Portola 2023

Every heady fan of alternative pop and leftfield electronic music has been dreaming of a festival to cater to their specific and oftentimes snobby taste since they were little kids. A festival completely absent of any commercial appeal, where no bubble-headed newbies will mess up the pristine dancefloor vibes. Well, Portola is that festival.

Coming back to Pier 80 in San Francisco for its second edition on Saturday, September 30, and Sunday, October 1, this weekend extravaganza once again offers everything a mature music fan wants.

Simply put, this event is lineup-fist. Where it’s commonplace for other festivals to leverage ticket sales against glamorous VIP amenities and myriad “experiences” like carnival rides and commercial brand activations, Portola’s lure is based on music and music alone.

The headliners themselves already do quite a good job of getting old-school fans through the gates.

On Saturday, Eric Prydz is topping the bill with his always epic HOLO set. California fans were treated to this performance at Coachella back in April (Portola is another production from Goldenvoice, which puts on Coachella), but now the progressive legend will be the main attraction. There is little doubt he’ll devise new visual spectacles to venture out into the crowd for this slot.

Then on Sunday, Skrillex will be playing his first solo-festival headlining set since the release of his two albums, Quest For Fire and Don’t Get Too Close earlier this year.

Now, Skrillex might not seem like the headiest, alternative electronic artist out there, but after the last few months of playing joint sets with Four Tet and Fred Again.. (the latter of which caused the warehouse stage to close at Portola last year because it was so packed) he has proven he can hold his own amongst the more subtle side of dance music. Combine that with his tried and true festival bangers and this will be a set to remember.

Rounding out the lineup are various impressive talents like Charlotte De Witte, Labrinth, Underworld, Thundercat, and a Hybrid set from Carl Cox. Plus, the industrial setting of Pier 80 will provide a no-frills approach, clearing away any distractions from the intricate music and the wonderful people there to enjoy it.