Yeeseon Chae • July 17, 2018 / 11:59 pm

How to Experience Pitchfork Like A Champ

Art by WIUX Art Director, Jack Noble

Pitchfork Music Festival takes place this weekend, June 20th to 22nd, at Union Park in Chicago! This is the perfect time to break out your most adventurous ‘fits, dance your heart out, and maybe even meet your summer cutie. WIUX wants to make sure you have the ideal time, so here are 8 of our best tips for enjoying Pitchfork.

: 1. Stay hydrated by bringing a water bottle or two! If you’ve seen this year’s lineup, you know there’s going to be a lot of tears from seeing all of your heroes on stage, but also a lot of sweat from all the dancing! Keep replenishing at water stations provided on-site!

: 2. Wear and reapply SPF! Don’t let the sun take away from your fun and bring sunscreen and sunglasses so you can stay protected. You’ll be preventing a weird farmer’s tan and more importantly, skin cancer.

: 3. Prioritize your favorite artists ahead of time. Make sure you know which stage you’re going to be at by downloading the Pitchfork Festival app and making your own schedule! If you really want to see someone, I’d recommend staying at the stage at least one act before!

: 4. Be aware of the space you’re occupying! Pitchfork is not only a music festival, but a place that people should feel free to have fun and relax. Examine the space you’re occupying and double check that you’re not intruding on someone else’s.

: 5. If you’re going to bring your phone, make sure to reserve a locker where they have charging stations and plenty of space for your belongings! It may seem like a hefty fee now, but your back and missed communications will thank you later.

: 6. Plan necessary food breaks. I know food might seem secondary to seeing Tame Impala in the front row, but you know what’s worse? Missing their set completely because you passed out. You can even plan ahead of time by seeing all of the food vendors that will be present!

: 7. Ahh. WIUX is first and foremost, a radio station and we love, you guessed it, music. CHIRP Radio, Chicago’s community and volunteer-run station, will be hosting their record fair where you you can check out all of the rare vinyl and the best merch from indie labels. Who knows? Maybe you’ll even get your record signed by one of the artists at the signing table.

: 8. Don’t miss out on the secret gem of Pitchfork, the Book Fort! You can see all of your favorite zine artists and catch some exclusive interviews with your favorite artists. This year, there’s a scheduled talk with Michelle Zauner of Japanese Breakfast as well as a conversation titled, Black Girl Magic, including Jamila Woods and Eve Ewing.