5/21:Lollapalooza Annotated Guide The Definitive, No-Holds-Barred Guide to Lollapalooza This Year

Must-see acts, favorite food vendors—plus the truth about the bathroom and weed situations courtesy of a festival photographer who has the scoop.

Guide by Matt Kirouac Annotations by Ashley Osborn

The Definitive, No-Holds-Barred Guide to Lollapalooza This Year

Embarking on an all-day musical marathon. There’s a lot to take in on any given day at Lollapalooza, and if you’re going to get your money’s worth, you should lean into the over-the-top spectacle of it all. That means lacing up for a day filled with multi-tasking: ping-pong between stages to catch your favorite acts or meet up with friends, chow down in Chow Town, stay till the end to see the headliner of your choice, and then stay up even later for one of many afterparties around town. Even if there are two acts playing at the same time, and you want to see them both, it’s only about a 10–15 minute walk between the two farthest stages, so it’s possible to catch the beginning of one and the end of another.

No Lollapalooza experience is complete without…

Much like pumpkin spice and the NFL, music festival season never disappears for very long. That’s especially true in a city like Chicago, which maximizes its abbreviated summer to the fullest extent. Festival season in the Windy City is full of citywide block parties, food-filled bonanzas, and hordes of party-goers gathered en masse to watch outdoor movies or listen to music. Nothing maximizes festival season in Chicago quite like Lollapalooza, though. Taking place, once again, at Grant Park, on Chicago’s lakeside front lawn, Lollapalooza 2024 runs August 1–4, with multiple ticket options, eats from some of the city’s most renowned restaurants, and music sets from some of the hottest names in the industry, including both classic bands your parents still love and au courant crooners, rappers, and rockers. For a music festival with an annual attendance surpassing 400,000 people, Lollapalooza isn’t as intimidating as one might assume. Sure, it’s crowded and expensive and the air can occasionally smell like there are no weed restrictions whatsoever, but if done properly, it can be the ideal summer highlight. Heading into Lolla 2024, we’ve got all the details on the four-day event, including essential set info, answers to your burning weed questions, and intel on the afterparty. Put together your party posse and hit the park with our ultimate guide to Lollapalooza 2024.

1. You always want to get a map, or get the app. It can be crazy to get from point A to point B, but you'll want to explore. There are maps all over the festival as well, it can feel like a mini city. There are also beautiful pockets where you can lay in the grass or grab a bite to eat. It’s always really quiet by the Grove Stage over on the west side by the main entrance. That's my favorite place to escape.

4. If you can afford it, I would get a hotel downtown and I’d walk. If not, stay out of the city and take the train. Getting there mid-afternoon is the best.

Lollapalooza is held in Grant Park, sandwiched between Lake Michigan and the city’s towering downtown skyline. Eight stages will be sprawled south of Millennium Park, typically on and around Ida B. Wells Drive, Michigan Avenue, Monroe Street, and Columbus Drive. Parking anywhere near Grant Park can be a headache, but discounted rates for the festival are available at Millennium Garages—specifically at Millennium Lakeside, Millennium Park, and Grant Park North Garages. Better yet, public transit is abundant and easy in the area, with plenty of stops from CTA buses and trains, and the nearby Van Buren Metra stop. All “L” lines stop in the Loop, including stations like Van Buren, Monroe, Adams/Wabash, and Jackson, and buses like 3, 4, 6, 20, 56, 60, 124, 146, 147, 151, and 157 all stop along the park.

Where is Lollapalooza held and how do I get there?

