San Francisco’s signature Outside Lands music festival — well known for its wide range of food and drink as well as musical acts — returns to its regular summer schedule the first weekend in August.

Every year since its inception in 2008, the festival has continued to evolve and expand its programming, including launching Grass Lands in 2018, the first cannabis experience hosted at a major US music festival.

The music lineup for 2022 is eclectic, with headliners like Bay Area Green Day, rapper Post Malone, Weezer and R&B goddess SZA. Purple Disco Machine and Disclosure will bring the party. The program always includes budding talent, so get there as soon as the doors open to check out new artists (you can tell you’ve met them when).

Outside Lands is also an opportunity to see artists from elsewhere, such as Pussy Riot, the Russian feminist group of protest and performance art, and Lido Pimienta, a powerfully artistic Canadian-Colombian musician who rocks incredible sets (Kali Uchis is another fierce Colombian you won’t want to miss); and catch a sassy act from Kim Petras (LA via Germany). Visit Grass Lands to try the latest products from California’s top cannabis brands, then enjoy the dreamy vibe of Washed Out.

If you love dancefloor BPMs, the House by Heineken is back with DJ performances and backyard party vibes from The Far Side, Frank Moody and more, while the expanded SoMa tent will look like a underground club, with nine hours of house music and performances. every day from artists like Tokimonsta, Claude VonStroke and Detroit’s first wax lady, DJ Minx.

All that dancing and hiking around the park whets the appetite, and a lineup of Outside Lands dishes can be put together as precisely as a hit list of musical acts. This year includes 91 Bay Area restaurants and more than 300 items, the most to date. Look for newcomers like James Beard-nominated Wahpepah’s Kitchen (which serves bowls of native Bay Area vegetables) and Fowl + Fare (inspired fried chicken sandwiches), both representing Oakland, as well as Jo’s Modern Thai and their famous party wings.

The La Cocina incubator stand makes its first appearance, with a different entrepreneur on each of the three days. The fries will be in full effect with Fish-GO-Tec Crispy Fish and Chips by the folks behind Michelin-starred Lord Stanley, along with slow-roasted chicken shawarma fries from Shawarmaji, Mamahuhu’s mapo tofu fries and fries chorizo ​​sausages from The Son’s Addition.

Thirsty? Wine Lands is home to 35 small Napa and Sonoma wineries, including Ashes & Diamonds, Banshee, Marine Layer, and Scribe, as well as Mommenpop appetizers. VIPs will be able to enjoy the Wine Lands Reserve stand, with premium wine and cheese pairings, and will also find West Coast oysters.

Dave McLean, the original founder of Magnolia Brewing, curated all 30 Beer Lands breweries (try Santa Cruz’s Humble Sea and Sonoma’s Old Caz). For those looking for something stronger, Cocktail Magic will concoct special cocktails, themed drinks and… magic!

VIP tickets and boxes are ideal for groups of 10 people who wish to have their own premium relaxation area. But the really classy way is the Golden Gate Club, an ultraluxe festival experience designed by Ken Fulk, featuring a VIP Courtyard Lounge with all-day dining from chefs Nancy Oakes and Dana Younkin of Boulevard, Ravi Kapur of Good Good Culture Club and Liholiho Yacht Club, and Tyler Florence of Miller & Lux and Wayfare Tavern. Golden Gate Club members will receive an invitation to an exclusive pre-party Thursday at the elegant Saint Joseph’s Arts Society, featuring an artist from Outside Lands. Plus, at the festival, you get a goody bag, VIP viewing areas (and restrooms), a dedicated VIP entry lane, and a personal concierge, among other perks.

An unexpected bonus at Outside Lands is the quality of shopping at the West Coast Craft × Outside Lands Marketplace. Hold on to sunglasses, jewelry, cute bags and trendy vintage clothes, as well as beauty and wellness products. And this year’s lineup of artists, designers and artisans is the most diverse yet, with 50% representation from BIPOC. Rock On!

For more details, a timetable and a map, go to www.sfoutsidelands.com.