Alvvays performs at the Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago on July 21, 2023.
Alvvays performs at the Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago on July 21, 2023.

The Pitchfork Music Festival began its 2023 festivities with good vibes, great company, and incredible music.

The Smile served as the day one headliner, and each preceding act also shared unforgettable performances that felt likes stage closers in their own right. From Rebellious Magazine favorite, Alvvays – armed with tunes from their 2022 album Blue Rev – to Nourished by Time, who kicked-off the day with a freestyle set on the Green Stage, Union Park played host to some of the best artists in the business on July 21.

The Smile performs at the Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago on July 21, 2023.
The Smile performs at the Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago on July 21, 2023.

Artist signings at the CHIRP Record Fair and special artist interviews – including with The Smile’s Jonny Greenwood – conducted on the DoorDash Stage, also created unique experiences for festival-goers.

Photos from Day 1 of the Pitchfork Music Festival can be found below and click here to learn more about the event.

(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)

Laurie Fanelli is a Chicago-based writer and photographer who specializes in live entertainment coverage. She is at home at major music festivals like Coachella, Bonnaroo and, of course, Lollapalooza and...