Electronic music fans flocked to San Francisco on September 28 and 29, 2024, for the third edition of Portola Music Festival.
Captivating audiences from across the nation, the festival was marked by high energy, a vibrant atmosphere, vast indie-electronic performances, and hundreds of shiny disco balls. The ambiance of Pier 80, combined with the temperate climate of the Bay Area, proved to be the perfect duo for a relaxing yet captivating weekend of music.
Attendees left the weekend star-struck and with full hearts. Read EDM Maniac’s full report of the 2024 event below.
Vibes: B+
Portola Music Festival diverged significantly from the familiar PLUR vibes often associated with the festival scene. Trading kandi and trinkets were noticeably limited, and the totem ban further hindered the sense of community that festival-goers typically cherish. While attendees eventually found camaraderie once they settled into their stage spots, the initial atmosphere felt somewhat stifled and isolating.
Beyond the prevailing sense of isolation, there was a notable undercurrent of rudeness among some attendees. “Excuse me” was scarcely exchanged in crowds, and some chose to push their way through the masses without regard for those around them.
Where a sense of community was lacking between audience members, an upbeat, groovy ambiance prevailed. With performances from DJ Pee Wee (Anderson .Paak‘s vinyl spinning alias), Busy P (with Braxe + Falcon), Disclosure, and Rüfüs Du Sol, the musical blueprint was effortlessly laid out for attendees to boogie down, sing, and be present in the moment. The artists of Rüfüs Du Sol were especially appreciative of the energy brought by the crowd, commenting mid-performance, “Portola, this crowd is amazing. The least amount of phones we’ve ever seen.”
Genuine connection and support between performers throughout the weekend was a sweet touch to the uplifting aura. UK alternative electronic DJ Four Tet was spotted swaying along to dance-pop icon Natasha Bedingfield‘s performance in the crowd.
Portola is ideal for an intimate group of friends seeking a laid-back atmosphere to unwind and soak in quality music. Expansive connections are unlikely to be made to grow your rave fam.
Production: B
The standout feature of Portola Music Festival’s production was its exceptional sound quality. The audio delivery was seamless, with no major hiccups throughout the event. Remarkably, there was minimal sound bleed between stages, ensuring that each act could shine in its own right.
While the sound quality at the Portola Music Festival was undeniably impressive, the stage designs fell short of expectations. Many performances lacked distinctive visual displays, with the stages appearing rather plain and uninspired.
The one exception was the Warehouse stage. The Warehouse is a Portola staple. A shed once used at the original Pier 80, the Warehouse has lived many lives, from a temporary homeless shelter to the headquarters of a billionaire’s yacht racing club to now a techno paradise during Portola weekend. The Warehouse embodies the environment of the Bay Area’s underground scene: a dark and sweat-soaked atmosphere with vibrant lasers contrasting the deep background and fast-paced BPMs.
Portola opted to pass on any additional frills to production, leaving sets without pyro or CO2 cannons. Headlining act Gesaffelstein concluded their performance with a modest display of fireworks that left many attendees questioning whether they were even intended for the crowd, given their diminutive size and the fact that they barely rose above the stage.
While the viewing experience may have been average, the artists’ performances and on-stage presence undeniably compensated for it. DJ Pee Wee infused the stage with a funky 70s vibe, captivating the audience with his infectious energy. Meanwhile, the French duo Gesaffelstein and Justice elevated the atmosphere with their live DJ sets, dazzling the crowd in striking chrome and gold sequined attire. Their visually stunning presentation complemented their dynamic sound, creating an engaging spectacle that drew festival-goers in and made for memorable moments throughout the event.
Portola will never compare to a festival like Electric Forest or Shambhala, whose focus is art-forward, and the stage structures are more permanent. Still, nothing ever felt overly underwhelming or boring.
Music: A
Meticulously curated and thoughtfully crafted, the Portola lineup enticed us from when it was released. The eclectic mix of predominantly house and techno artists highlighted the best in electronic music. It fostered a sense of excitement and anticipation, drawing in attendees eager to lose themselves in the rhythm and revelry.
Impressively, Portola invited various artists who aren’t often seen together on festival lineups or excluded from lineups altogether due to a hiatus in touring schedules. Of these acts, Gesaffelstein, Justice, and Soulwax emerged as the most highly anticipated sets for the weekend from various attendees we spoke to. These artists captivated the audience with their masterful live production that seamlessly blended rock and alternative influences with electronic sounds.
The lineup departed so far from the norm that it was our first time seeing live performances from a handful of artists on the roster, an impressive feat to overcome. In a landscape where festival lineups often feel repetitive, Portola succeeded in creating a uniquely breathtaking catalog while celebrating the Bay Area’s deep-rooted history with music and marrying the dynamics of electronic music, disco, and the underground warehouse scene.
Natasha Bedingfield’s 15-minute slotted performance on Saturday night provided a high-energy nostalgic set that reinvigorated the crowd for the rest of the night. Complementing Natasha’s vibrant performance the following night was Sara Landry’s electrifying hard techno set that packed a punch and left the audience buzzing to close out the Warehouse on Sunday night.
Rüfüs Du Sol graced the stage for their only North American performance of the year at Portola, providing a special treat for fans eager to experience their unique sound in an unforgettable setting. Together, these performances contributed to a dynamic weekend, leaving a lasting impression on attendees and making for a memorable music festival.
Venue: A-
As mentioned before, the Warehouse stage was our favorite stage for succumbing to a techno trance, but other aspects of Pier 80 popped off, too. Towering cranes and large cargo ships adorned the festival grounds, adding to the gritty atmosphere that defines the festival. Part of us wished Goldenvoice had capitalized on the structures that were already present, perhaps projection mapping local graffiti on the cargo ships or garnishing the cranes with neon lights.
Activations and sponsorships added highlights to the festival grounds. Features included a Daft Punk-inspired speakeasy bar, an 818 Tequila airstream bar, and delightful photo booth opportunities to escape the crowds and make special memories.
Pier 80’s dimensions were expertly suited to accommodate the daily crowds of 42,000 attendees. While the Pier stage, Portola’s main attraction, could feel cramped during headlining performances, the other stages offered a spacious and inviting atmosphere. Navigating between stages was quick and effortless.
During the event, the temperate Bay Area weather was another delightful aspect after a hot California summer. Set against the backdrop of the water, Pier 80 offered a refreshingly relaxed atmosphere that allowed attendees to enjoy the music without the discomfort of excessive heat.
Overall: A
It was the uncommon and exclusive musical performances that truly caught our attention and emerged as the highlight of the Portola lineup. We love that Portola curates a roster of artists that sets it apart from other festivals, consistently delivering unique experiences that are hard to find elsewhere. This commitment to showcasing diverse talent will undoubtedly keep us returning year after year, eager to discover new sounds and celebrate the artists who push the boundaries of electronic music.
Although people may not have been the politest at Portola, the ambiance and vibe were uplifting and fun. Unlike many other festivals, there was no sense of urgency to navigate through dense crowds or endure unbearable heat. Instead, the weekend felt like a refreshing getaway in the heart of San Francisco, offering the chance to witness once-in-a-lifetime performances.
Portola may not be a typical festival experience with exotic rave costumes, neon lights at every corner, and art installations to fuel your side quests. Still, it is a distinct festival worth checking out.
Featured image courtesy of Portola Music Festival via Scott Hutchinson
