Pitchfork Music Festival 2023: The Weekend In Photos [Gallery/Videos]

Pitchfork Music Festival returned to Chicago’s Union Park over the weekend for a summit of some of independent music’s best and brightest. The gathering of indie darlings favored by the publication Pitchfork anchored its lineup with top sets by The Smile, Big Thief, and a festival-closing performance by Bon Iver.

Despite going up against two nights of Beyoncé at nearby Soldier Field, Pitchfork still drew tens of thousands of fans to Union Park across Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. On day two, however, the festival faced the same problem as Queen Bey when lightning storms forced Pitchfork attendees to temporarily evacuate the park (Beyoncé went on an hour-long rain delay) but in both cases, the show went on. While the rain delays forced the cancellation of sets from Snail Mail and Panda Bear & Sonic Boom, rising indie songstress Weyes Blood used the precipitation to her advantage for a cinematic set capitalizing on her music’s inherent sentimentality.

In addition to big-name acts like Alvvays, Perfume Genius, King Krule, Killer Mike, and many others, Pitchfork also made sure to highlight an array of local artists. A 17-year staple of Chicago, Pitchfork Festival connected to its local roots with sets from jazz-rapping Japanese expat Sen Morimoto, producer JLIN, funka hop poet Ric Wilson, post-punks Deeper, and more.

In the end, it was indie-rock poster child Bon Iver that delivered the final blow at Pitchfork. Bandleader Justin Vernon captured the festival lethargy perfectly as he empathized, “I know you’re tired,” toward the end of the band’s set. Aided by multiple drummers and his ace backing band, Bon Iver pushed through the final moments of Pitchfork 2023 and ended the festival on a high note.

Check out a collection of images from the 2023 edition of Pitchfork Festival in Chicago, courtesy of photographer Brett Bergen, along with an array of videos.

The Smile – Pitchfork Music Festival – Chicago, IL – 7/21/23 – Full Set