Friday at Outside Lands in San Francisco opened quietly, the morning fog gently clearing over the Golden Gate Park's Polo Field while vendors savored the serene lull before the crowds arrived. A surprise full-set soundcheck by Doja Cat teased fans with glimpses of her headline performance to come.
As the festival ramped up, Ethiopian‑Sudanese artist Alemeda took to the stage shortly after noon, energetically debuting a bold new single and setting the tone for a day filled with vibrant performances. Pop force MARINA followed with an arresting set at the Twin Peaks stage donning bubblegum‑pink attire and delivering songs like “Venus Fly Trap,” “Froot,” and “Butterfly” with impressive vocal control and flair.
Local Bay Area rapper LaRussell energized the Lands End main stage with a spirited performance that blended personal storytelling and community pride. Joined by the Collab Choir and instrumentalists, he paid tribute to regional icons and even brought out rising star Ave for an upbeat rendition of "We Outside."
The standout of the evening arrived in the form of Tampa’s Doechii, whose “School of Hip‑Hop” set on the main stage fused choreography, clever school‑themed visuals, and genre‑blending tracks. With inflatable alligators, a two‑story boom box prop, and mash‑ups that included Beyoncé and Daft Punk, she captivated an incredible audience of thousands.
Meanwhile, Role Model continued a hot streak across festival season this year, as he took over the Sutro stage, weaving in a cover of The 1975's "Somebody Else" and perhaps the biggest moment of his performance, when he tapped Troye Sivan to make a surprise cameo as his "Sally" during the live rendition of "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out."
Later, Doja Cat delivered a theatrical headline show marked by a striking platinum‑blonde and zebra‑striped aesthetic. She performed hits like “Woman,” “Juicy,” and “Paint the Town Red,” and premiered her new single “Jealous Type.” In a heartfelt gesture, she also addressed a past fan controversy and announced a surprise late‑night performance at Oasis nightclub, which is slated to close by year’s end.
Friday of Outside Lands ultimately delivered a seamless blend of breakout artistry, cinematic pop spectacle, and community-driven energy—an unforgettable kickoff to the weekend’s festivities.
See photos below, by Dan DeSlover.