Attendees always have multiple ticket options, including different tiers for one-day passes, two-day passes, and four-day passes. One-day options include general admission for $155, which grants access to more than 170 performances, food and drinks for purchase, and secured lockers for rent. One-day GA+ goes for $280 and adds unlimited access to two lounges with seating and air-conditioned restrooms, preferred pricing on all drinks, special food items for purchase, expedited festival entry, and a dedicated concierge to assist with all your Lolla needs. Then there’s one-day VIP, which goes for $585 and includes access to on-field viewing directly behind both the north and south main stages (a new perk this year), plus access to two shaded lounges with air-conditioned restrooms, golf cart transportation between stages, complimentary glitter treatments, and a dedicated premium entrance into the fest. If you’re really feeling extra, the one-day platinum pass for $2,080 grants access to two elite lounges, complimentary all-day dining and drinks, special viewing areas, your own platinum entrance, a special festival gift, and presale access to aftershows. Two-day passes are only available as general admission for $318, and four-day passes also come in general admission, GA+, VIP, and platinum. Four-day ticket holders can also upgrade to a cabana package.

How do I buy Lollapalooza tickets?

With nearly 200 acts from all over the world descending on eight stages, there’s a lot to see at Lollapalooza. From hip-hop and rock to pop and rap, genres run the gamut. This year’s headliners include Megan Thee Stallion, Hozier, SZA, Stray Kids, The Killers, and Blink-182 with Kesha, Deftones, Conan Gray, Teddy Swims, Killer Mike, and Chappel Roan among the second line.

What’s the Lollapalooza 2024 lineup?

Whether you’re there for the day or the weekend, Lollapalooza is a marathon—so remember to pace yourself and come prepared. The festival has extensive guidance on what is and isn’t allowed, and best practices for bringing certain items into the festival (for starters, don’t bring non-prescription drugs in an oversized duffel bag). This being the height of summer in Chicago, staying hydrated and shielded from the sun is vital. Empty reusable water bottles, as well as plastic or aluminum water bottles, are allowed and advised, as well as sunscreen in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less. Likewise, sun-protection hats are always a good move, and potentially quite fashionable. And it’s a good idea to dress to impress your podiatrist. Bring durable, quality shoes that you’re comfortable walking and standing in for long periods of time. Though it may be scorching hot and blindingly sunny, it can just as easily downpour. In fact, a Lollapalooza monsoon is a veritable rite of passage. So in addition to solid shoes that can slog through potential mud, you might want to pack a poncho just in case. They’re easy to stuff into any size bag, and they make a big difference if it starts to rain.

What should I bring to Lollapalooza?

Chow Town is the official food hub of Lollapalooza, offering an extensive roster of street eats across a range of cuisines and styles. This year’s lineup is nearly as impressive as the performers, with festival fixtures like Wow Bao, Dark Matter Coffee, Epic Burger, Harold’s Chicken, Cafe Tola, and The Tamale Guy joined by the likes of Basehit BBQ, Fatso’s Last Stand, Kamehachi, Lito’s Tacos & Empanadas, Shake Shack, Tandoor Char House, and The Budlong Southern Chicken.

What are the Lollapalooza 2024 food options?

When it comes to cannabis, Lollapalooza states that “medicines needing to be inhaled or smoked are prohibited unless in a prescribed inhaler,” but the Chicago Park District decidedly does not allow smoking or vaping. Park rangers aren’t making the rounds with drug-sniffing dogs, but it’s wise to at least be discreet and keep in mind that all bags are subject to search.

Can I bring weed to Lollapalooza?

Folks with GA+, VIP, and platinum passes have access to special air-conditioned restrooms, but general admission ticket-holders will have to stick to good ol’ fashioned porta potties.

What’s the bathroom situation at Lollapalooza?

Lollapalooza aftershows are almost as famous as the festival itself, and this year is sure to bring a spree of shows with superstar performers in iconic venues all over the city. The party starts before the festival itself, with a set by d4vd at the Metro on July 30, followed the next night by Flo with Kyle Dion at Outset, Lizzy McAlpine at Park West, Tyla at Thalia Hall, Matt Hansen at Subterranean, Sam Barber at Bottom Lounge, Blondshell at Empty Bottle, Chappell Roan at The Vic Theatre, and Kesha at House of Blues. After the first day of Lollapalooza on August 1, the aftershows continue with Walker & Royce at Soundbar, Loud Luxury at TAO, Don Diablo at Prysm, Ruel at Bottom Lounge, Militarie Gun at Cobra Lounge, Ryan Beatty at Lincoln Hall, and Raye at Thalia Hall. Through the rest of the fest, aftershows to look for include Saint Levant, Cannons, Leisure, Hippo Campus, Killer Mike, Forester, and Vince Staples.

