In its fourth (and final?) year, Outside Lands Festival returns to 3 day schedule

This summer will mark the third fourth – and possibly final – year for the annual Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park. Organizers announced this week that they’ll return to the three day format for the event, with the festival running from Friday, August 12 through Sunday, August 14, 2011.

Last year, organizers had trouble finding a headliner for their Friday night slot, so they cut the festival to two days. Headliners for last year’s event included Kings of Leon, The Strokes, Phoenix and Social Distortion.

Festival neighbors were pleased with the reduction in days last year. The Richmond District Police Department reported fewer neighbor complaints about noise and parking issues. The biggest story from the festival were the frisky fence jumpers during Chromeo’s set (see video above).

The Outside Lands Festival is a big moneymaker for the Recreation & Parks Department. According to the SF Examiner, they’ll collect $1.05 million for rent and $1 per ticket or 10% of ticket sales for hosting the 3-day festival in Golden Gate Park.

No word yet on whether promoter Another Planet Entertainment will bring the festival back after 2011.

UPDATE: The Examiner now reports that festival co-producer Allen Scott, VP of Another Planet says they “plan on doing this festival for the next 20 plus years.” So expect a new multi-year lease for the event after this year’s festival.

Headliners for the 2011 festival have not yet been announced. But for those who already know they want to go, Eager Beaver 3-day passes go on sale this Friday at 12noon for $149.50.

Who do you want to see in this year’s lineup?

Sarah B.