Portola Festival is returning to the Bay Area with stacked lineup from across the electronic music spectrum. Here are five of the standouts.
Portola Festival is making its way back home to San Francisco‘s Pier 80 for its fourth year on September 20-21 with dance music and indie acts guaranteed to make it a spectacle for festival-goers. Brought to life by Goldenvoice, the 21+ event features inspiring artists such as Blood Orange, Peggy Gou, Boy Harsher, The Dare, Brutalismus 3000, and more.
In the lead-up to the main event, Goldenvoice has teamed up with some of the city’s most beloved clubs and venues to host a citywide celebration called Portola Week. It’s kicking off on Thursday, September 18 at the Warfield with Magdalena Bay. Those seeking to participate in pre and afterparty festivities will have a roster of events to pick from, like LP Giobbi at The Great Northern on Thursday, September 18, salute Presents Infinite Passion on Friday, September 19 at Public Works, Arc De Soleil on Saturday, September 20 at The Regency Ballroom, and a Peggy Gou and Mau P b2b set at 888 Garage on Sunday, September 21.
With so much excitement boiling up around these big names, ticket holders can look forward to a dance-filled weekend. The more adventurous among them may nonetheless still be seeking out unique and unmatched talent. For those looking to dive deeper and discover something new, here are five must-see artists who will elevate your dancefloor experience and bring a fresh sound to your Portola 2025 journey.
Passes are going quickly for Portola Festival 2025. Secure your single day or two-day passes on the official website.
Five Artists at Portola 2025 Who Will Redefine Your Experience
Skiis
Hailing from San Francisco itself, Skiis is a local DJ serving up bouncy, deep, and heavy four-on-the-floor rhythms to make listeners dance. His latest EP, GAME DON’T WAIT, is a two-track project that gives listeners a sense of his unique production skills as it blends eclectic sounds to create one united groove. Catch Skiis when he opens the Pier Stage on Sunday.
Oppidan
British DJ and producer Oppidan makes UK garage — or what she calls “wiggly air” — that creates a ripple effect pulling fans to the dancefloor. The artist is leaving a stamp on the genre with her distinctive sound, blending two-step and bass influences with a new style of UK garage known as “4×4 NUKG.” Catch Oppidan at the Crane Stage on Saturday at 4:55pm.
Bolis Pupul
Belgian musician Bolis Pupul isn’t new to the realm of electronic and dance music — but his 2024 debut album, Letter To Yu, showcases his skills working solo with deep and experimental sounds. After all, he was part of the synth-pop band Hong Kong Dong with his sister and her husband. His style is best described as multi-layered electronica that blends euphoric synth-pop and Belgian new beat while paying homage to Detroit and Chicago techno. Bolis Pupul is the second act at the Crane Stage on Saturday at 2:55pm.
Swimming Paul
Known for his low-key aesthetic and unique love for lips and human features, Swimming Paul produces music for those who immerse themselves in the sounds of artists like Fred again.., DJ Seinfeld, and Barry Can’t Swim. It’s a sound that feels familiar yet dreamy. Making waves since his 2022 debut EP, the France-born, UK-based producer has kept a steady momentum, dropping popular singles like “VHS Rave” and a full album in 2024. Catch Swimming Paul on Saturday at the Crane Stage after Bolis Pupul.
Kelly Lee Owens
House music artist Kelly Lee Owens was an auxiliary nurse in Manchester before she decided to strictly follow her passion in music circa 2009. Up to now, the Welsh musician has shared four studio albums with the world and gotten the opportunity to support English electronic band Depeche Mode on tour in 2023. The singer was also featured on the track “Reach For You” in Chris Lakes’s latest album Chemistry. Check out Kelly Lee Owens as she closes the Ship Tent on Saturday.
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