An Inside Guide to Outside Lands

Located only seven miles from The Harrison, Outside Lands is undoubtedly one of San Francisco’s most iconic music festivals. Read on to learn everything you need to know about this popular three-day event.

History of the Festival

The origins of Outside Lands can be traced back to 2008, when the British alternative rock band Radiohead performed the first-ever after-dark concert in Golden Gate Park. Over the past 13 years, it has become one of the most anticipated music festivals in the Bay Area. Nearly 210,000 people from across the country attend this vibrant annual three-day concert. An array of artists have performed on the main stage under the century old canopy of trees on the Polo Field. This includes notable figures, such as Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Lorde and many more talented artists.

When and Where 

Outside Lands takes place at the iconic Golden Gate Park. Due to the sheer size of the festival, the event spans across Polo Field, Hellman Hollow and Speedway Meadow. Although Outside Lands typically occurs in early August, this year it will take place from October 29-31. 

This Year’s Talent 

Every year, Outside Lands draws people from all over the country to see a talented array of artists, and this year’s lineup is one to impress. Headliners include The Strokes, Lizzo and Tame Impala. Other musical talents include Glass Animals, Kehlani, Tyler the Creator and many more. Check out the Outside Lands 2021 lineup to see who is performing on what days.

Festival Food and Drinks 

Get ready to experience the best of Bay Area food without ever leaving the festival. Over 85 Bay Area restaurants and vendors are represented here, including plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. From  award-winning Cambodian cuisine to mouthwatering delicious tacos, there’s something to satisfy your every craving. If you’re looking for a drink to accompany your meal, be sure to swing by Wine Lands (featuring some of the best wineries from NorCal) or Beer Lands (a celebration of the Bay Area’s always-evolving craft brewing company). 

What Else You Need to Know

Keep in mind that parking in and around the festival is extremely limited, which means that it’s a good idea to leave your car at home. Instead, most festival attendees rely on walking, riding a bike, or public transportation. Since you’ll be walking a lot, comfortable shoes should be a priority. Don’t forget to wear layers or pack some extra blankets to keep you warm in the cool breeze and fog. You also might want to download the official Outside Lands app, where you can find the latest festival updates, a detailed map of the grounds and a friend-finder location. This app is especially helpful for first time attendees.

4 Spooky Halloween Events to Attend in San Francisco

The countdown for Halloween has officially begun, and San Francisco is the place to be for this year’s spooky festivities. Read on to learn more about four not-to-miss Halloween events  in San Francisco this year. 

Ghost Tours

Immerse yourself in this year’s Halloween festivities by participating in the San Francisco Ghost Hunt Tour. A beloved favorite by visitors and locals alike, the tour allows you to walk into San Francisco’s strange past and learn about some of its most notorious haunted places. Plus, this event takes place five minutes away from The Harrison, which means you can get there in no time.

Dinner Detective Halloween Show 

Get ready to put on your thinking cap when you attend The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show. This event takes place at Le Meridien Hotel, located a mile away from The Harrison. Solve a mystery while enjoying a delicious four-course plated dinner. The mystery is sure to keep you on your toes as you hurry to solve the whodunit before it’s too late. Just don’t forget to book your tickets in advance.

Halloween Hoopla

Slither and crawl your way over to Halloween Hoopla, taking place on October 30. Located at the Yerba Buena Gardens, this festive event has been a part of the San Francisco community for the past 20 years. The event is open to kids under 10 and their adults. You can look forward to an afternoon of fun performances and activities. Bust out your costumes and join the fun.

Family Halloween Day

If you’re looking for another family-friendly event, then make plans to attend Family Halloween Day at the Randall Museum, located four miles from The Harrison. The event takes place on October 30 and is jam packed with an array of fun and spooky activities. Be sure to participate in the Ghoulish Games and the Creepy Crafts. Admission is limited and reservations are required, so don’t wait to register in advance.

Residence 32F: A Lavish One-Bedroom Retreat Set to Marina Views

From The Harrison’s remaining available residences comes this beautiful one-bedroom floor plan with 58 square feet of balcony space and sweeping views of the marina framed by floor-to-ceiling windows. This residence captivates with supreme interior design finishes, inclusive of diagonal-planked Siberian Oak floors, polished white slab Carrara marble countertops and unlacquered Waterworks brass fixtures. Set high above the city, yet moments from San Francisco’s most sought-after restaurants, shops and local attractions, this residence realizes a luxurious urban lifestyle marked by five-star amenities, 24/7 concierge services and inimitable details selected by renowned designer Ken Fulk.

