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Writer's pictureStephen Wick

What's next for Chicago's festival scene after the hiatus of Pitchfork Music Festival in 2025?

The recent announcement of the Pitchfork Music Festival's hiatus in 2025 has stirred up conversations throughout Chicago's lively summer festival scene. After nearly twenty years of bringing music enthusiasts, artists, and the community together in Union Park, this decision highlights the evolving challenges that grassroots cultural events face today.


Despite its rich history and its contributions to Chicago’s music culture, the festival noted financial difficulties amid changes in the music festival landscape. The big question is: What lies ahead for the city’s music festivals now that this iconic event is going on pause?



The Impact of Pitchfork Music Festival


Since launching in 2006, the Pitchfork Music Festival has become a cornerstone of Chicago’s summer entertainment. It showcased a variety of artists, from indie sensations to big names, creating an atmosphere where music flourished. The festival not only contributed to the local economy—generating an estimated $5 million annually—but also strengthened the cultural identity of the area.


In 2024, the lineup boasted stars like Alanis Morissette and Carly Rae Jepsen, attracting thousands of attendees. The festival created lasting memories and brought the community together. Its absence in 2025 raises concerns: Can other events successfully fill the gap left behind?


The Challenges Ahead


The challenges facing the Pitchfork Festival organizers are mirrored across many music festivals today. Increasing costs, heightened competition, and shifting audience preferences make it tough for festivals to thrive. For instance, other notable events like Lollapalooza have adjusted their ticket pricing and programming strategies to maintain their appeal.


This hiatus could serve as an opportunity for Pitchfork to rethink its blueprint. Organizers have not completely ruled out a future comeback and aim to collaborate with the City of Chicago to explore solutions for sustaining the festival. Building community involvement during this transitional phase will be key to bridging the connection between Chicagoans and their beloved events.


Alternatives on the Horizon


Even though the Pitchfork Music Festival's absence is significant, Chicago boasts a rich tapestry of festivals. Events like Lollapalooza and the Chicago Blues Festival continue to draw large crowds, offering diverse genres and cultural expressions. Furthermore, events like the Chicago Irish Festival, which saw over 10,000 attendees in 2023, and local grassroots festivals are on the rise, giving platforms to both established and emerging artists.


This situation could lead to a reimagining of what a music festival can be. Smaller, community-oriented events may thrive in Pitchfork's absence, allowing local talent to shine and creating more intimate experiences for attendees.


Looking Towards the Future


As Chicagoans ponder the legacy of the Pitchfork Music Festival, it’s vital to rally behind other music initiatives in the city. Supporting local venues to host live performances, engaging in smaller festivals, or advocating for community-centric events can help preserve the heart of what Pitchfork represented.


While the future of Chicago's festival scene appears uncertain, it is also brimming with potential. By actively promoting music and culture, residents can influence the next chapter of the city’s vibrant festival landscape.


In summary, the scheduled hiatus of the Pitchfork Music Festival in 2025 marks a significant moment in Chicago’s cultural landscape. Yet, this change also paves the way for new opportunities. The love for music and community remains strong in Chicago, and although Pitchfork will be missed, its legacy can continue through the collaboration of dedicated individuals and a host of emerging events.



To our Chicago festival community:


As the music festival landscape continues to evolve rapidly, we have made the difficult decision not to host Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago in 2025.


This decision was not made lightly. For 19 years, Pitchfork Music Festival has been a celebration of music, art, and community—a space where memories were made, voices were amplified, and the shared love of music brought us all together. The Festival, while aligned with the taste of the Pitchfork editorial team, has always been a collaborative effort, taking on a life of its own as a vital pillar of the Chicago arts scene. We are deeply grateful to the City of Chicago for being our Festival’s home for nearly two decades, to the artists who graced our stages with unforgettable performances, and to the fans who brought unmatched energy year after year. Thank you to At Pluto and the rest of the hardworking Festival team whose dedication and creativity were the backbone of every event, and to the broader community whose spirit and support made the Festival a truly unique experience. And thank you to Mike Reed for founding the Festival and for your inspiring vision.


Pitchfork will continue to produce events in 2025 and beyond. We look forward to continuing to create spaces where music, culture, and community intersect in uplifting ways—and we hope to see you there.

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