Pitchfork Festival Day 1: Phoebe Bridgers, Big Thief, Hop Along, & more

After 2 years and a later festival date for 2021, Pitchfork finally came back to Chicago’s Union Park. Festival-goers were required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to enter the festival, so it was no surprise that a large amount of people kept their masks on throughout the weekend. And, for the first time in years, there were no massive thunderstorms or torrential downpours that cut artists’ sets short.

Pitchfork’s lineup this year may have been their best lineup yet. Female artists dominated the festival and had some of the most memorable sets of the weekend. Aside from the music, the Renegade Craft Fair hosted local artists and designers near the main stage, and vegan and vegetarian food trucks dotted the west side of Union Park. Phoebe Bridgers’ headlining set on Friday night drew the largest crowd, and with good reason. The Grammy-nominated artist was all smiles for her first headlining Chicago show as she played such hits as “Kyoto” and “Garden Song”. Earlier that day, The Fiery Furnaces played an extraordinary set, reminding the audience why they still are the epitome of cool. Lead singer Eleanor Friedberger looked equally uninterested and engaged the entire time, like a delightful parody of a rock star who’s just too big to care.