Pitchfork

Though formerly recognized as Chicago’s “other” music festival, Pitchfork’s annual attendance has spiked since its inception in 2006.

Now it has been established as “Christmas” as Lollapalooza is to New Year’s Eve - popular, yet incomparable events superior in their own respects.

The Pitchfork Festival is located in Union Park which is about one-third the size of Lolla’s Grant Park. The festival thrives on drafting rising acts that the more bustling Lolla tends to scoop up a year or two later.

Together, they have helped launch countless acts in the back half of the aughts including Girl Talk, The National and Vampire Weekend. Here are this year’s must-sees:

Because they’re at the top of their game: Fleet Foxes, TV on the Radio, and Deerhunter

Each coming off a fantastic new album in the past year, these three critics’ darlings should draw in the biggest crowds of the weekend. Consider solid colored clothing or you might drown in a sea of plaid.

Because you may never see them again: Guided by Voices, Dismemberment Plan, and Animal Collective

The former two originally broke up around the turn of the millennium but have since embarked on very successful reunion tours that ended up being more successful than their pre-breakup tours. Animal Collective, though still probably a few years from an official separation, is now more selective than ever with concerts as its members
approach their mid-30s and devote more time to their families.

Because they’re about to blow up: Yuck, James Blake, and OFWGKTA

In the year that Guided by Voices and Dismemberment Plan say goodbye, Yuck appropriately steps in to fill the void with a sound influenced in no small part by those two bands as well as other ‘90s guitar shredding melody kings like Dinosaur Jr., Weezer and Sonic Youth. For anyone interested in what the Bon Iver of dubstep could possibly sound like, see Mr. Blake. And if you’re unaware of the buzz behind the shock-rap crew OFWGKTA, see any music blog — unless you have a weak stomach.