While genre specific festivals are far from new, few events mix indie and mainstream electronic acts in the same way that North Coast Music Festival does.
Both of the Windy City’s other big music events, the Pitchfork Music Festival and Lollapalooza, have got a large swathe of the live music market covered, which makes it all the more surprising that another big festival could survive alongside those two notorious names.
However North Coast has picked the electronic market and gone for a broad sweep of styles rather than just sticking with one. Whether that’s a deliberate move or a result of the music tastes of five different independent promoters coming together remains to be seen but it has undoubtedly worked.
In 2012 they managed to pull off a lineup that put the likes of Girl Talk, Steve Angello, Knife Party, Steve Aoki, Big Boi and The Ratpure together. While a year earlier in 2011, Little Dragon, Major Lazer, SBTRKT, Of Montreal, David Guetta, and Bassnectar all featured on the same bill.
The festival celebrates its fifth year in 2014 and like any good anniversary celebration, North Coast have gone all out with their best lineup yet.
Few other electronic events allow you to see Future Islands, Chet Faker, Washed Out, Snoop Dogg, Kid Cudi, and Nicky Romero in the one weekend.
Check the full lineup below:
While for Aussies the end of August means looking forward to Summer, for our American friends it’s about celebrating the last of the warmer months. Which of course means the crowds are going to be twice as enthusiastic as they usually would.
If you need some visuals to convince you of your attendance, take a peek at the 2013 after movie and read on for our 5 step guide to the event.
1. Book Ahead Before It’s Too Late
The last weekend of August is just around the corner and tickets to North Coast 2014 aren’t likely to be around for long. GA tickets are currently being sold at US $149 (About $158 AUD) for a three day pass, which will eventually increase to $169 and then $189 as allocations are exhausted. Secure your tickets here! Otherwise perhaps you’re feeling a bit VIP? Express entry, VIP lounges, reserved viewing stands and lounge seating, air conditioned rest rooms, and cell phone charging is all worth $279 (AU $295) at the time of writing with increases depending on how well the tickets sell. Once you’ve got your ticket, pay a visit to your flight agent (or appropriate website) and book some airfares.
2. Accommodation In Chicago
Chicago’s hostels and hotels are frequently inundated with festival-goers in the Summer so most places should be well suited for travellers like you. 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.
3. Getting To The Festival
It’s easy peasy. Depending on where you’re staying in Chicago you may be able to walk, bike, or take public transport to Union Park – located at 1501 W Randolph St. You can plan your journey via Chicago CTA, PaceBus and MetraRail.
4. Stay Tuned For After Parties Announcements
While after parties more often than not satisfy those who have missed out on tickets, it’s always great to be given the option of continuing the festive attitude late into the night. While DJs sets allow for something a little bit different it can be a great chance to juxtapose a band’s festival set with a venue gig. Last year the likes of Afrojack, A-Trak, AlunaGeorge and Passion Pit DJs all continued after the main event. Keep an eye out for the festival’s website for announcements closer to the festival date.
5. Stick Around To Experience Chicago’s Revered Music Scene
Chicago is hailed as one of the greatest music cities in North America and there’s plenty there to experience for music fans. World-class record stores, music festivals and venues along with some incredible history is all waiting to be soaked up in the city. There’s a lot to choose from, but luckily we prepared this city guide earlier to help you decide where to go first.
Follow this way for our guide to Chicago’s music scene.
Need more information? Head to the official North Coast website for the answers to all your questions.
