10 Acts to Get There Early For at Outside Lands 2026

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!

TNK Spotlight: Nine Artists You Can't Miss at Tomorrow Never Knows 2019

It’s mid-January in Chicago, and you know what that means, right? Tomorrow Never Knows Fest kicks off this week! You’ve got your 5-day pass (or at least I hope you do—they’re already sold out), and now all that’s left to do is plot out your schedule for this annual indoor winter festival extravaganza that takes place across different venues in the city, like Lincoln Hall, Schubas, Sleeping Village and Metro. If you didn’t happen to snag five day passes, some of the shows still have individual tickets available, but read up on our recommendations and act quickly so you’re not left out in the cold for this year’s TNK!

---

Active Bird Community

Photo Credit: Eleanor Petry

Brooklyn-based four piece Active Bird Community combines long-term friendships with a candid, yet playful demeanor to deliver a live show full of punchy riffs and inside jokes told between songs. Tom D'Agustino, Andrew Wolfson, Zach Slater, and Quinn McGovern have been playing music together for more than ten years, which translates as a true sense of camaraderie both onstage and on their records. Every time I’ve seen this band, I spent their set bopping my head along to their upbeat melodies and laughing at their stage banter, making their set one not to miss at TNK. This past Fall, they released their third album Amends, which follows up 2015’s I’ve Been Going Swimming and 2017’s Stick Around, so their set at Lincoln Hall will be sure to feature some new music. For more on Active Bird Community, check out our interview here.

For Fans Of: The Frights, together PANGEA, Vundabar

Start With: “Pick me Apart,” “Virginia,” “Amends”

Where to catch them: Wednesday, January 16th at Lincoln Hall with Charly Bliss and Girl K

Lala Lala

Photo by Matthew James-Wilson

The project of London-born, Chicago-based singer songwriter Lillie West (AKA Lala Lala) has been garnering buzz throughout the city the last few years, and recently nationally since West and her band toured nearly non-stop last year with bands like Frankie Cosmos, Wolf Parade and WHY?. 2018 saw the release of Lala Lala’s second full length album, The Lamb, which showcases West’s knack for honest and introspective storytelling through her lyrics. West also fearlessly dives into different sonic territories on the album’s twelve tracks, blending together different genres that portray the various emotions explored in the songs. The Lamb is easily one of my most listened to albums of 2018, and the band puts on one of the best live shows. If you need even more reason to add this to your TNK itinerary, this gig will be the last chance to catch Lala Lala in town for a while (they embark on a two month tour afterwards). Don’t miss it!

For Fans Of: Madeline Kenney, Jay Som, Soccer Mommy

Start With: “Water Over Sex,” “Scary Movie,” “I Get Cut”

Where to catch them: Thursday, January 17th at Metro with Varsity and Snail Mail

Pool Holograph

Photo by Rachel Zyzda

What began as a solo, bedroom-recorded project of songwriter Wyatt Grant has since blossomed into the full four piece that is current day Pool Holograph. With Zach Stuckman and brothers Paul and Jake Stolz joining Grant, their sound has filled out and developed in order to transition well in a live setting, making Pool Holograph’s show a must-see at this year’s TNK. The group recently followed up their 2017 album Transparent World with two new singles “Contours” and “No Escape,” which both highlight the band’s versatile sound that blends together elements of post punk, art rock, and lo-fi genres— or as Grant describes their sound, it’s like “a closed Urban Outfitters store circa 2008.” For more fun facts about the band (if that one didn’t already sell you), check out our interview with them here.

For Fans Of: Omni, NE-HI, Clearance

Start With: “Heat Map,” “Contours,” “Stratus Sheets”

Where to catch them: Wednesday, January 16th at Schubas with Bad Bad Hats, Video Age, Con Davison

Varsity

Photo by Kristina Pedersen

With their polished indie rock sound and memorable melodies, Chicago’s Varsity has an air about their music that is familiar without being derivative. Over the past few years, the group has toured regularly and shared stages with the likes of Japanese Breakfast and SALES, earning them a well-deserved fanbase that extends outside of the city. In the midst of touring (and sharing members Paul and Jake Stolz with Pool Holograph), Varsity still managed to release their sophomore album Parallel Person and two singles, “The Dogs Only Listen to Him” and “UFO,” in 2018. On top of all of that fresh music, the band teased the possibility of another brand new song being ready for their TNK set this week, so hopefully you already snagged tickets to this sold out show!

