Published Aug. 5, 2026at6:00am
So, you couldn’t decide if you should drop a pretty penny on a weekend at Outside Lands and missed out on tickets (or you’re simply happy to avoid the festival altogether). We’re here to help. While thousands will be in Golden Gate Park, you can build out your own lineup of concerts, after-parties, and wholesome happenings for a weekend to remember without the FOMO.
And you can always watch the festival livestream (opens in new tab) from home on Prime Video and live vicariously through our coverage on Instagram (opens in new tab) and TikTok (opens in new tab).
Before the chaos of OSL weekend, get in a night of dancing at this free block party headlined by DJ Eric Rhodes.
Date and timeThursday, Aug. 6, 5 to 10 p.m.
Following last weekend’s performance at Lollapalooza, the R&B artist stops in San Francisco for one night only.
Date and timeThursday, Aug. 6, 8 p.m.
Watch fantastic felines on the big screen at this two-week festival that raises funds for animal welfare associations and shelters.
Date and timeThursday, Aug. 6, to Thursday, Aug. 20
Get a first look at this surrealist solo exhibition, meet the artist and curator, and sip on themed cocktails.
Source: Courtesy GaHee Park and Yerba Buena Center for the ArtsDate and timeFriday, Aug. 7, 6 to 9 p.m.
Get a second chance at winning a Charli XCX lookalike contest and hear all the club classics at this themed party.
Date and timeFriday, Aug. 7, 10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
This night has it all: circus acts, a silent disco, a non-silent lineup of DJs, carnival games … are we missing anything?
Date and timeFriday, Aug. 7, 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Calling all 365 party girls: DJs will be spinning hyperpop all night long after Charli XCX’s headline OSL set.
Joseph Okpako/WireImage/Getty Images
| Source: Charli XCX will headline OSL for the first time this year.Date and timeFriday, Aug. 7, 10 p.m to 2 a.m.
Charli XCX collaborator Umru, DJ Gaszia, DJ Mama San, and others join forces to celebrate this year’s festival lineup.
Date and timeFriday, Aug. 7, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Three days of aerial performances, contemporary dance, and film come to Fort Mason for an inspiring and bold program on the waterfront.
Date and timeFriday, Aug. 7, to Sunday, Aug. 9
Traverse the hills of Bernal Heights as dozens of homes open their garages and closets to the public.
Date and timeSaturday, Aug. 8, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Score school-supply goodie bags, partake in hands-on learning activities, and munch on local bites at this family-oriented block party.
Date and timeSaturday, Aug. 8, noon to 5 p.m.
No wristband? No problem. See the Canadian singer-songwriter belt anthems a day after her festival set.
Source: Morgan Ellis/The StandardDate and timeSaturday, Aug. 8, 10 p.m.
Before indie duo Sports kicks off Sunday’s OSL lineup, groove to their biggest hits in an intimate crowd.
Date and timeSaturday, Aug. 8, 9:30 p.m.
Following performances at the Dolores’ Outside Lands stage, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alumni Nicki Jizz, Kori King, Lydia B Kollins, and others bring the drama at Oasis in SoMa.
Date and timeSaturday, Aug. 8, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.Sold-out events:Wednesday, Aug. 5: Zack Fox at the Regency Ballroom (opens in new tab)Thursday, Aug. 6: Modest Mouse at The Castro Theatre (opens in new tab)Thursday, Aug. 6: Clipse at The Independent (opens in new tab)Friday, Aug. 7, to Sunday, Aug. 9: Outside Lands in Golden Gate Park (opens in new tab)Friday, Aug. 7: GRiZ at The Independent (opens in new tab)Friday, Aug. 7: Charli XCX Q&A at Amoeba (opens in new tab)Saturday, Aug. 8: Like a Star: Celebrating 20 years of Corinne Bailey Rae at The Fillmore (opens in new tab)Sunday, Aug. 9: Patti Labelle at Stern Grove Festival (opens in new tab)Looking ahead: