Pitchfork, the online music publication behind Pitchfork Music Festival that’s now part of men’s magazine GQ, was once the beacon for music journalism, and the Chicago festival wasn’t far behind. Called the “record-collecting, alt, much cooler, visually and sonically pleasing sister” to Lollapalooza, the Pitchfork fest takes place just a few weeks before Lolla. This year it’s headlined by Jamie xx, Alanis Morissette and Black Pumas.
In the past, Pitchfork’s lineup was influenced by the tastes of Pitchfork’s writers which usually provided interesting results. Despite the layoffs in January that were in tandem with the GQ merge, the festival’s lineup includes Yaeji, a DJ and singer who mixes Korean and English in a mellowed hip-hop and house sound, and Sudan Archives, the stage name of Brittney Denise Parks, a violinist and singer particularly influenced by African violin and fiddle playing styles. They’ll all play across three stages at Union Park.
That’s not to say the festival isn’t changing already. Some fans dislike this year’s new VIP tier, an addition that places Pitchfork alongside other festivals offering premium viewing areas, express lines for amenities and dedicated lounge spaces. They haven’t abandoned all sense of the indie festival, however: as a VIP, you can have a tarot card reading, and regular features of past years all remain. You can browse the vinyl shop, walk through the craft and posters fairs and feast on gluten-vegan-vegetarian friendly bites from local restaurants amidst the other casual tee and tattoo-clad attendees
The Specs
- 60,000 people attend annually
- There are 1-day and 3-day passes available for General Admission, Plus and VIP, starting at $109 all the way up to $729
- Check out Fifty Grande’s guides to Chicago here.
FAQs
Where is the festival located?
Union Park in Chicago, IL.
What is the closest airport to the festival?
Chicago O’Hare International Airport is located about 30 minutes away from the venue.
Is the Pitchfork Music Festival ADA-accessible?
Yes. Each stage has a designated ADA viewing area, in addition to accessible ramps and entryways at both gates.
Which artists are on the Pitchfork Music Festival 2024 lineup?
Black Pumas, Jamie xx, Alanis Morissette, Jai Paul, 100 gecs, Jeff Rosenstock, Yaeji, Sudan Archives, Amen Dunes, billy woods & Kenny Segal, Tkay Maidza, Doss, ML Buch, Rosali, Angry Blackmen, Black Duck, Carly Rae Jepsen, Jessie Ware, De La Soul, UNWOUND, Bratmobile, Wednesday, Water From Your Eyes, Sweeping Promises, feeble little horse, Hotline TNT, Kara Jackson, L’Rain, Lifeguard, Brittany Howard, MUNA, Grandmaster Flash, Les Savy Fav, Crumb, Jessica Pratt, Mannequin Pussy, Hailu Mergia, Model/Actriz, Nala Sinephro, Maxo, Joanna Sternberg and Akenya.
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