certified to get you grooving, which means they are a mandatory set to catch at a music festival. Cale Chronister and Christian Theriot have been making music together as Sports since 2015, but they just released a fresh batch of funky bangers earlier this year with their self-titled album. There’s such an infectious, sunny quality to their music, so make sure you catch their performance if you need a mood-boost.
For Fans Of: Tame Impala, Djo, Pond
Start With: “You Are The Right One,” “Keep Falling In Love,” and “Baby Baby”
Time: Sunday, August 9th at 1:10PM
Where: Lands End
Death Cab For Cutie and SurPrise Guest
For the 10th and bonus recommendation, we’re going a little off-road here but we had to make sure you had these sets on your radar! It’s unlikely you’re unfamiliar with Death Cab for Cutie if you’re going to Outside Lands, but if you are, make sure you dip your toe into their deep discography by checking out their early set on Sunday afternoon. I have to be honest- when I saw them slated for 12:40PM at the Sutro Stage on Sunday, I thought there was a typo on the schedule. However, this matinee performance is the perfect opportunity to make sure you can still see them if you also wanted to catch a different headlining show that evening.
On Saturday afternoon, there’s also a “Surprise Guest” at Duboce Triangle at 12:15PM, so make sure you catch that if your curiosity has also been peaked.
View the full Outside Lands schedule here, or download the app to personalize your festival schedule!
Outside Lands Music Festival returns to Golden Gate Park in San Francisco from August 7th-9th. ANCHR will be onsite at the fest, so stay tuned for our thoughts on the must-see sets and key takeaways from the festival weekend. Tickets are sold out but you can sign up for the wait list on the site also check out their night shows after the festival.
