Dancing Through Portola Festival Day 1: Electrifying Sets and Epic Crowd Energy in San Francisco
The Portola Music Festival in San Francisco celebrated its third consecutive year, hosted by Golden Voice at the iconic Pier 80 on the city’s easternmost edge. Taking place every fall, this two-day festival brings the best in electronic, EDM, and dance music, making it the unofficial capstone of festival season in the Bay Area. Known for its vibrant, LGBTQ+-friendly atmosphere, Portola attracts a diverse crowd from across California and the nation, all drawn to its compact, easily navigable layout, thoughtfully curated food options, and excellent amenities that keep lines short and spirits high.
One of the highlights of my experience at Portola was the incredibly smooth and hassle-free commute—one of the easiest I’ve ever had at any festival. I hopped on the BART train to the 24th Street Station in the Mission District, where a fleet of buses was already lined up, ready to shuttle festival-goers to the venue. I walked straight onto a bus, which departed within five minutes, and was dropped off directly across from the VIP entrance. The entire process was impressively streamlined and efficient, allowing me to avoid the usual festival transportation chaos that can leave you exhausted before you even arrive. Portola’s organized system truly sets a standard that other festivals should follow, creating a welcoming and stress-free start to the weekend.
This year’s festival lineup delivered unforgettable performances, featuring a blend of global headliners, pop icons, and underground sensations that had every stage buzzing with energy. Here’s a look at some standout acts that defined this electrifying weekend.
Lava La Rue: Setting the Tone in the Ship Tent
Lava La Rue, one of the acts I was looking forward to most that weekend, took the Ship Tent stage alongside a two-piece band made up of 18- and 21-year-old musicians from her church back home in the U.K., bringing a soulful and vibrant energy to her set. Known for her eclectic blend of influences—from Jamiroquai and Janet Jackson to Blur—Lava La Rue’s sound is a rich fusion that spans acid jazz, R&B, hip-hop, Britpop, and funk.
Her performance exuded the spirit of the U.K. underground music scene, complete with a quirky stage outfit featuring a half-kilt over baggy jeans and a ringer tee showcasing Jim Carey and Owen Wilson aka Dumb & Dumber, humorously topped with the Oasis band logo.
The setlist was a treat for fans, including favorites like “Manifestation Manifesto,” the vibey “Vest & Boxers,” and the smooth, grunge-infused “Poison Cookie.” She also performed her TikTok hit collaboration with Remi Wolf, “Hi-Fidelity,” which had the crowd moving, and closed with the dreamlike “Celestial Destiny.”
The Ship Tent transformed into a vibey, groovy, and soulful space, with an intimate, small-club atmosphere that perfectly suited her eclectic mix of genres. Lava La Rue’s effortless genre-blending and charismatic stage presence made for an unforgettable experience, captivating the audience from start to finish.
Peaches – A Riotous Spectacle on the Crane Stage
Peaches took over the Crane Stage with an audacious, high-energy performance that blurred the lines between concert and theatrical spectacle. As her set was being prepared, she stepped out onstage in a fluffy bathrobe, playfully teasing the crowd and building anticipation despite the chilly day. Moments later, she transformed into her stage costume—a hot pink vinyl leotard with dramatic sleeves—channeling the bold flair of early Lady Gaga with a hint of ‘80s pro-wrestling attitude.
Kicking off with her signature track “Fuck the Pain Away,” Peaches ignited the audience, quickly moving into iconic songs like “Teaches of Peaches” and “Boys Wanna Be Her.” She took crowd interaction to new heights, literally walking across the hands of her fans, balancing on their outstretched arms as she leaned into the crowd’s energy. At one point, Peaches lay back on the audience with her legs splayed in an open V split, carried by fans in a dynamic display that blurred the line between performer and crowd.