The entry foyer’s grand hallway, ideal for displaying an extensive art collection, draws you forth to the kitchen—complete with Studio Becker Ash Molina cabinetry, polished Carrara marble counters and Bertazzoni and Subzero appliances. Onward from the kitchen, the dining and living rooms captivate with floor-to-ceiling windows and access to an expansive balcony space, which serves as the perfect setting to unwind and revel in the far-reaching marina views that captivate below.

Four Must-Visit Escapes to Nature Nearby The Harrison

There’s little that’s more refreshing than escaping from the everyday routine and connecting with nature. Set in the heart of San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood, The Harrison provides residents quick access to both coveted city attractions and an abundance of green retreats. Whether it’s down the street or across the bay, read on to learn about four ways to immerse in nature. 

1. Muir Woods

Located just across the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County, Muir Woods spans over 585 acres. This park, which is home to some of the last standing ancient redwood forests, has been a National Monument for over 100 years. To make it even more impressive, some of the trees in the park date back nearly 1,000 years. Muir Woods is home to 380 different plants and animals, making it a great place to experience wildlife of all kinds.

Notes: Pay your entry fee and book a parking reservation ahead of time at GoMuirWoods.com. Pets are not allowed in Muir Woods. Masks are required outdoors, regardless of vaccination status.

2. Baker Beach

Nestled just below the Presidio’s western shoreline, Baker Beach is another spot that you don’t want to miss. Located only seven miles from The Harrison, this serene beach is a perfect place to escape from the hustle-and-bustle of the city to watch the waves and breathe the salty air. If you’re an early riser, get there before dawn, lay out a blanket, dig your toes into the sand and watch the sunrise over the Golden Gate.

3. Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

A short 20-minute drive from The Harrison is Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park. The 1,077-acre regional park offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as exploring on one of the many hiking trails, enjoying a quiet walk among the 150-foot redwoods, or embarking on an overnight camping trip in the wilderness.

Notes: Overnight reservations are strongly encouraged, as slots can fill up quickly. You can book a campsite or cabin online or by calling 1-888-327-2757. Dogs are allowed. Pay attention to park rules for on- and off-leash regulations.

4. Mount Tamalpais (Mt. Tam)

More commonly known as Mt. Tam among locals, Mount Tamalpais State Park is another Marin County landmark. It is home to over 50 hiking trails, ranging from easy hikes suitable for the whole family to challenging hikes for experienced hikers. There are also opportunities for camping and wheelchair-accessible viewpoints.

Notes: Camping is available on a first come, first serve basis. Leashed dogs are allowed only in developed areas, such as paved roads and campgrounds. They are not allowed on trails, dirt roads, and backcountry areas.

A Local’s Guide to San Francisco Fleet Week

Fleet Week—which honors the contributions of the individuals of the United States Armed Forces—has been a cherished San Francisco tradition for the past forty years. This multi-day event is packed with exciting air shows, ship tours and more while providing a rich education to both residents and military personnel. Held from October 4–11, this year’s lively happenings will take place all over the western side of the city. Read on to discover some of the top events you can look forward to.

San Francisco Fleet Week Air Show

Friday, October 8 through Sunday, October 10
Get tickets here for guaranteed seating and the best views.

Attending the air show is an experience that you won’t soon forget. As the highlight of Fleet Week, the air show attracts people from across the country. It is the only air show in the country with a commercial plane (the United 777), as well as the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the USAF F-35 Demo Team.

Visiting Ship Tours

Wednesday, October 6 through Thursday, October 7 and Saturday, October 9 through Monday, October 11
Free of charge; first come, first serve

Full schedule and visiting info here

Want to get a glimpse into the daily life of a sailor on a military ship? Over the course of the week, you’ll have the opportunity to climb aboard a carrier from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and the Royal Australian Navy.

Parade of Ships

Friday, October 8
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Event info here

Taking place along the San Francisco waterfront, visitors can enjoy the largest parade of ships on the West Coast. Head somewhere with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge to take in the views up close-and-personal. The parade typically showcases the San Francisco Fire Department’s fire boat, followed by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. This year’s parade will also feature the Royal Australian Navy. Due to U.S. Navy security protocol, you’ll have to wait until the day of to see the participating ships.

K-9 Heroes

Duboce Park
Saturday, October 9, 2021 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Head over to Duboce Park to meet and honor the canine heroes of the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Marine Corps, S.F.P.D., S.F.F.D., San Francisco and Alameda County Sheriffs, various search and rescue teams and more. This family-event event is an opportunity for the canines to showcase their abilities, such as therapy tasks and food detection. 

For a full list of events, ticketing info and more, visit the official SF Fleet Week site.