Right when Outside Lands tickets were released, my boyfriend asked if I wanted to go. I didn’t really know any of the bands and am not a fan of being smooshed up against a bunch of sweaty people grinding to songs I didn’t know. So, I opted out. As the excitement for the music festival resonated through San Francisco, I was a little bummed (and the boyfriend was even more bummed).

Naturally, Suki sent me a GChat message last Thursday: “Hey Lauren, would you be interested in a press pass to Outside Lands this weekend?”

Uhh…You can’t really say no to a press pass to a completely sold out music festival, right?

I prepared. I could only go on Saturday, so I looked up all of the bands and listened to a few of their songs. I knew I was stoked for Girl Talk. I was most excited to see Trina and Julie who were going to Outside Lands representing The Owl Mag. These girls (and their awesome significant others) are absolutely fantastic. I also prepared what I was going to say to the boyfriend. I expected devastation.

“Hey babe…so…I got a press pass for Outside Lands!”

“Of course you did.”

Now, I’m not an avid “festie.” In fact, I’m not super fond of them. My claustrophobia plays a crucial role in my crowded space decisions. But, I had an absolute blast.

Here are the highlights:

– Macklemore rocked it.
– OK GO was a bit disappointing — I was expecting something flashy and exciting and all I got were suits in the primary colors (other than the drummer who was wearing green).
– The Black Keys were pretty decent.
– The Media Tent had a spectacular view, but ran out of cups so…no beer…
– The park was absolutely trashed.
– The bathrooms in the media area were, by far, the nicest portable restrooms I’ve ever seen.
– There was SO MUCH AWESOME FOOD. From Straw to Asqew to Ben & Jerry’s, my tummy was very happy.
– The Winelands tent was beautiful and the wine tasting was a great idea. A little pricey, though.
– MUNI was fine on the way there, but had to wait an hour after the show before even attempting to get on a bus (see above: claustrophobia).
– Girl Talk. I had mixed feelings about the performance. I love Girl Talk, and I love dancing to Girl Talk, but seeing him live was almost the equivalent of listening to the album on a huge sound system at a club.
– Walking from stage to stage is pretty tedious. Perhaps this is how all festivals are set up, but once you find a good spot at a stage, I’d like to stay there and not have to try and find a good spot at another stage.
– My friends are awesome.
– My boyfriend got in (don’t ask me how because I’m pretty sure it was illegal).
– This city is incredible.

May the rest of the story be told in photos:

Will I go back next year? If I get another press pass *wink* *wink*.