Editor’s Note: Outside Lands 2018
With a decade under its belt, Outside Lands 2018 knew what it was doing. Repeating multiple artists from its first lineup — such as Beck, Broken Social Scene and Bon Iver — while also finally managing to have female headliners, the festival neatly divided its crowd between the Twin Peaks and Lands End stages each night.
In characteristic San Francisco fashion, each day experienced its own unique weather, too. Friday was so cold that The Weeknd could hardly feel his face, while Saturday left fans with sunburns that rivaled the red of Florence + the Machine’s iconic hair. Sunday’s fog meant the stage lights of sets early in the day were almost as brilliant as those that would illuminate Janet Jackson’s performance that night.
But if the six biggest acts resembled the weather — inconsistent and not always pleasing — the talent that came before them was often stellar. While many attendees came late, the early sets of local artists such as Caleborate and Shannon and the Clams were well worth the hefty ticket price.
And although the age gaps between attendees remained as awkward as ever — couples in their late 40s drunkenly danced to indie rock as 14-year-olds Snapchatted and snickered — Outside Lands continued to push outside the box.
Caroline Smith is the arts & entertainment editor. Olivia Jerram is the assistant arts & entertainment editor. Ketki Samel is the managing editor. Contact them at arts@dailycal.org.