With large crowds converging on the park, transportation and traffic were top concerns for festivalgoers and city officials. Many attendees opted for public transit, scooters and rideshares rather than driving.
For some fans, the focus remained squarely on the music.
"Particularly this year for my number one, Charlie XCX. We are so blessed to have her. She is high art," said festivalgoer Jack Hebb.
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Saturday's lineup drew excitement from attendees eager to see a range of performers.
"The Strokes. Lane 8," said Anya Kolobova and Brandon Gillespie.
"We're gonna go for 'It's Murph,'" another festivalgoer said.
"I'm looking forward to hearing Dijon. It's my and my boyfriend's favorite artist right now," said Dilpreet Kaur.
"I'm really excited for Pink Pantheress. She's from the UK. She has a really fun album. I can't wait to see it," Hebb said.
The influx of festivalgoers created transportation challenges around the park.
"It's a nightmare on Fulton," said rideshare driver John Quinn.
"Uh, it's pretty bad," said festivalgoer Nicholas Cho.
Many attendees said they planned ahead to avoid traffic congestion.
"We took the bus. Public transport," one attendee said.
"We ubered," another added.
"I took a lime," a third said.
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency added extra Muni buses to accommodate the crowds.
"A shout-out all the Muni operators who are running these buses like they are working overtime. We're so lucky to be there," Hebb said. "Also, your wristband doubles as free Muni, like, you don't have to tap it. This is it. All you have to show is this."
Cho said using a scooter helped him navigate the crowds.
"I took a Lime today. You see how crazy it is? So, I figured that's going to be the best way of beating some of the crowds," he said.
Festival transportation plans also included restrictions on where rideshare vehicles and autonomous vehicles could stop near the event.
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According to festival traffic arrangements, attendees using rideshare services had to walk several blocks uphill from the festival entrance near Fulton Street and 30th Avenue to reach designated pickup areas.
Quinn said the festival generated significant business for drivers.
"Really busy with Outside Lands. 10 trips so far. I'll prob go until midnight. the city is on fire," he said.
He also referenced transportation issues with Waymos that occurred during Fourth of July celebrations.
"I know on the Fourth of July-- with them breaking down and trips taking longer," Quinn said.
Despite the transportation hurdles, many attendees said the festival remained a highlight of the summer.
"I just wanna keep coming back. It's a great, great energy," one festivalgoer said.
Organizers expect similar attendance levels as the three-day festival continues in Golden Gate Park.
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