Peaches continued to push boundaries, circling the audience from the perimeter of the guard rails before returning to the stage to add layers of intrigue. Mid-performance, she unzipped and stripped off her top layer to eventually reveal leotards beneath, each emblazoned with powerful messages like “Cease Fire Now” and “Trans Rights Human Rights,” highlighting her commitment to activism. Later on in the set, she was joined by two backup dancers dressed as erm … AFAB anatomy. Hilarity ensued.
Her fearless blend of art, performance, and advocacy created a compelling and unapologetically bold experience, embodying the boundary-pushing ethos that has defined her career.
Neil Frances: Groovy Vibes in the Ship Tent
In the Ship Tent, Neil Frances delivered an irresistibly groovy set that quickly transformed the space into an all-out dance party. Known for their lush blend of indie-pop, electronic, and psychedelic rock, the Los Angeles-based duo brought their signature sound to life with tracks like “Dumb Love” and “Find Someone” that pulsed with warmth and energy. Founded by musicians Marc Gilfry and Jordan Feller, Neil Frances have gained a loyal following for their genre-blending style and innovative soundscapes, drawing inspiration from the likes of Daft Punk and Tame Impala.
The tent’s unique setup—partially enclosed with an intimate, low-hanging disco ball casting a shimmering light across the crowd—proved the ideal backdrop for Neil Frances’ transcendent and danceable set. As they played songs like “Music Sounds Better with You” and the fan-favorite “On the Lookout,” the crowd’s energy grew contagious, spreading beyond the barriers of the tent. People danced with abandon, creating an atmosphere that felt tropical and carefree, yet grounded in the nostalgia of classic disco and the pulse of modern electronic beats.
With each groove-filled track, Neil Frances layered textures and rhythms that seemed to weave through the audience, building a sense of unity and shared euphoria. The duo’s seamless transitions and hypnotic beats took fans on a journey, making every moment feel like a shared escape from reality. As the crowd spilled out of the tent, dancing under the open sky, it was clear why Neil Frances has become a staple in the indie-electronic scene—Their music is a bridge between laid-back California vibes and the irresistible pull of the dance floor.
Natasha Bedingfield – Nostalgia with a Modern Edge on the Crane Stage
For fans of early-2000s pop, Natasha Bedingfield’s set on the Crane Stage was an absolute must-see. Though it was a short, 15-minute “micro set,” Bedingfield packed in all the power and nostalgia her fans had come for, making every second count. Known for her soulful pop hits and empowering lyrics, the British singer-songwriter rose to fame in the early 2000s with her debut album Unwritten, which went on to be certified multi-platinum and earned her Grammy nominations. Bedingfield’s distinct voice and gospel-inspired runs became the anthems of a generation, capturing themes of self-discovery, resilience, and optimism.
Clad in a striking black leopard bodysuit with a visible thong underneath, Bedingfield radiated superstar energy as she took the stage. She opened with “Pocketful of Sunshine,” a track that has become an anthem of positivity and freedom, setting the tone for a short yet powerful set. The crowd was instantly captivated, singing along with every word. She followed up with “These Words,” showcasing her strong, soulful vocal runs and the lyrical prowess that defined her early career. Bedingfield closed with her iconic hit, “Unwritten,” a song that has only grown in cultural significance over the years, resonating with fans of all ages as a timeless anthem of new beginnings.
Her performance, though brief, felt like a shared moment of nostalgia mixed with a modern, edgy twist. With her powerful voice and charismatic presence, Bedingfield took fans back to the days when her songs first topped the charts, creating a heartfelt connection with the audience. This short-but-sweet set was a perfect dose of millennial pop nostalgia and a reminder of why Bedingfield’s music continues to resonate, making her a lasting icon in the pop music world.
Soulwax: Industrial Rhythms on the Crane Stage
Soulwax electrified the Crane Stage with a dark, industrial energy that captivated the audience from start to finish. Led by Belgian brothers David and Stephen Dewaele, Soulwax is renowned for their innovative fusion of techno, dark wave, and industrial rock, which has earned them a dedicated following around the world. The band’s complex stage setup for this performance was nothing short of a spectacle: two drummers perched high above the rest of the band on raised platforms, each with a full drum kit that brought a thunderous, layered intensity to the show. This dual-drummer setup created a dynamic visual and sonic experience, amplifying the rhythmic power of the performance.
