Portola Festival 2024 transforms the bay area into a glittering dance music paradise

Portola Festival, San Francisco’s premiere electronic music event in the heart of the Bay Area, returned to Pier 80 on September 28th and 29th, 2024 for its third installment, wowing attendees with a stellar selection of artists and comprehensive amenities. The sold-out 2-day festival, spanning four stages, was an incredible celebration of dance music of all genres. 

On day one, fans could take their pick of big names like Gesaffelstein, Four Tet, Jamie XX, Jessie Ware, and Rüfüs Du Sol, with their only U.S. performance of 2024. Additionally, other highlights included electric sets from Nia Archives, Neil Frances, A.G. Cook, and Snow Strippers. 

Day two of the festival featured standout performances from Fisher, Sara Landry, Disclosure, Chase & Status, Honey Dijon, and Justice–the French electro duo who were the undisputed highlight of the weekend. Other acts, like Sammy Virji, Boys Noize b2b VTSS, and horsegiirL also captivated the crowd, keeping every attendee dancing, even in the furthest corners of the frigid pier. 

Portola’s lineup has been known to blend nostalgic acts with exciting up-and-comers, notably featuring Nelly Furtado in 2023. This year was no different, boasting iconic voices like M.I.A, Peaches, Rebecca Black, and Natasha Bedingfield, whose special 15-minute hits-only set felt like a breath of fresh air. 

In addition to the impressive lineup, the festival featured a selection of delicious local food vendors, new and improved VIP lounges, and other comforts. Attendees could grab a drink at the immersive Daft Punk-themed “Robot Bar,” purchase essentials at one of many general stores, or stop by engaging sponsored lounges from brands like 818, Redbull, and Goldenvoice. The festival hosted 42,000 attendees per day, yet lines for food, bathrooms, and the indoor Warehouse Stage were extremely reasonable. 

Despite noise complaints from residents who could hear thumping bass across the Bay in Oakland and Alameda, Portola’s popularity continues to grow. The resounding success of this year has set the stage for a hopeful return next year, though the dates have yet to be announced.