Pitchfork Music Festival Fri Jul 10 2015

How to Pitchfork (and Win This Contest!)

By Sarah Brooks

The greatness that is Pitchfork Music Festival is just a mere week away, and it is certain that the 10th anniversary is going to uphold the fest's legacy of a well-curated lineup and a host of musical surprises within Chicago's spacious Union Park spot. It's a given that we'll be gathering to hear the stellar music options, so we've rounded up some tips for a our "How to Pitchfork Guide", showcasing delights that Pitchfork Music Festival has to offer you.

Still need a ticket to this exquisite 3-day event? Note your own Pitchfork tip or echo your favorite that is listed here within the comment section by 3pm today (make sure to utilize your email address!) for a chance to win! [Update: We've emailed our winner! Thanks to everyone for your tips!]

For Your Appetite

Temptation Vegan Ice Cream
At 4:00 when the sun is still blazing, you've been Pitchforking for three hours, and you're tired and sweaty and grimy and hot and you've still got four hours to go until the headliner, head over to the food vendors, and go alllllll the way down to the end - that's where Temptation Vegan Ice Cream is hiding out. Better than any non-dairy confection has a right to be (I'd argue better than any dairy treat out there) these little bundles of joy come in chocolate, vanilla, chocolate chip cookie dough and mint chocolate chip, and they are refreshing and delicious as all get out. There's something about that texture - it's like biting into summer, and it's just what you need to get you over that sunny mid-day bump into the coolness of the Pitchfork evening. Buy yourself a treat, plunk yourself under a tree and do some people watching.
-Celeste Mallama

Chicago Diner Gyro
I will forever feel indebted to the friend who first introduced me to The Chicago Diner. As a vegetarian moving to the city, seeing that sign of "Meat-free since '83" was like seeing a shining beacon saying "Welcome, Vegetarian Mecca." There's nothing more exciting as a vegetarian than having an entire menu to choose from, instead of that one sad vegetarian pasta. The overwhelming options are probably why I never got around to trying the Chicago Diner gyro until I went to Pitchfork (that, and I was probably too embarrassed to try and pronounce it - apparently it's "year-o" for anyone else who has trouble out there). It's worth the troublesome name - I'll get laughed at if it means they hand me a slice of thick and fluffy pita loaded with layers upon layers of seitan and smothered in tzatziki sauce, lettuce and tomatoes.
-Celeste Mallama

To Quench Your Thirst

Goose Island Beer Collaboration
Since 2013, Pitchfork collaborates with Goose Island and hosts tried and true favorites including Sofie, Matilda, and much more, alongside one craft beer curated by a notable musician. 2013 produced a delectable beverage honed by Killer Mike and El-P. This year, the mastermind behind the beer is the much-revered hometown act, Chance the Rapper. Aptly named No Collar, he requested that the beer be crafted in honor of the city's hardworking population, perfect to sip after the working day is through. Try this limited edition brew at the Goose Island stand throughout the weekend.
-Sarah Brooks

For Your Vinyl Collection

Chirp Record Fair
The friendly folks at CHIRP are always trying to help grow your vinyl collection - not only do they put on the annual record fair in April, but they also set up a booth at Pitchfork every year to sell their wares. If you enjoy a good vinyl hunt then you're in luck - CHIRP's vinyl collection is expansive and deep and includes hidden gems that will bring gasps of delight when you unearth them. Gapers Block will have a table there as well so make sure to stop by and say hello!
-Celeste Mallama

For Your Walls

Flatstock
One of my favorite places to be at Pitchfork besides amid a crowd of music-lovers gazing watchfully at the numerous stages is Flatstock, the festival's own poster fair. Hosted by the American Poster Institute and Speedball, visitors can peruse stand upon stand of rare, vintage, and new posters crafted by the finest poster artists from around the country. Despite knowing that I already have too many, I can't help but add to my poster collection when I view the unique and eclectic works that speak to me, ones that I can't find anywhere else so easily and all in one place.
-Sarah Brooks

For Your Arrival

Getting There
Choosing how to get to Pitchfork affords us with plentiful options. The CTA Green Line's Ashland stop is just steps away from the park, but be aware that the lines can add up to hefty wait times following the headlining set. If you're looking for a scenic journey to Pitchfork, biking affords a convenient journey, with ample parking in a secured lot at the corner of Ashland and Lake. If you're new to ridesharing platforms, a first-time user of the Uber app receives a complimentary $20 credit with the promo code PITCHFORK2015. Whatever path you choose, the festival's convenient location allows for accessibility from every area of the city.
-Sarah Brooks