Portola Music Festival Returns to San Francisco’s Pier 80 with Diverse Lineup and Expanded Programming

San Francisco is set to host its premier electronic music event, the Portola Music Festival, as it returns to the iconic Pier 80 on Saturday, September 20, and Sunday, September 21, 2025. This highly anticipated festival, now in its fourth year, promises a vibrant weekend of diverse musical performances across its four stages, solidifying its status as a major fixture in the city’s cultural calendar.

A Stellar Lineup Across Multiple Stages

The 2025 edition boasts an impressive roster of global talent, headlined by electronic music legends LCD Soundsystem and Dom Dolla. Festival-goers can also look forward to electrifying performances from artists such as Blood Orange, Christina Aguilera, Dylan Brady, Magdalena Bay, Moby, Peggy Gou, Ravyn Lenae, Rico Nasty, The Blessed Madonna, The Chemical Brothers, and The Dare, among many others. The lineup spans a wide spectrum of genres, from house and techno to pop and hip-hop, ensuring there is something for every music enthusiast. A notable addition to this year’s festival is the return of Despacio, an audiophile dance environment created by James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem and the Belgian electronic duo Soulwax, known for its immersive analog sound system and unique club experience.

Pier 80: A Unique Industrial Setting

Portola Music Festival continues to leverage the unique industrial backdrop of Pier 80, San Francisco’s largest cargo terminal. The festival utilizes both indoor warehouse spaces and outdoor areas along the waterfront, offering a distinctive urban setting for the music event. Gates will open at 1 p.m. PT daily, with performances running until 11 p.m.. Attendees are advised to prepare for San Francisco’s variable weather by dressing in layers, as the event will proceed rain or shine. The festival is strictly for individuals aged 21 and older, requiring a valid government-issued photo ID for entry. All transactions within the festival grounds will be entirely cashless, accepting major credit cards and contactless payment options.

Growth and Community Considerations

Presented by Goldenvoice, the same promoter behind the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Portola has rapidly grown since its debut in 2022. The festival has consistently drawn large crowds, with previous years seeing attendance of over 42,000 people per day. However, its waterfront location has also led to ongoing discussions regarding noise impact on neighboring communities, particularly in Alameda, which lies across the bay. In response to these concerns, organizers have implemented various mitigation efforts over the years, including adjusting stage orientations, employing noise monitors, adding call center staff to address complaints, and potentially adjusting sound levels and curtailing outdoor music end times. These efforts are part of an ongoing commitment to balancing the festival’s energetic atmosphere with its role as a community event.

Portola Week Expands the Festival Experience

Building anticipation for the main event, Goldenvoice has announced the inaugural “Portola Week,” a citywide series of over 20 shows running from September 18 to September 25, 2025. This expansion aims to create a comprehensive festival experience across San Francisco, featuring performances at various iconic venues, including clubs, ballrooms, and warehouses. Highlights of Portola Week include special sets by Peggy Gou b2b Mau P, The Prodigy headlining The Warfield, and Magdalena Bay performing both live and DJ sets. This initiative extends the music festival’s reach, inviting both long-time fans and new attendees to engage with the Portola energy throughout the week.

Looking Ahead

The return of the Portola Music Festival signifies another significant music event for San Francisco. With a compelling lineup, its unique industrial venue, and an expanding slate of programming, the festival is poised to deliver another memorable weekend for electronic music aficionados. Attendees are encouraged to visit the official Portola Music Festival website for the most up-to-date information on set times, tickets, and festival policies. This news is sure to generate excitement among music lovers across the Bay Area and beyond.