Mitski, Matt Berninger of The National and Questlove of The Roots, all headliners at Pitchfork Music festival in Chicago July 15-17. (Chicago Tribune)

After a delayed start to the Pitchfork Music Festival last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s event returns to its rightful home in July. And like all years, the 2022 Pitchfork Music Festival promises an eclectic lineup across multiple genres, featuring musical acts both big and small. Whether you’re looking to groove to classic hip-hop with The Roots or settle in for a late night of indie dad rock from The National, this year’s lineup has a little bit of everything for the music site’s broad array of fans.

Pitchfork will take place July 15-17 at Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St. Gates open each day at noon, but gate times are subject to change. Main gates are located on Ashland, south of Lake Street, and at the corner of Ogden Avenue and Washington Boulevard.

DON’T MISS: In a better world, Dawn Richard would be one of the biggest pop stars in the world. Her music — complex, vulnerable, endlessly catchy — would undoubtedly elevate any run-of-the-mill pop star to stratospheric heights. But Richard, for the most part, has always operated on the fringes of the mainstream music scene. After first finding fame as a member of the “Making the Band” girl group Danity Kane, Richard has spent the better part of the last decade operating as an independent solo artist. And unlike the middling compositions she sang on as part of Danity Kane, Richard’s solo music is the stuff of wonder. From her critically acclaimed “Goldenheart,” “BlackHeart” and “RedemptionHeart” trio of solo albums to her most recent release, 2021′s “Second Line,” Richard has not been afraid to experiment with sound. Pop, R&B and electronic music all combine to create transformative, almost Afro-futuristic music that situates Richard as a provocative, avant-garde wonder worthy of greater praise. Her set is sure to produce one of the most captivating performances of the weekend.

Dawn Richard performs during the Pitchfork Music Festival in Union Park in Chicago on July 14, 2017. (Alexandra Wimley / Chicago Tribune)

BEST STAGE: Arrive early for the Red stage to hear the ethereal sounds of Ethel Cain. Stick around longer for a dance party as Tierra Whack, whose popularity has surged in recent years thanks to social media apps like TikTok, is sure to perform hits from her latest and critically acclaimed new EPs, “Rap?,” “Pop?” and “R&B?” Classic indie rock fans will enjoy an early evening set from Spiritualized who, after four years away, released their latest brilliant album, “Everything Was Beautiful.”

SOMETHING ELSE: In recent years, rising pop and R&B artists have found a home at Pitchfork before breaking through to the mainstream (just take a look at SZA’s recent ascent). Folks interested in discovering who’s next should make sure to catch Amber Mark, who headlines the Blue stage. After years of bubbling on the scene with catchy singles and EPs, Mark finally released her debut album, “Three Dimensions Deep,” a full-bodied collection of charming tunes with mass appeal.

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DON’T MISS: Homegrown rapper CupcakKe is not for the faint of heart, but that shouldn’t stop you from checking out her sure-to-be-talked-about set. A formidable and prolific talent, CupcakKe (born Elizabeth Eden Harris) has made a name for herself in the independent rap scene internationally by refusing to conform to industry standards (think trap). Instead, Harris has embraced a DIY ethos both sonically and image-wise. And although she is best known for her extremely raunchy lyrics, some of her most compelling work addresses LGBTQ rights and her experiences with childhood sexual assault. For those looking for an early afternoon party, CupcakKe is sure to be your best bet.

Cupcakke performs at LA Pride 2019 in West Hollywood, California. (Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)

BEST STAGE: Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any stage on this day. Each stage features a stacked lineup of up-and-coming acts, like the just announced replacement group The Linda Lindas, with established indie darlings such as Mitski and Japanese Breakfast. Often considered the most packed day at the festival, use this Saturday as a time of leisure and discovery.

SOMETHING ELSE: A decade ago, hyperpop was just in its underground infancy. Now, it has (somewhat) entered the mainstream under the direction of young artists like PinkPantheress and yeule, the latter of whom makes her Pitchfork debut. Don’t let this Singaporean producer and songwriter’s delicate vocals fool you. Minus a track or two, many of the songs on yeule’s second album, “Glitch Princess,” are an abrasive mix of piercing synths and appealing melodies.

DON’T MISS: Yes, The Roots have largely traded in their touring days for a nightly slot as the house band on “The Tonight Show.” But that doesn’t mean they have lost their spark or are no longer perennial showmen. Old school hip hop heads will especially get a kick out of this set, which is sure to traverse the landscape of the group’s more than 25-year-long career. Younger fans who are more used to the current trap leanings in rap music may find the group’s soulful and groove-oriented sound a nice surprise.

Toro Y Moi performed in Baltimore in support of his new album, "Anything in Return." (Jazmine Johnson, Baltimore Sun)

BEST STAGE: Every stage this day has excellent acts, but we especially love this Sunday’s Red stage, which will feature an eclectic lineup of acts. Chill pop and R&B musician Toro y Moi headlines the stage, but we are especially excited for the triumphant return of former Chicagoan Noname, who’s garnered as many headlines recently for her political activism as she has for her music. Earlier in the day, audiences should also get a kick out of L’Rain, who makes powerful and emotive songs steeped in yearning and desire.

SOMETHING ELSE: Unlike some other popular music festivals around the city, Pitchfork has always shown love to many local artists, and this year is no exception. Soulful singer Kaina will hit up the Green stage this day and likely perform selections from her brilliant and critically celebrated sophomore album, “It Was a Home.” Fans who follow the local music scene will likely notice a few familiar faces (like Sen Morimoto) performing in collaboration with the singer or as part of her band.

TICKETS: Both 3-day (from $200) and single-day (from $99) general admission tickets (all ages, prices plus service fees) are still available as of press time; pitchforkmusicfestival.com/#tickets. Children 10 and under can attend the festival for free.

STAGES: Music is on the Red, Green and Blue Stages. Each day’s primary headliner performs on the Green Stage.

UPDATES: For up-to-date information from the festival, follow @pitchforkfest and the festival’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages; check pitchforkmusicfestival.com or get festival emails.

People hang out at Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago's Union Park on Sept. 11, 2021. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)

FOR ENTRY: Guests must have a photo ID and a digital ticket for entry to the festival.

SAFETY: Guests who have safety questions or concerns, or those who need special accommodations can contact the festival ahead of time at info@pitchforkmusicfestival.com, while guests with medical-related questions can reach festival staff at medical@pitchforkmusicfestival.com

ACCESSIBILITY: Ramps from the sidewalks to the street will be available as well as an ADA entrance on Ashland, near the festival’s main entrance. ADA restrooms will be available on-site. Designated viewing platforms will be available for ADA festival attendees for all three stages. To view these stages, patrons must check in at the ADA entrance.

Animal Collective performs on the mainstage at Pitchfork Music Festival at Union Park on Sept. 10, 2021, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

NOT ALLOWED: For a full list of prohibited items, consult pitchforkmusicfestival.com/info.

Britt Julious is a freelance critic.