Your Guide to
San Francisco's Portola Festival

Portola Festival at Pier 80 returns for Year 5 as one of the largest and most popular music festivals to ever hit San Francisco.

The beloved Portola Festival returns to San Francisco’s Pier 80 on Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27, 2026—and every year, it gets bigger, bolder, and more unforgettable.

What started as a can't-miss weekend has become one of San Francisco’s signature music experiences. From jaw-dropping performances to immersive activations and reimagined VIP spaces, Portola keeps raising the stakes—and the vibe.

Lineup

World-renowned acts, including Robyn, Dog Blood, Soulwax, Tove Lo, and Melanie C will set the tone for an epic first day.

Day two will continue the energy with huge names like Swedish House Mafia, Tiesto, Zara Larsson, Horsegiirl, and SG Lewis.

Portola's 2026 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 the Portola app.

Important Event Information

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.

How To Get There

Public Transportation from Downtown San Francisco

If you're coming from downtown, the 15 Muni bus will get you there. Check the schedule here.

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

Driving

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

San Francisco Information

Guests visiting San Francisco for the 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Portola Music Festival

Portola Music Festival takes place at Pier 80 in San Francisco, a waterfront industrial venue along the city’s eastern shoreline. The festival is known for its massive warehouse stages, outdoor sets, and unique waterfront atmosphere that feels distinctly San Francisco.

What neighborhood should I stay in for the Portola Music Festival?

Many visitors stay in Union Square, SoMa, the Mission District, or Dogpatch for easy access to transportation, nightlife, and restaurants. Union Square is especially convenient because the Muni T Line connects directly with the festival grounds, while staying near a BART station makes it easy to get around San Francisco and travel to and from SFO.

What should you wear to Portola Music Festival?

Layers are essential for Portola Music Festival. San Francisco weather can shift quickly, especially near the waterfront at night when temperatures and wind can change dramatically. Comfortable shoes are also important because the venue is large and most attendees spend long hours walking and standing on concrete surfaces.

Is Portola Music Festival only electronic music?

Portola is primarily an electronic music festival, but the lineup regularly includes artists spanning house, techno, dance-pop, hip-hop, indie electronic, disco, and experimental music. The festival is known for blending globally recognized headliners with emerging artists and underground DJs.