It can only be described one way: It's like Burning Man, but without the burning man, man. The first official "Outside Lands" festival debuted summer 2008. Since then, it has had a snowball effect on today's youth, music fans and art enthusiasts alike.
The daily count averages between 40-60,000 attendees each day, consisting of a three-day hippy camp-out. For one weekend, Golden Gate Park becomes a patchouli, Nag Champa scented play ground--fully equipped with art booths, drinking stations, stand-up comedy, Green Peace nuts, Portland natives(spiritually enlightened Californians) compost heaps, recycling centers, hacky sacks, hairy pits, orange slices and good vibes; depending on who is dispensing these vibes, some may involuntarily subject them-self to bad ones. But with the pleasant tunes constantly emanating, the odds of "freakin' out" are reduced to a minimum.
Last year's line-up was a smash, and this year, the wave is just beginning to swell. The official line-up is still under wraps, but from recent years, it has not been a let down.
Other activities are available in case your third eye gets a bit drowsy and you need some quiet time to realign your chakras. The talk of the festival that many Outside Landers are literally raving about are the food and wine tents, predicated upon the notion that people will regain their appetites after the first 12 hours of the festival.
Many local artists and natives of the San Francisco area have received positive exposure for their art, hand-made knick-knacks, jewelry and crafts that are fashioned by not just local artisans, but from artists around the world.
For most, there is nothing like a good concert. It's a feeling that can not be duplicated. A moment in time where eclectic herds of counter-culture soldiers ban together to experience life, love, art, friendship and most important: love for the music, man.
May all the vibes fit precisely into the color spectrum of the rainbow. Good vibes to all who attend this one of a kind musical and art event of the summer. See ya'll down the rabbit-hole.
