Seven tips before heading to San Francisco’s Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival

The eighth Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival begins Friday in San Francisco. There will be music (of course), comedy, and tons of food and booze (yes, Wine Lands is a thing).

If you’re one of the thousands flocking to Golden Gate Park this weekend, we’ve created a convenient list of tips to keep handy.

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1. Get the app

Like other festivals, Outside Lands has a handy app for your FAQs. Plus, you can plan your schedule and see what other friends who have the app are doing (creepy but convenient).

2. Have a meeting spot

Tickets sold out in 45 minutes this year, so expect Golden Gate Park to be more packed than ever. Check out the map and pick a convenient, easy-to-find spot to meet your friends.

3. Wear layers

That’s right, Southern Californians: This festival is no Coachella. Temperatures are expected to be in the high 60s during the day but will drop by nightfall. Layers are necessary, even if it doesn’t feel that way when the sun is shining. Don’t underestimate the Bay Area fog. Even locals could use a reminder.

4. Don’t take off your wristband

Tickets are a thing of the past. Now, the festival is giving out radio frequency identification (RFID) wristbands. This is a way to deter scalpers and people trying to sneak in. Even Wine Lands will be using the wristbands in lieu of cash.

The festival outlines a list of wristband tips on its website, including one major rule: “Each wristband can be scanned into the event entrance only once per day.”

5. Leave room for food (and lots of it)

Prepare to eat. Outside Lands has an impressive artist lineup but equally as impressive is its restaurant partners, trucks and GastroMagic stage.

If traditional platters don’t draw you in, Choco Lands and Cheese Lands can bring you a sweet or savory snack.

For even more of a foodie experience, check out GastroMagic, which debuted last year. The stage will have a full schedule of food-related events, including karaoke with Iron Chef Morimoto and culinary-inspired dances.

6. Don’t get overwhelmed

There are more than 70 artists scheduled to appear on six stages. This means some of your favorites are likely going on at the same time (like Kendrick Lamar and the Black Keys on Saturday night). Figure out the acts you want to see ahead of time but don’t get frustrated if things don’t go as planned. You’ll have fun regardless.

7. Avoid FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

If you didn’t get a ticket, relax, the festival will be broadcasting a livestream from its website. So maybe pick up a cheese plate on the way home from work.

For more on Outside Lands Festival, follow me @saba_h

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