The hot 2011 Pitchfork Music Festival lineup was just announced and the fest gets ready to blast off on July 15 – 17 at Chicago’s Union Park. Check out all the juicy details after the break!

The Pitchfork Fest has been going strong since 2005, and is both well-run and highly attended. Last year’s festival was attended by over 50,000 fans, and featured a decent lineup of bands that included Pavement, Diplo, Major Lazer, Big Boi (from Outcast), Here We Go Magic, Best Coast, Surfer Blood, Beach House, Sleigh Bells, and more. The 2010 outing was marred by oppressive heat (much like their launch year – 2005), so be a good scout, and be prepared for the midwest summer.

2011’s “ForkFest” (Okay...I made that up. Sorry, Pitchfork!) lineup is looking even better than last year’s somewhat low-key collection of bands. So far, the lineup includes Animal Collective, Das Racist, TV on the Radio, newbie soul/blues dude James Blake, a reconfigured Dismemberment Plan, the outstanding Sun Airway, Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti, Fleet Foxes, Cut Copy, and Deerhunter. This is a preliminary lineup, and more artists are being added right up to the event.

The Pitchfork Fest isn’t a mere music festival. They have over 50 vendors on-hand, specialty fairs within the fair, and works hard to promote the Chicago area arts community.

Tickets go on sale today, and are $45 for a one day pass, and a mere $110 for the 3-day. Buy fast though, as last year's 3-day passes disappeared in 5 days, and the event is a consistent sell-out. Tix and info on the newly added acts can be found at http://www.pitchforkmusicfestival.com. Have a listen to some teaser tracks below!