For Fans Of: Japanese Breakfast, No Vacation, Alvvays

Start With: “UFO,” “Downtown,” “A Friend Named Paul”

Where to catch them: Thursday, January 17th at Metro with Lala Lala and Snail Mail

Jordanna

Photo by Juliet Cangelosi

Whether it’s her musical transformation from lead singer of a punk band to a sweet and soulful solo artist, her thoughtful marketing strategies, or her humor on social media (I mean have you seen her lip-sync videos??), Jordanna’s artistry knows no bounds. Her buttery vocals and sultry, smooth tempos are equally enthralling and soothing for her listeners and audience members, and she brings a sense of authenticity to everything she does. Jordanna’s debut EP, “Sweet Tooth,” features tracks like “Lucky For You” and “Sugar” which will be sure to have you grooving and swaying along. Her show at TNK is sold out, so hopefully you have a ticket or a 5 day pass— but if not you can also check out Jordanna at her own annual event on February 23rd: Candyland.

For Fans Of: Your Smith (FKA Caroline Smith), Tasha, The Marías

Start With: “Lucky For You,” “Eu Quero Você,” “I’m Your Girl”

Where to catch them: Thursday, January 17th at Schubas with Still Woozy, Victor!, Monster Rally

Yoke Lore

Photo by Rachel Zyzda

Adrian Galvin (aka Yoke Lore) is part musician, part visual artist, part dancer, and part spiritual guru. He’s even an expert on pirates (more on that here). Despite the fact that Galvin has so many creative passions, he still manages to excel in all aspects of his art. Through his message and his music, Galvin radiates motivation and positivity that can’t help but lift your spirits when you hear it. By blending ethereal vocals, the occasional twang of a banjo, and sweeping melodies, Yoke Lore’s music is easy to love and hard to forget. Yoke Lore’s show is one of the sold out ones on this list, but if you were smart enough to snag tickets ahead of time, be prepared to be blown away at his show on Saturday night.

For Fans Of: Overcoats, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Lewis Del Mar

Start With: “Beige,” “Goodpain,” “Cut and Run”

Where to catch them: Saturday, January 19th at Schubas with Sontalk, Shortly, Ester

Bad Bad Hats

Photo by Zoe Prinds-Flash

Minneapolis’s Bad Bad Hats earns a place on this list as one of the few non-Chicagoan bands with their bright, effervescent indie pop-rock. The trio, consisting of Kerry Alexander, Chris Hoge, and Connor Davison, has released two albums (the most recent, Lightning Round, just came out in August), and both records deliver a multifaceted, layered and diverse soundscape. Their sophomore album especially explores different genres and hues that set each song apart as a separate chapter, yet each track seamlessly complements the rest of the album perfectly. Their show at TNK will certainly keep the audience on their toes with the band’s dynamic catalog of songs.

For Fans Of: Hippo Campus, Maggie Rogers, Hala

Start With: “It Hurts,” “Midway,” “Psychic Reader”

Where to catch them: Wednesday, January 16th at Schubas with Video Age, Con Davison, Pool Holograph

Sports

With their groovy bass lines that you can’t resist dancing to and their live production that adds an extra layer of sparkle and shine, it’s impossible not to smile while at a Sports show. The band’s feel-good, synth laden music and the infectious energy that the band members all exude with their stage presence will make their show on Sunday night at TNK the perfect end to the five day festival. This past August, Sports followed up 2016’s album People Can’t Stop Chillin with Everyone’s Invited, so their set will be sure to feature some new tunes since their last show here in Chicago.

For Fans Of: POND, St. Lucia, Triathalon

Start With: “Panama,'“ “You Are the Right One,” “Don’t Tell Me”

Where to catch them: Sunday, January 20th at Lincoln Hall with Pavo Pavo and Arlie

Girl K

Photo by Xitlaly Viveros

The brain child of Chicago-based singer songwriter Kathy Patino, Girl K, has provided a refreshing addition to the local rock scene, making a huge splash in a relatively short amount of time. Much like a few of the other artists on this list, the project began as a solo endeavor for Patino in 2017 before she added a full roster with musicians Ajay Raghuraman, Alex Pieczynski, and Kevin Sheppard. Girl K has kept Chicago music fans hooked by regularly playing shows around the city and releasing music— In 2018, Patino released three singles to follow up her debut full length Sunflower Court, and her recent live shows have featured performances of brand new material. 2019 is gearing up to be an even bigger year for Girl K, so don’t miss them kicking off TNK on Wednesday night.

For Fans Of: Beach Bunny, Lunar Vacation, Slow Pulp

Start With: “Dog Year Lungs,” “Cinnamon,” “80’s Baby”

Where to catch them: Wednesday, January 16th at Lincoln Hall with Active Bird Community and Charly Bliss

---