Review: Portola Music Festival 2023 Returns To San Francisco with a Stacked Lineup and Improvements
PORTOLA MUSIC FESTIVAL RETUNED TO SAN FRANCISCO, and it's safe to say that it has come a long way since its inaugural edition. This year, festival-goers were treated to an experience that was not only musically captivating but also significantly more organized. The organizers took the lessons from their first year and transformed the event into a seamless celebration of music and culture.
One of the most noticeable improvements was the festival's overall organization. Compared to its debut, this year's event showcased a remarkable increase in efficiency. Attendees could navigate the festival grounds effortlessly, and entry and exit points were well-managed, ensuring that everyone could enjoy the music without the usual festival bottlenecks (attendees of last year’s fest may recall the Fred Again… Warehouse incident).
The festival also upped its game in terms of activities and partnerships. The festival grounds had many more art installations and pop ups for fans to enjoy.
The weather proved to be typical Fall San Francisco weather - when the sun graced festival-goers with its presence, it was a picturesque scene. But when the wind picked up, it brought a chill that reminded everyone that it's still San Francisco.
This year’s lineup was carefully curated to keep the energy high throughout the weekend while showcasing more than just the popular electronic artists. Portola’s crowds prove to be unique in their general friendly attitude, making it easy to move around and fully immerse oneself in the music.
Highlights from Saturday included salute's groovy set that kicked off the weekend on a high note, and Jai Paul, whose newfound confidence shone through in his performance. Flying Lotus left the audience in awe, and Chris Lake and Armand Van Helden closed the night with a memorable B2B set.
For those who weren't quite ready to call it a night, Ninja Tune's afterparty at The Midway provided the perfect continuation of the music journey. With a fantastic lineup featuring artists like Little Dragon, Bonobo and Neil Frances, it was a great way to keep the party going.
Sunday brought its own set of musical wonders. While some fans wanted more from Sam Gallaitry's DJ set, acts like Little Simz, Thundercat, and Kavinsky kept the energy levels high. Basement Jaxx stole the show with an electrifying performance that had the best crowd of the weekend. And, of course, Skrillex closed the festival with a bang.
As the festival drew to a close, it was evident that Portola Music Festival had evolved into something special. This year showed significant improvements in terms of organization, marketing, and overall festival experience. It's safe to say that attendees are eagerly looking forward to watching this festival continue to grow and evolve in the coming years. Portola Music Festival has firmly established itself as a must-visit on the festival calendar for music lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.
