Your Guide to

San Francisco's Portola Festival

Portola is a 21+ Event.

To enter the festival, you must be 21 years or older and present a valid government-issued photo ID. Entry will not be permitted to those with expired ID. Even if accompanied by a person 21 years or older, minors will not be allowed entry.

Doors will open at 1 p.m. PT on both days of the festival. 

Portola will take place within warehouse spaces and outdoor spaces on Pier 80. The event will go on rain or shine, so make sure to dress appropriately for San Francisco's unpredictable weather. Bringing layers is a must! 

Portola's payment system is entirely cashless.

The event will accept major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Additionally, contactless payment options such as Apple Pay, Android Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay, and contactless cards will also be accepted. For those who prefer to use prepaid cards, there will be locations at the event where you can exchange cash for them.

A list of allowed, and prohibited festival items can be found here. Check out Portola's FAQs here.

Public Transportation from Downtown San Francisco

If you're coming from downtown, the 15 Bayview Hunters Point Express will get you there. Check the schedule here.

The T Muni Metro is also a fantastic option, connecting Chinatown, Union Square, and SoMa to the festival location. Check out the schedule here.

Driving

If you're driving your own vehicle, SpotHero is a great option for reserving parking ahead of time in the area. 

This year's lineup is sure to get the crowd moving and grooving. Popular acts like Polo y Pan, Jai Paul, Thundercat, Rina Sawayama, Flying Lotus and Major Lazer are sure to draw crowds. Famed Swedish DJ and producer Eric Pydz will also be performing his HOLO set (debuted in 2018 and seen at this year's Coachella). Using cutting-edge technology, HOLO will include giant, stunning 3D visuals that will float above the stage during his performance.

Additionally, more hip hop and R&B acts will be featured, with the inclusion of Lil Simz, Kenny Beats and Masego. Attendees will also be excited to see 2000s throwback favorite Nelly Furtado, as well as beloved headliner, Skrillex. 

Portola's 2023 lineup is chock-full of incredibly talented artists, making it a must-see festival. Set times will be available in advance on the Portola website, social media, and on the Portola app.

Guests visiting San Francisco for Portola Music Festival will discover that The City is home to a little bit of everything: world-class culinary and arts scenes, strikingly beautiful natural surroundings, and a famously diverse population.

Iconic experiences include riding the cable cars, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, strolling Fisherman’s Wharf and PIER 39, and visiting Alcatraz Island. Don’t miss shopping in Union Square, finding dim sum in Chinatown, grabbing an Italian meal in North Beach, exploring the city’s Latino heritage in the Mission, and celebrating Pride in the Castro District. 

Check out tips to plan your trip, get around while you're here, and where to go next.