We love to see our favorite Latine acts represent our communities in U.S.-based music festivals–especially one that’s been around for over 10 years. Which festival’s next on our summer bucket list? The Bay Area’s Outside Lands at the iconic Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, CA, on Aug. 11 to 13.
San Francisco’s Outside Lands is jam-packed with over 60 musical acts across three days. This year, it’s even more special. The prominent festival will celebrate its 15th anniversary, with major headliners and emerging artists set to bring their diverse genres on stage.
Here’s the general rundown. On Friday (Aug. 11), Kendrick Lamar, Zedd, and Janelle Monáe will be headlining. Other artists on the roster include Interpol, J.I.D., Cuco, WILLOW, and aespa. On Saturday (Aug. 12), the Foo Fighters, Lana Del Rey, and Maggie Rogers are the night’s closing acts. Father John Misty, L’Impératrice, Alvvays, Orville Peck, and Mariah the Scientist are also slated to perform. Lastly, the final headliners on Sunday (Aug. 13) are Odesza, The 1975, and Megan Thee Stallion. Other major acts that day include Lil Yachty and Soccer Mommy.
Phew, sounds like a lot, doesn’t it? While the abundant list of performers runs long, we’ve got you covered with our hand-picked selections to make this massive festival worth your dollars. That way, you can navigate the festival’s main stages — Lands End, Twin Peaks, and Sutro — and their niche offerings, such as the EDM-focused SOMA Tent, like a total expert.
So get there early, remember to hydrate, and prepare to enjoy a wide range of musical offerings this year. From the experimental Chicano artist Eddie Zuko to the Bay Area’s own emerging post-punk band Fake Fruit, here are six Latine and non-Latine acts you should check out and why you shouldn’t miss them at Outside Lands this year.
Eddie Zuko
Between us, Imperial Valley’s Eddie Zuko is one of today’s most interesting Chicano artists. The Mexican-American artist creates a soundscape melting pot, mixing rap, reggae, lo-fi rap, experimental, and old-school samples topped with bilingual lyrics narrating relatable anecdotes. And he’s not your one-hit TikTok wonder either; his current success is backed by a decade of hustling and crafting his own sound, influenced by rap, hip-hop, and alternative pop. He’s now enjoying the fruits of his labor and performing sold-out shows across the U.S. At Zuko’s set, you can expect an energetic performance of reggae tunes and hip-hop samples, as well as witnessing die-hard fans echoing his current single, “Still.” Bottom line: this distinctive set is aimed at the bilingual crowd looking for new, experimental music to vibe with. It’s also perfect for those who identify as both American and Latine. And, like the emerging artist himself, are proud of being pocho.
La Doña
While some artists stay in one designated genre, others are passionate about experimenting with just about any type of music bracket. Such is the case of San Francisco’s La Doña, born Cecilia Cassandra Peña-Govea, who is hands down a complete badass. Sonically, she dabs in multiple genres like reggaeton, rancheras, rumba, and cumbia. And who better to represent the 415 at a Bay Area festival than a Chicana born there? Her performances are for those looking for that extra boost in confidence, all while grooving to rhythmic Latine folklore and modern beats. One thing about La Doña is that she has music for just about anyone and with a clear message of empowerment and feminism. You can expect a bilingual mesh of reggaeton, folk, trumpet-driven music, hip-hop, and mariachi-dipped music. What can we say? She has a lot to offer.
Trixie Mattel
Now listen: Pride Month might be over, but celebrating LGBTQIA+ artists is a year-round thing on our watch. And what better way to continue celebrating than with Trixie Mattel’s highly-energetic spirit on stage? With her hilarious, unmatched energy and high-camp glamorous fashion, it’s hard not to add her to our must-see performers at this year’s festival. There’s just something about her detailed pop-of-color makeup, extravagant blonde wigs, and retro fashion statements that will make you look closer at her to make sure she’s real. If that’s not enough, she recently released her newest single, “Looking Good, Feeling Gorgeous,” a go-to anthem to feel as confident as ever as soon as the bop begins. The song shows her versatility, given that fans are used to her folk and Americana tunes, which only makes her more of a spectacle to look forward to. Mattel is more than looks and a good performance, though. For those who don’t know, her sets are known to be comedic AF, engaging, and an all-around good time. So, why not add her to your Outside Lands schedule for Saturday? We sure know we would.
Coco & Breezy
DJ sets at festivals are so underrated, and here’s why Coco & Breezy’s DJ set is one to consider. “We love house music, R&B, and pop, and Afro-Latino grooves are a part of our DNA,” is how the Afro-Latina twin sisters describe their musical essence. With that in mind, it’s no doubt that they are one of the artists we’re looking forward to at this year’s Outside Lands’ SOMA Tent. The half-Puerto Rican DJ and producers are known to lay down their unmatched electronic sets that blend a spectrum of music from today’s popular global hits to classic Latine cuts. For Coco & Breezy’s set, expect a high-energetic, dazzling, and tasteful mix of reggaeton, pop, house, and overall global mixes that will keep you dancing throughout their set. So if you’re going to the festival—and in dire need of dancing your stress away—here’s your chance to get lost in an eccentric mix of what’s sure to be one of this year’s most exciting DJ sets.
NIKI
NIKI is having a heck of a year. She’s currently on her world tour, demonstrating Indonesia’s new wave of pop music. Her emotional set usually includes a mixture of pop ballads, sultry tunes, and sentimental R&B tunes that balance her act. She’s a true expressive lyricist, putting her heart on her sleeve and sharing lyrics that resonate with her audience. Going through a break up? She’s your go-to. Falling in love? She’s got a song for that too. Picture this: powerful vocals backed by piano chords and deep drums that describe whatever situation-ship you’re going through. As if that’s not enough, at just 24 years old, she’s already been an opening act for Taylor Swift—which only a few chosen artists can say. So, are you ready to get sentimental? If so, NIKI’s set is the one for you.
Fake Fruit
What’s better than seeing local bands in their element? There’s something about seeing them connect with their audience that sets them apart from artists who don’t live nearby. Sometimes, we’re even lucky to see emerging bands before they become huge and unreachable—which may or may not be the case for the Oakland-based band Fake Fruit. Right now, they’re one of the Bay Area’s most buzz-worthy new bands, which is a good enough reason to peek at them live. But for those who don’t care about the buzz and are more about choosing by genre, this band is all about post-punk, indie rock, and garage rock vibes. Moreover, the four-piece band gives us that certain “we’ll remember this once they’re huge” feeling upon first listening. While we can’t foresee the band’s future, what’s true is that this band’s bound to be one of this year’s most fun sets simply by their IDGAF attitude, heavy guitar riffs, and carefree attitude.