Where’s the official Lollapalooza 2024 afterparty?

Crowds are consistently at their lowest on Thursday, but the caliber of performers remains top-notch, so if you want the full Lolla experience, with the fewest attendees, then Thursday is the one to prioritize. Whether you’re planning a Thursday ticket or not, the early Lollapalooza bird catches the worm. And by worm, we mean band tees. Merch booths are located all over the festival grounds, but despite their abundance, things tend to sell out quickly. So if you want to snag some prized merch, your best bet is to shop early upon arrival. Also, be on the lookout for activation areas from various brands, which tend to set up elaborate and immersive areas for more merch, samples, specialty sips, and experiences. Last year featured an Adobe Art Garden with 3D sculptures by Chicago artists, the Bud Light Backyard with shaded picnic tables and bountiful beer, Dunkin’s Rhythm Room with pink donut swings, and the Liquid Death “country club,” complete with grim reaper statues and sparkling water galore. Activations tend to be popular and crowded, but they’re worth it for the photo moments and brief reprieves of shade.

What should every Lollapalooza first-timer know?

2. Lollapalooza is my favorite fest in terms of climate, because it’s near the lake and you get the lake breeze.

3. The CTA is amazing, and they add so many train cars and buses [for the festival]. They make it very easy.

5. Last year, Noah Kahan was so special. I remember looking behind me, and I had never seen so many fans that were so emotional. I saw grown men crying their eyes out. I saw young girls crying and holding each other. He has such a special fan base.

6. My favorite Lollapalooza performance of all time was Miley Cyrus in 2021. She absolutely killed it. Limp Bizkit in 2021, was the absolute best—they came out dressed like elderly people, and it was iconic. 30 Seconds to Mars was my favorite performance of last year, and it was the first time Jared Leto repelled down from the top of the stage—I had never seen that.

7. Be prepared with lots of different clothing options. I always have a poncho in my bag ready to go. Trying to buy one downtown can be expensive. Look into bringing a kit with sunscreen, poncho, sunglasses, and hat—essentials going into any festival.

8. Last year, it rained. And it was just incredible to see how crazy people were going. By the end of the day, there were people doing a Slip ‘N Slide of mud. Running and sliding and moshing and dancing in the mud, and nobody cared that they were muddy. I live for it. I was shooting it for like an hour.

9. One of the best parts of Lollapalooza is that they only let local restaurants be vendors (one of only a few fests that do this), and that’s just so good. There’s Dark Matter Coffee, always serving really good cold brew. And you’ve gotta get Lou Malnati’s pizza while you’re there. Plus Chicago dogs and other foods that are local to Chicago. You won't find that at Coachella.

10. Lean into the activations, because some of them have, like, trailer bathrooms as well. There’s always an activation or two that has real bathrooms. For GA, avoid being over by Perry’s stage, those bathrooms are always disgusting.

12. Hit the merch lines early. If there’s an artist you’re dying to get merch from, go right away. The lines get crazy. Like a mile long. So be strategic. I recommend taking some time to explore everything, and check out the activations. There’s cool free swag you can get there too.

11. You’re also allowed to leave the fest and re-enter, which is rare, and I love that you’re not stuck in the festival.

music festival season

Chicago,

the Windy City

Lollapalooza,

the city's most renowned restaurants,

400,000 people,

towering downtown

skyline.

One-day GA+

one-day VIP,

GA+, VIP, and platinum.

extensive guidance

food hub of Lollapalooza,

cannabis,

Ashley Osborn is a Los Angeles based professional photographer and creative director with a passion for music, documentary, and lifestyle photography. She grew up in Minneapolis and picked up her first camera when she was only six years old. She is fortunate enough to have spent a lot of time on the road during her career with bands such as Twenty One Pilots and Bring Me The Horizon and has documented some of the world’s most influential women in music including Beyoncé, Selena Gomez, Billie Eilish, Jessie J, Avril Lavigne, Kesha, PVRIS.

