Outside Lands Music Festival 2013

Outside Lands in Golden Gate Park is San Francisco's crown jewel of music festivals, and 2013's edition was absolutely stacked. From Beatles royalty to indie darlings to electronic innovators, this festival had it all - plus the best food of any festival I've ever been to (those wine and beer pairings!).

The Headliners

Paul McCartney

This was the one. Sir Paul McCartney, a living legend, performing in Golden Gate Park. He played for nearly three hours, running through Beatles classics, Wings hits, and solo material. Hearing "Hey Jude," "Let It Be," and "Live and Let Die" (complete with pyrotechnics) live was bucket list stuff. The man is in his 70s and has more energy than most artists half his age.

The singalong during "Hey Jude" with thousands of people in Golden Gate Park, foggy San Francisco sky above - I get emotional just thinking about it. Na-na-na-nanana-na...

Red Hot Chili Peppers

As hometown heroes (well, LA is close enough), the Chili Peppers brought that California energy. Flea was shirtless and jumping around like it was still 1991. "Under the Bridge," "Californication," "Give It Away" - all the classics sounded huge echoing through the park.

Phoenix

The French indie-pop band's set was pure dance party energy. "1901" and "Lisztomania" had everyone bouncing. Their polished, high-energy performance was the perfect festival headliner set.

Indie Excellence

The National

Matt Berninger's baritone voice is perfect for the melancholic beauty of their songs. Seeing them in Golden Gate Park at sunset, with the fog rolling in, was atmospheric perfection. "Bloodbuzz Ohio" and "Fake Empire" hit even harder live.

Vampire Weekend

I'd seen them at Leeds years ago, but they'd grown even tighter as a unit. Their Afrobeat-influenced indie rock was summer festival perfection. "A-Punk," "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa," and newer material all landed beautifully.

Grizzly Bear

Complex, beautiful indie rock that rewards close listening. Ed Droste and Daniel Rossen's harmonies floating through the park was a gorgeous moment.

Band of Horses

Southern indie rock with big, soaring choruses. "The Funeral" still gives me chills.

Youth Lagoon

Trevor Powers' dreamy, lo-fi psych-pop was a nice, hazy afternoon vibe.

The Tallest Man on Earth

Caught just 2-3 songs from Kristian Matsson, but his Dylan-esque folk and fingerpicking were captivating. "Where Do My Bluebird Fly" was beautiful.

Foals

British math-rock with dance grooves. High energy and intricate musicianship.

Old School Legends

Hall and Oates

This set was pure nostalgia and pure joy. Daryl Hall and John Oates still have those voices, and the crowd - spanning multiple generations - sang every word to "You Make My Dreams," "Rich Girl," "Maneater," and "Private Eyes." Sometimes you just need unabashed pop excellence.

Electronic & Hip Hop

Zedd

The Russian-German producer's progressive house tracks were everywhere in 2013. "Clarity" and "Spectrum" were festival anthems.

A-Trak

The Canadian DJ and turntablist brought those technical skills and party energy.

Jurassic 5

The LA hip-hop crew's positive, boom-bap energy was a throwback to '90s golden era rap. "What's Golden" and "Concrete Schoolyard" had the crowd bouncing.

The Outside Lands Experience

Beyond the music, Outside Lands is special because of the food. Wine Lands, Beer Lands, Cheese Lands - this festival gets that San Francisco takes its food and drink seriously. Between sets, you can enjoy michelin-quality food, local wines, and craft beers. It's the most civilized festival experience you'll find.

The fog rolling through Golden Gate Park added to the atmosphere, making it feel uniquely San Francisco. Paul McCartney playing "The Long and Winding Road" as the fog settled in - that's a memory I'll carry forever.

The Verdict

Outside Lands 2013 proved that you don't need to be in the desert or stuck in a field to have an incredible festival experience. Golden Gate Park provided the perfect setting, the lineup was diverse and stacked, and the local food culture elevated the entire experience.

If you've never been to Outside Lands, add it to your list. It's everything a music festival should be.