Festival Review: Pitchfork Octfest Brings The Beers And Good Music (Part 1)

Pitchfork Octfest was lovely, and a surprisingly sophisticated event. Packed with people of all ages, above 21, it brought casual elegance because it also brought education. Going from one kiosk to the next, people were able to learn more about their own palette, and become more intrigued on what it takes to get a good beer. All the while, the reason most people drink a cold brewski was consistently prevalent: music.

There are SEVERAL reasons why I loved the layout of Pitchfork Octfest, and the most important one was that the artists did not compete. Every artist was scheduled on opposing stages, and only ran into the other’s set, at most, for 10 minutes. I sincerely appreciated that for the artists and the people. First, it always sucks, as a musician, to have 10 people in front of you because everybody was with the other act. Even though it is not a measurement of your talent, it certainly hurts our inner need to be popular. Second, it gave the event a calm it needed, especially because people were drinking. People simply walked from stage to stage: no intense sprinting. Everything felt accessible, and you did not need to be at the stage to hear and see the acts.

Pitchfork Octfest is the first festival where I felt I did not miss anything. In having no competing sets, and aligning tents so that the stages were always visible, people were simply strolling, having a 3.oz beer taste, and laughing. It was a very friendly environment; where you walked away with, at least, five new friends. People were open to chatting up with strangers and their friends while trying nitrogen-infused beers and porters mixed with more fruits than a sangria. Yet, I was enamored by the serenity, especially because you would expect rain, or the mere fact that it was a beer tasting, to ignite some down moments.

I kept on looking for that “random guy” that could not handle his 3.oz, and had to be banished from Governor’s Island. Yet, I can happily say that did not happen. With our bracelets, we were allowed to get 15 tastings, which was more than enough. Moreover, a lot of the beer kiosks had free merch, which made people incredibly joyous.While festivals are, usually, a heightened reality, in which people go above and beyond themselves to become surreal, Pitchfork Octfest was consistently calm. It’s only “intensity” were the usual, political chats that ignite over beers (lol!). Moreover, OkCupid had an excellent installation that included free massages, tarot readings, and hair braiding. To say, that women did not flock to that section would be a lie; it was tremendously/ giddily gender biased (lol!). Yet, this was just another blatant and brazened reason to chill out, grab a towel/poncho, and sit on the grass to hear Vince Staples or Hop Along.

While I love my EDM world, I have to admit that electronica festivals are crazy. Everybody wants a hug, and has, at least, one muppet-made vest. It’s intensity is why you go, and it is NOT for people whom avert such literal closeness to humanity. Yet, Pitchfork Octfest really felt like a cool, giant concert with the same level of high caliber artists, The Flaming Lips or Nah, and visual setups. It was unpretentious, amiable, and, despite the rain, felt really warm in dynamic. Whether you were waiting for a Taiwanese Ale or lining up at Sweet Chick, few were the people that had a bad day and, if they did, it was on them. Moreover, in focusing on beer, Pitchfork Octfest, inadvertently, highlighted music, and reminded people that you can just dance and smile to a good beat; no need to run through mud or push a person to get to the mystical front. Click Here To See The Highlighted Beers And Artists..… And How I Matched Them Together 🙂