Photo courtesy Pooneh Ghana/Lollapalooza

Photo courtesy Nathan Zucker/Lollapalooza

You always want to get a map, or get the app. It can be crazy to get from point A to point B, but you'll want to explore. There are maps all over the festival as well, it can feel like a mini city. There are also beautiful pockets where you can lay in the grass or grab a bite to eat. It’s always really quiet by the Grove Stage over on the west side by the main entrance. That's my favorite place to escape.

Lollapalooza is my favorite fest in terms of climate, because it’s near the lake and you get the lake breeze.

The CTA is amazing, and they add so many train cars and buses [for the festival]. They make it very easy.

Lollapalooza is my favorite fest in terms of climate, because it’s near the lake and you get the lake breeze.

Last year, Noah Kahan was so special. I remember looking behind me, and I had never seen so many fans that were so emotional. I saw grown men crying their eyes out. I saw young girls crying and holding each other. He has such a special fan base.

Meet the annotator

Ashley Osborn is a Los Angeles based professional photographer and creative director with a passion for music, documentary, and lifestyle photography. She has spent a lot of time on the road with bands such as Twenty One Pilots and Bring Me The Horizon and has documented some of the world’s most influential women in music including Beyoncé, Selena Gomez, Billie Eilish, Jessie J, Avril Lavigne, Kesha, PVRIS.

Meet the Annotator

My favorite Lollapalooza performance of all time was Miley Cyrus in 2021. She absolutely killed it. Limp Bizkit in 2021, was the absolute best—they came out dressed like elderly people, and it was iconic. 30 Seconds to Mars was my favorite performance of last year, and it was the first time Jared Leto repelled down from the top of the stage—I had never seen that.

Be prepared with lots of different clothing options. I always have a poncho in my bag ready to go. Trying to buy one downtown can be expensive. Look into bringing a kit with sunscreen, poncho, sunglasses, and hat—essentials going into any festival.

One of the best parts of Lollapalooza is that they only let local restaurants be vendors (one of only a few fests that do this), and that’s just so good. There’s Dark Matter Coffee, always serving really good cold brew. And you’ve gotta get Lou Malnati’s pizza while you’re there. Plus Chicago dogs and other foods that are local to Chicago. You won't find that at Coachella.

Photo by Jonah Rosenberg for Thrillist

Lean into the activations, because some of them have, like, trailer bathrooms as well. There’s always an activation or two that has real bathrooms. For GA, avoid being over by Perry’s stage, those bathrooms are always disgusting.

You’re also allowed to leave the fest and re-enter, which is rare, and I love that you’re not stuck in the festival.

Editor’s Note: Thrillist’s Guide to Live Music in 2024 is your go-to resource for navigating the most travel-worthy music events of the year. For festival guides like this, we asked past attendees, musical artists, and mega fans to add their personal anecdotes, unexpected highlights, and insider tips through annotations. Read more guides and stories here.

Photo courtesy Miranda McDonald/Lollapalooza

Photo courtesy Greg Noire/Lollapalooza

Photo courtesy Pooneh Ghana/Lollapalooza

Photo courtesy Taylor Regulski/Lollapalooza

Photo courtesy Nathan Zucker/Lollapalooza

Photo courtesy Pooneh Ghana/Lollapalooza

Photo courtesy Greg Noire/Lollapalooza

Photo courtesy Pooneh Ghana/Lollapalooza

Photo courtesy Taylor Regulski/Lollapalooza

Photo by Jonah Rosenberg for Thrillist

Matt Kirouac is a travel writer with a passion for national parks, Disney, and food. He's the co-founder and co-host of Hello Ranger, a national parks community blog, podcast, and app. Follow him on IG @matt_kirouac.

Gerrish Lopez is a Thrillist contributor.

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