The opening day of Outside Lands wasted no time setting the tone for the weekend. Golden Gate Park came alive with the hum of bass, the shimmer of sequins, and the constant shuffle of fans racing to catch their must-see sets. By sunset, it was clear Friday wasn’t just a warm-up, it was a statement.

From virtuosic bass solos to crowd-surfing pop moments, here’s how Day 1 made its mark.

Thundercat

Armed with his signature six-string bass and an unmatched sense of groove, Thundercat kicked things into gear with a set that was as much about musicianship as it was about pure vibe. His improvisational runs had the crowd grinning and nodding in sync.

Doechii

Effortlessly blending bold style with razor-sharp delivery, Doechii commanded the stage like she owned the park. From hard-hitting rap verses to fluid R&B hooks, her set kept the audience locked in from first beat to last.

Doja Cat

Doja Cat’s headlining performance was part spectacle, part masterclass in pop star charisma. Flanked by dancers and dazzling visuals, she cycled through chart-toppers and fan favorites with ease, each track met with deafening cheers.

Role Model

With wry humor and a knack for hooks that stick, Role Model delivered one of the day’s most unexpectedly massive crowds. Between playful banter and heartfelt ballads, his set had fans swaying one minute and belting lyrics the next.

Photos by Dan Garcia