Golden Gate Park transformed into an electrifying musical playground during the first day of Outside Lands 2025, delivering performances that blended artistry, social commentary, and pure entertainment.

The festival kicked off with emerging artists setting a powerful tone of rebellion and self-empowerment. Alemeda, an Ethiopian-Sudanese artist, and punk-pop group Destroy Boys brought raw energy to the stage, while Mannequin Pussy’s lead singer Missy Dabice delivered passionate monologues about social justice, boldly declaring that politics absolutely belong in entertainment.

The afternoon saw diverse musical styles take center stage. Thundercat brought his chaotic blend of acid jazz and R&B, while MARINA delighted fans with her confident pop performance. The smaller Panhandle Stage featured the electrifying electropunk group Fcukers, adding an unexpected punk edge to the festival’s soundscape.

The day’s standout performance undoubtedly belonged to Doechii, who transformed her set into an immersive theatrical experience. Dressed in modified school uniforms, she and her dancers presented a meticulously choreographed show structured as “lessons,” featuring hits like “Nissan Altima” and a creative cover of Beyoncé’s “America Has a Problem”.

Parallel to Doechii’s performance, Beck delivered a mesmerizing orchestral set with the Berkeley Symphony Orchestra, showcasing songs from his more melancholic albums. His performance of tracks like “The Golden Age” and “Lost Cause” provided a contemplative counterpoint to the festival’s high-energy acts.

While Doja Cat headlined the night with a solid performance and even announced a surprise show at a local nightclub, the day’s performances demonstrated the rich diversity of musical expression and the power of artists using their platforms for meaningful dialogue.

Outside Lands 2025 proved once again that music is more than entertainment, it’s a dynamic platform for creativity, social commentary, and collective experience.