North Coast 2024: A Testament to the Resilience of Music Festivals

While some live events have struggled to stay afloat following the COVID-19 pandemic, others are defying the odds and exceeding expectations. Chicagoland’s beloved Labor Day EDM festival, North Coast, reached new heights this year with record-breaking ticket sales. Amid rising inflation and its economic impact, it’s clear that people are seeking premium events worth their time, money, and energy. With an unprecedented 90,000 Coasties in attendance over the three days, the 14th edition of North Coast proved that music festivals are anything but a fading trend.

As a first-time attendee of North Coast, I was completely blown away, considering it was one of the most well-organized festivals I’ve attended. The all-star lineup was enough to attract dance music lovers from far and wide, with headliners like Subtronics, ILLENIUM, and Two Friends closing out each night. Not to mention ISOKNOCK, who closed out The Shipyard stage from a suspended shipping container Sunday night. The weekend was jam-packed with surprise guests like Sullivan King at DJ Diesel’s set and Level Up who joined her husband Subtronics on stage. But my most memorable surprise was Seven Lions and Said The Sky who reunited with ILLENIUM for their tear-jerking classic, “Rush Over Me.” However, there was more to North Coast than just the music; it was a vibrant haven filled with unforgettable memories waiting to be had.

Located 30 minutes outside of downtown Chicago at SeatGeek Stadium, the spacious festival grounds were transformed into a stimulating sanctuary for ravers of all ages. Much like an adult playground, Coasties could embrace their inner child through various immersive experiences. We made Kandi bracelets with other kindred spirits, ventured on a side quest to find the hidden speakeasy Club Coast, indulged in some much-needed relaxation at The Chill Dome, and set sail on the North Coast Yacht Club. To top it all off, the seven unique stages never felt overcrowded, a refreshing change compared to other big festivals today.

North Coast is a festival for the people, where its organizers make adjustments on the fly based on Coasties’ feedback. They maintain an active social media presence where they sift through comments, address prevalent concerns, and share strategies for improvement. Specifically before the 2nd day, they tweeted about receiving complaints of The Stadium sound being too soft, so they turned it up a notch for the rest of the weekend. North Coast caters to its audience and ensures that Coasties’ voices are heard.

Beyond the exceptional festival experience, I was constantly surrounded by positive and uplifting vibes, especially for a city festival. North Coast reminded us of the core values that our culture was founded upon—the PLUR mentality. From strangers surprising you with tiny trinkets to others handing out thoughtful compliments, Coasties truly embodied the Peace Love Unity Respect mantra. Take it from other Coasties who shared the same sentiment, here are their Coastie Quotes:

“North Coast was a breath of fresh air. The vibes felt at this festival were something truly special. I made some pretty special memories and I can’t wait to come back home next year!" - Ashli

“The energy, the vibes, and the unforgettable experiences made it one of the best weekends of my life. But what made it truly special were the people. I met some of the greatest, most inspiring people who felt like instant friends, the connections I made felt like family." - Sam

“Inside the festival felt like a fever dream. Not only an amazing lineup but a perfect environment and vibes all around. North Coast absolutely killed it with the production this year and I haven’t had that much fun in a while." - Ryan

“The emotions throughout the crowd were palpable! Everyone laughed, cheered, danced, and cried together namely on Saturday during the melodic takeover of the Stadium stage, and it was a beautiful thing to experience." - Chris

North Coast Music Festival has a promising future ahead, with its 15th-anniversary celebration taking place next year. Mark your calendars for August 29th - 31st, 2025, and prepare for an awe-inspiring experience that will leave you speechless. Presale tickets drop this Thursday, join the waitlist at www.northcoastfestival.com.