The fog might have been thick, but the energy at Outside Lands 2025 was electric during its final day. Artists across genres transformed Golden Gate Park into a vibrant celebration of music, identity, and Bay Area culture.

Big Freedia’s performance with the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus was a powerful highlight, delivering gospel-inspired tracks that resonated with themes of community and resilience. Her song “Church” featured the defiant lyric “We don’t need a preacher to go to church,” embodying a spirit of radical self-acceptance.

Queer artists continued to shine, with Rebecca Black delivering a playful set that celebrated LGBTQ+ visibility. Sporting backup dancers in cheeky “Cunting Season” camo tanks, Black spoke candidly about her longtime dream of performing at the festival, declaring the crowd “a beautiful sea of gay”.

The musical diversity was impressive, ranging from FINNEAS’s intelligent pop to Mayer Hawthorne’s retro soul. Bands like Bleachers and Glass Animals kept the crowd dancing, while Hozier brought thoughtful political commentary to his closing set.

Anderson .Paak’s performance was a love letter to San Francisco, bringing out Bay Area legend E-40 to perform local classics like “Tell Me When to Go”. .Paak even made a public commitment to collaborate with E-40, emphasizing the importance of creating music that represents the city.

Outside Lands 2025 proved once again that San Francisco’s music festival isn’t just about performances, it’s about creating a space of inclusivity, artistic expression, and community celebration.