Attendees pose with Ranger Dave and Ranger Ruth at Outside Lands in San Francisco on Oct. 29, 2021. Adam Pardee/STAFF.

SAN FRANCISCO — The last time San Francisco staged an outdoor music festival in October, torrential rain pummeled Treasure Island several years ago, stalling multiple sets and sending thousands home disappointed. A difference of one week would have possibly led to an even worse catastrophe at Outside Lands 2021, which was postponed from its original August dates to Halloween weekend. But the only residual effects of last week’s “bomb cyclone” at Golden Gate Park on Friday was mud.

For the thousands who showed up in Golden Gate Park, many in Halloween costumes, the experience appears to have gone swimmingly.

“August is super foggy,” said Sarah Natale of San Francisco, pointing out that every year people come dressed for Coachella and get a rude surprise from the weather. “It was probably better to do it in October, anyway.”

Natale, who attended with Bryn Carlson, also of San Francisco, said the bus ride to the grounds itself was balmy.

The first half of the day was very summery. Then, Karla the Fog showed up at exactly 4:45 p.m. and within five minutes, the festival grounds were shrouded in a heavy white mist the rest of the day. Some precipitation fell, but it never got cold; at least not colder than a typical day at Outside Lands in August.

While Natale and Carlson were most excited to catch Kehlani and J. Balvin this weekend, Jose Marron of Sacramento showed up early on Friday for Tyler, The Creator. Though he was sans costume on the festival’s first day, he already had a costume in mind for Sunday: A San Francisco Giants player.

“It’s nice to be able to dress up,” Marron, 21, said.

The 21-year-old said he was happy with how the festival was organized and how it prioritized safety, a thought shared by everyone we spoke with on Friday. Though most people were not wearing masks, everyone had to show proof of vaccination or recent negative COVID-19 test results. Testing was also offered nearby for anyone who showed up with neither.

Even if illness was on the top of people’s minds, those who attended on Friday had weighed their risks.

“You signed up for that [by coming],” said Ashley Kokesh, who attended the fest with Jed Hale. Both live in the city. “I got my booster already.”

Hale was dressed up as a very genuine Ted Lasso, and Kokesh, a former teacher, raided her costume box for flower child attire.

“I hate Halloween, so this gives us something to do,” Kokesh said. Hale, who was most looking forward to seeing The Strokes, Lizzo and Jessia, added that Outside Lands traditionally falls on his birthday, so it was nice knowing that his friends would be around on his birthday last August.

If there was any concern that hadn’t been discussed ad nauseam, it’s the season, Marron pointed out.

“Gotta be smart with my money; the holiday season is coming up,” he said.