Portola, San Francisco’s premier electronic and alternative music festival, is officially back for its 2025 edition, and the lineup is seriously impressive. The festival is coming back to Pier 80 on September 20 and 21, and with Goldenvoice behind it, you can expect two full days of music that mixes different styles, big-name comebacks, and tracks that will keep people dancing all day and night.
Key Takeaways
- Dates and Location: September 20–21, 2025 at Pier 80, San Francisco.
- Headliners: LCD Soundsystem, The Chemical Brothers, Christina Aguilera, Dom Dolla, Peggy Gou, The Prodigy, and Moby.
- Diverse Lineup: Blending house, techno, synth-pop, R&B, and experimental.
- Tickets: On sale now at portolamusicfestival.com. Ages 21+.
A Genre-Bending Experience Across Two Days
Saturday’s lineup is anchored by the iconic LCD Soundsystem, joined by The Chemical Brothers’ rare DJ set and a much-talked-about appearance by Christina Aguilera, bridging pop and underground energy. Caribou, Duke Dumont, Confidence Man, and Kelly Lee Owens add depth, while Anti Up (Chris Lake & Chris Lorenzo) are sure to deliver bass-heavy chaos.
Sunday leans deeper into club territory with Dom Dolla and Peggy Gou leading the charge, while legendary acts like The Prodigy and Underworld bring high-octane nostalgia. Moby is set to perform live, offering a rare full-set appearance that’s already being talked about on social media.
Rounding out the weekend are leftfield favorites like Boy Harsher, The Blessed Madonna B2B Tiga, Noga Erez, Rico Nasty, and Arca, ensuring that even the most eclectic tastes are covered.
Despacio Returns All Weekend
In what’s become a signature staple of the festival, Despacio, the immersive, vinyl-only sound experience curated by James Murphy (LCD Soundsystem) and 2ManyDJs, will run “all day long” both Saturday and Sunday. It’s a celebration of analog sound and deep listening that adds a layer of intimacy to an otherwise high-energy weekend.
The Setting: Pier 80
With panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and an industrial, open-air vibe, Pier 80 has proven to be the ideal playground for Portola’s sonic experimentations. Between large-scale stages, warehouse sets, and cityscape backdrops, the festival space promises a multi-sensory experience that’s become a hallmark of the event.
A Cultural Touchstone for West Coast Dance Music
Since it started, Portola has made a name for itself in the U.S. festival scene by avoiding mainstream EDM and instead focusing on more creative and cutting-edge artist selections. With Goldenvoice at the helm, the festival continues to merge club culture with big-stage ambition, catering to ravers, indie heads, and crate diggers alike.
Portola 2025 isn’t just a festival, it’s a statement. With a lineup this strong, it’s shaping up to be one of the most talked-about dance events of the year.
Are you planning to attend Portola 2025?