Written by Sason Bishope Parry
San Francisco, the vibrant city synonymous with innovation and creativity, once again transformed into an electrifying epicenter of sound and style for the 3rd annual Portola Music Festival. Held over two immersive days, September 28 and 29, Portola 2024 pulled in throngs of music lovers from around the globe. Set against the stunning waterfront of Pier 80, this year’s festival offered a kaleidoscope of mind-blowing performances, cutting-edge sounds, and a community vibe that made every second an unforgettable experience.
The third edition of Portola brought together roughly 45,000 attendees per day, creating a palpable sense of anticipation for what lay ahead. With a lineup boasting over 30 artists, including heavy hitters like Justice, Disclosure, M.I.A., Fisher, Rufus Du Sol, Jamie xx, and Deltron 3030, Portola 2024 embraced the indie, alt, and exciting flavors of electronic music. The festival also threw in performances, by Rebecca Black, Jessie Ware, Natasha Bedingfield and a special appearance by Anderson Paak, making sure there was something for every musical palate.
Organized by the festival giant Goldenvoice—the same visionaries behind Coachella—and guided by Portola founder Danny Bell, this year’s edition brought a uniquely curated experience to the Bay, blending industrial edge with the glitz of world-class production.
As Bell put it: “The fun thing with this festival is that it’s gotta be just enough unhinged. It’s dance music focused, and then you can go wherever from there.”
A Feast for the Senses: Where Industrial Meets Art
From the moment festival-goers stepped into Pier 80, they were transported into a sensory playground. A colossal disco ball suspended from a shipping crane cast shimmering lights across the crowd, setting the tone for a weekend of unrestrained celebration. The industrial grit of the pier provided the perfect backdrop for neon-lit walkways, immersive art installations, and stages that looked like something out of a futuristic rave dream. Pier 80’s raw, warehouse-style aesthetic combined with avant-garde stage designs to create an environment that felt at once gritty and spectacular—an unmistakable nod to the underground rave culture that pulses through Portola’s veins.
Justice: A Thunderous Return
Among the weekend’s most anticipated acts, none held the spotlight like Justice. The French electronic duo’s return to the stage was nothing short of legendary. As soon as Xavier de Rosnay and Gaspard Augé appeared, their iconic glowing white cross lit up the night, signaling the start of something magical. Kicking off with a revamped, extended
version of their track “Genesis,” Justice immediately dialed the crowd into a state of collective euphoria.
Surrounded by a towering, hypnotic lighting rig that pulsed with each beat, Justice delivered a set filled with their most beloved tracks from their Cross album, interwoven with fresh material from Hyperdrama. Their mastery of distortion-heavy synths, chest-thumping bass, and hypnotic visuals made this performance a visceral experience. Fans were lost in a sea of neon lights and booming rhythms as the duo led them on a journey through their soundscapes.
M.I.A.: A Theatrical Powerhouse
M.I.A., the queen of rebellion and bold statements, took the Portola stage with all the ferocity you’d expect. Decked out in a shimmering gold mesh jumpsuit and topped with a bright red bob wig, she wasted no time kicking her set into high gear with “Double Bubble Trouble.” Flanked by a troupe of energetic dancers, she turned the stage into her own personal runway of radical expression.
Her politically charged lyrics hit hard, especially on fan favorites like “Bad Girls” and her defiant anthem “Paper Planes.” As she rapped from atop the stage, M.I.A. sent a message to the masses: she wasn’t here just to entertain—she was here to make waves. Her performance was a masterclass in blending music with activism, and fans couldn’t get enough. By the time she wrapped things up with “Paper Planes,” the entire crowd was captivated, hanging on her every word and beat.
Disclosure: House Music Nirvana
If you came to dance, Disclosure’s set was your sanctuary. The British duo brought house music perfection to Portola, setting the stage ablaze with an energy that kept the crowd moving from start to finish. Opening with their infectious hit “When a Fire Starts to Burn,” brothers Guy and Howard Lawrence had the audience in their grip from the first bass drop. Their set was a perfect balance of nostalgia and innovation, flowing seamlessly between bangers like “Holding On” and the ethereal “Douha,” while live drums and keyboards added a deeper resonance to their electronic grooves.
One of the standout moments came when they urged the crowd to crouch low just before launching into a massive, heart-pounding bass drop that sent fans leaping into the air in unison. As the stage exploded with rainbow-colored visuals and thunderous beats, Disclosure delivered one of the weekend’s most euphoric moments, closing their set with the crowd favorite “Latch” and leaving fans in a state of blissful exhaustion.
Gesaffelstein: Dark, Mystical Techno
For those looking to immerse themselves in the darker side of electronic music, Gesaffelstein’s set was nothing short of an industrial masterclass. Known for his minimalist but intense style, the French producer returned to Portola with a shadowy, brooding performance that left fans breathless. Tracks like “Pursuit” and “Opr” created a haunting
atmosphere, with Gesaffelstein’s eerie synths and bone-rattling basslines reverberating through Pier 80’s cavernous halls. His set was a reminder that techno is not just a genre—it’s an experience, and Gesaffelstein’s reign as its dark prince remains unchallenged.
Deltron 3030: A Bay Area Celebration
Amid the international stars, Bay Area supergroup Deltron 3030 brought some hometown pride to the lineup. Del the Funky Homosapien, Dan the Automator, and Kid Koala turned their set into a futuristic celebration of West Coast hip-hop. Tracks like “3030” and “Positive Contact” showcased their genre-blending, sci-fi-infused sound, while the crowd’s energy proved that Deltron 3030’s status as local legends remains untouchable.
More Than Just Music: A Festival of Culture
Portola wasn’t just about music—it was a multi-sensory adventure. The festival layout was seamless, with ample room for dancing, chilling, and exploring. The disco ball, neon walkways, and intricate lighting displays made even the festival grounds feel alive with energy. An eclectic array of food vendors satisfied every craving, offering everything from local street food to gourmet bites.
The atmosphere was inclusive and diverse, with festival-goers of all ages, backgrounds, and styles coming together to celebrate their shared love of music. It was this sense of community, combined with top-tier performances, that made Portola 2024 an unforgettable experience.
A Weekend for the Books
As Portola 2024 drew to a close, it was clear that the festival had outdone itself. The lineup, the production, the vibe—everything about this year’s edition was nothing short of spectacular. With unforgettable performances and an exciting and good-vibe atmosphere, Portola has solidified its place as one of the West Coast’s premier music festivals. Here’s to more unforgettable memories at Portola 2025!
For more info on Portola Music Festival, visit: portolamusicfestival.com
