Nonprofits bring The Mission to Outside Lands for activism, voter engagement

Outside Lands Music Festival in San Francisco successfully integrated civic engagement into its 2025 event, attracting several nonprofit organizations. HeadCount, a nonpartisan group, recorded 2,001 voter actions, including 172 new registrations, emphasizing the importance of engaging young voters. The festival's theme centered on activism and collective action, with organizations like Run For Something Civics targeting individuals under 40 who aspire to run for office. Senior director Kandice Harris highlighted the youth's dissatisfaction with elected officials and their desire for community change. Amnesty International also drew attention, facilitating petition signing for various human rights issues.

Volunteers reported significant interest from festival-goers eager to participate in social causes. The event offered a unique opportunity to inspire civic participation, particularly among attendees aged 18 to 28. Overall, the festival demonstrated the potential of music events as platforms for social activism and voter engagement.