After nearly two decades of showcasing diverse musical talent, the Pitchfork Music Festival will not return to Chicago's Union Park in 2025. The festival's final edition in summer 2024 featured prominent artists including Alanis Morissette, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Black Pumas.

The closure stems from multiple challenges, including:

• Lack of sponsorship
• Rising insurance costs
• Increased competition from other summer music festivals
• Parent company Condé Nast's recent layoffs

Festival organizers expressed gratitude to Chicago for hosting the event for 19 years, while noting that Pitchfork will continue to produce events in 2025 and beyond, though in different formats. Chicago alderman Walter Burnett is working with city officials to potentially retain the festival in some capacity.

The festival has been a cornerstone of Chicago's arts scene since its inception, creating a unique space where music, culture, and community intersected. While the traditional festival format is ending, Pitchfork's commitment to creating meaningful musical experiences continues, albeit in new ways yet to be announced.

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