As we wrote in our guide to this event’s younger sibling, Pitchfork Music Festival Paris, the website that runs this festival is one of the most divisive music publications on the planet. However their “foray into music festivals is nothing to argue over”.
When music promotion company, Skyline Chicago, asked Pitchfork to curate their Intonation Festival in 2005 it was a natural fit. One of America’s most cutting edge music publications organising a festival in one of the country’s most renowned music cities was a golden idea.
That event, headlined by The Decemberists, Broken Social Scene and Andrew Bird to name but a few, was successful enough not only to spawn the actual Pitchfork Music Festival in 2006, but for many to remember 2005 as its inaugural year.
That is to say the quality of the 2006 Pitchfork Music Festival lineup was sustained from the year prior. While the Intonation Music Festival ran in that same year it was clear that Pitchfork had acquired its market share as the former folded.
As the July event settled in for Chicago’s summer its lineup grew in reverence over the years. While traditionally some of the year’s most respected alternative acts were booked the additions of Yoko Ono, R.Kelly and Björk throughout its history demonstrates Pitchfork’s ability to add a few surprises in the mix.
While a comedy stage was added in 2010 other additions have included speciality fairs and the likes of 50 individual vendors, which showcase Chicago’s food and arts.
Although the most admirable aspect of Pitchfork Music Festival is that despite its brilliant lineups and popularity it remains an affordable event.
Few three-day festivals keep their ticket prices under US $200 let alone at the $130 value that Pitchfork charges.
With value like that there’s no excuse to miss the best in “new and emerging music” this July.
Lineup
With the release of the highly anticipated Morning Phase Beck will headline with event alongside Neutral Milk Hotel who are currently on the reunion trail. The third headliner comes courtesy of Kendrick Lamar with the #1 Pitchfork album of 2012 in good kid, m.A.A.d city likely to get a good workout.
The remainder of the lineup either boasts some of the best releases of last year or acts who have or will be releasing new albums in 2014.
Sun Kil Moon, St. Vincent, Sharon Van Etten, Cloud Nothings, FKA Twigs, Grimes and Real Estate are just some of the names on the bill that are likely to dominate in 2014, while Deafheaven, Earl Sweatshirt, Jon Hopkins, Mutual Benefit and Majical Cloudz are responsible for some of last year’s best releases.
Check out the rest of the lineup here.
Where And When
Pitchfork Music Festival Chicago will run from the 18th of July to the 21st in the Union Park.
How To Get There
Flights to Chicago will most likely take you via Los Angeles with airlines such as Cathay Pacific, Virgin Australia, Jet Star, Qantas, American Airlines and Delta Airlines being just some of the carriers you can choose from.
The following are a list of estimated return airfares from major Australian cities that were available at the time of writing.
Adelaide: One-stop flights are valued upwards of $2300, while two-stop journeys are worth around $2500.
Brisbane: One-stop flights are valued upwards of $2600, while two-stop journeys are worth around $2500.
Melbourne: One-stop flights are valued upwards of $2700, while two-stop journeys are worth around $2400.
Perth: One-stop flights are valued upwards of $2300, while two-stop journeys are worth around $2600.
Sydney: One-stop flights are valued upwards of $2800, while two-stop journeys are worth around $2300.
Depending on where you’re staying in Chicago you may be able to walk, bike or take public transport to Union Park.
You can plan your journey via Chicago CTA, PaceBus and MetraRail.
Where To Stay
For the best Chicago hostels we recommend Urban Holiday Lofts, Hostelling International, Getaway Hostel and IHSP.
If hotels are more your thing the likes of Central Loop Hotel, Talbott Hotel, The Hampton Inn & Suites, The Magnificent Mile and Swissotel are just some of the centrally located options you could choose from.
How To Get Tickets
Tickets for a full weekend pass are valued at US $130, while a single day pass comes in at $60.
You can purchase your tickets here.
Insider Tips & Tricks/Things You Shouldn’t Miss
As always before you head out to the event make sure you plan ahead and check out the festival’s app for set times and other handy info.
It’s important to note that there is no pass outs allowed. Which is why it’s all the more critical that you bring the essentials (sunscreen, shades, umbrella) with you.
While no food is allowed in the festival grounds you may bring in two sealed bottles of water.
Once you’re inside though and you’ve decided on the sets you can miss you should take a walk through the record store and gallery. Flatstock allows punters to purchase prints and artwork, while the CHIRP Record Fair has some limited edition vinyl on offer, just as the Book Fort sells magazines and the like. It can’t be missed!
Neither can the food and it’s not just because you’re hungry. The festival, much like Lollapalooza, showcases some of the best food from the Windy City. In previous years Goose Island beer, Big Delicious Planet, Chicago Diner and Robinson’s No.1 Ribs have provided delicious grub for festivalgoers.
Keep an ear to the ground before the festival for news on any after parties and secret club shows that the festival’s acts might be playing. If a three-day festival is unlikely to tire you out this could be a great way to cap off the weekend.
For more details head to the official Pitchfork Music Fest Chicago website.