Their setlist was a journey through some of their most iconic tracks, including “Is It Always Binary,” “Transient Program for Drums and Machinery,” and “Do You Want to Get Into Trouble?” Each song showcased the intricate layering of synthesizers, gritty guitar riffs, and pulsating bass lines, creating a soundscape that was as hypnotic as it was electrifying. The Dewaele brothers have a reputation for their versatility, having also performed as the DJ duo 2ManyDJs—a spinoff moniker that allows them to bring their boundary-pushing music to club settings with a different flair. However, the full-band experience was something altogether different and immersive, a testament to their ability to transform their music across formats and settings.
Soulwax’s unique ability to seamlessly blend techno with the rawness of industrial rock and the intensity of live drumming gave the performance an atmosphere reminiscent of bands like Depeche Mode, Kraftwerk and Nine Inch Nails. The synchronized lighting pulsed in time with the beats, casting shadows that accentuated the band’s dark aesthetic and further drew the audience into their world. For fans who have seen the Dewaeles perform as 2ManyDJs, this full-band setup offered a rare opportunity to experience Soulwax in all their gritty, industrial glory. The set was a masterclass in how to build tension and energy onstage, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.
RÜFÜS DU SOL: The Perfect Ending to a Festival Day
Closing out the night with RÜFÜS DU SOL felt like reaching the pinnacle of festival euphoria, an unforgettable experience that wrapped the day in a perfect glow. Known for their genre-blending sound that fuses house, electronica, and alternative music, the Australian trio—comprised of Tyrone Lindqvist, Jon George, and James Hunt—has become a global sensation for their deeply emotional and immersive live performances. With hit albums like Solace and Bloom, RÜFÜS DU SOL has crafted a signature sound that is both hypnotic and uplifting, pulling audiences into a world of lush soundscapes and introspective lyrics.
Their setlist was a journey through fan favorites, beginning with the haunting beats of “Eyes” and “Underwater,” which had the crowd swaying in unison, completely immersed in the music. As they moved into “Innerbloom,” a nearly 10-minute track that has become an anthem of the electronic music scene, the atmosphere reached new heights. The crowd’s voices echoed through the night as they sang along to every word, their arms lifted toward the sky. Songs like “No Place” and “Next to Me” kept the emotional energy high, blending pulsing beats with the trio’s signature synth-heavy melodies and Lindqvist’s resonant vocals.
The Crane Stage itself transformed under their command, with mesmerizing visuals that synced flawlessly with each beat, casting a dreamy ambiance across the crowd. The cool San Francisco air settled in, and I found myself surrounded by fans wrapped in blankets or each other’s arms, sipping warm drinks and sharing in the collective experience. RÜFÜS DU SOL’s performance felt like a shared ritual, a moment where the energy of thousands united, creating a sense of connection and harmony that marked a perfect culmination to the day’s eclectic performances.
As they closed with the powerful “Alive,” the final notes seemed to linger in the air, echoing the sense of release and contentment that had enveloped the crowd. RÜFÜS DU SOL’s unique ability to blend introspective lyrics with danceable beats turned the end of the festival day into a communal, almost spiritual experience—a zenith of festival bliss that will stay with every fan long after the music fades.
Final Thoughts on Day 1
Portola Music Festival lived up to its reputation, offering a seamless blend of genres and artists that celebrated diversity in music and performance art. Each set was more than just music; it was an immersive experience, whether you were grooving to Neil Francis, watching Peaches’ provocative theatrics, or singing along with Natasha Bedingfield. The festival’s organization, including its tight shuttle system, made it easy to transition between moments, allowing attendees to enjoy a full spectrum of music without missing a beat.
