Lollapalooza 2025: Everything You Need To Know About
Lollapalooza 2025 is finally hitting Chicago this July 31, and yes, we’re already sweating with excitement. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned fest-goer with wristbands older than your little cousin, this article is your no-BS guide to conquering...

Lollapalooza 2025 is finally hitting Chicago this July 31, and yes, we’re already sweating with excitement. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned fest-goer with wristbands older than your little cousin, this article is your no-BS guide to conquering Grant Park. From headliners to day tickets, food to festival history, we’re diving deep into everything you need to know to make the most of your Lollapalooza 2025 experience.
What Is Lollapalooza?
Lollapalooza isn’t just another summer music festival—it’s a full-blown cultural experience. Born in 1991 as a traveling rock show created by Perry Farrell (of Jane’s Addiction fame), Lollapalooza has evolved into a global brand with editions in countries like Germany, Brazil, Argentina, and even India. But nothing beats the OG vibe of Chicago, where the skyline meets the beats and the crowd is as colorful as the lineup.
The fest features a wild mix of genres—rock, hip-hop, EDM, indie, pop, punk, and sometimes things you can’t even label yet (in the best way). It’s where Billie Eilish went from tiny stage to global domination and where legends like Paul McCartney and Kanye have blown the roof off Grant Park—metaphorically, of course.
Whether you’re there for the music, the food, the fashion, or the people-watching (let’s be real, it’s an event on its own), Lolla is a place where you feel summer in your bones.
When and Where Is It Happening?
Lollapalooza 2025 will run from Thursday, July 31 through Sunday, August 3. That’s four full days of absolute mayhem—in the best way possible. The fest goes down in Grant Park, a stunning 319-acre slice of heaven in Chicago, IL, framed by the city skyline on one side and the lakefront on the other.
Location: Grant Park, Downtown ChicagoHours: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM dailyMain entrances: Michigan Ave & Ida B. Wells, Columbus & JacksonGrant Park transforms into a maze of food stalls, water stations, art displays, sponsor tents, and—most importantly—nine active music stages. Wear comfy shoes. You’ll need them.
What to Expect from Day One to Day Four – Thursday, July 31
Oh honey, Thursday is no warm-up act. It’s a full-force musical punch from start to finish. Whether you’re into indie, house, punk, or pop, the lineup has flavor for every kind of music snob (and casual fan).
T-Mobile Stage – Main Vibes, Big Energy
DJ Heather (12:00 – 12:45 PM): A true icon from the Chicago house scene, DJ Heather will have your booty grooving before lunch hits. Her style is smooth, soulful, and sophisticated. Expect a curated set that blends tradition and tomorrow.Nourished by Time (1:15 – 2:00 PM): Baltimore-based artist offering a fresh R&B/alt-pop hybrid with reflective lyrics and infectious production. His sound? A retro-futuristic escape from reality.Durand Bernarr (3:00 – 4:00 PM): This man is charisma on stage. Mixing funk, gospel, and hilarious on-stage banter, Durand is like the fun uncle who also sings better than anyone you know.Father John Misty (5:00 – 6:15 PM): Expect a set that feels like part sermon, part sarcastic TED Talk, part indie ballad binge. This guy delivers depth—and that baritone voice will echo in your soul.Gracie Abrams (7:00 – 8:00 PM): Moody, intimate, and emotionally precise. If you love lyricism and soft vocals that sneak up on you emotionally—this is your girl.Tyler, The Creator (8:45 – 10:00 PM): No one closes like Tyler. Expect wild visuals, set design that belongs in a museum, and songs from Igor, Call Me If You Get Lost, and maybe something brand new. Brace yourself.Bud Light Stage – Rock, Pop & Curveballs
Ratboys (1:30 – 2:15 PM): Think indie Americana soaked in nostalgia and garage grit. It’s Chicago love through lo-fi fuzz.Mark Tuan (3:00 – 3:45 PM): GOT7 fans, rise. This solo set leans R&B and moody pop, with just the right amount of heartbreak and swagger.Sierra Ferrell (5:15 – 6:00 PM): Her voice feels like a dusty record in the best way. Ferrell’s blend of old-timey country, gypsy jazz, and bluegrass will teleport you to another era.Cage the Elephant (7:45 – 9:00 PM): Matt Shultz might jump into the crowd (again). Loud, gritty, unpredictable. This band is meant to be experienced live.Luke Hemmings (9:00 – 10:00 PM): The 5SOS frontman is delivering dream-pop realness with emotional depth. Bring your feels.Lakeshore Stage – The Cool Kid Corner
The Symposium (12:15 – 1:00 PM): They’re quirky, chaotic, and undeniably Chicago. Expect experimental garage rock with a sense of humor.Julie (2:00 – 2:45 PM): Shoegaze meets punk in this noisy but soft-edged trio. It’s beautiful chaos.Matt Champion (4:00 – 5:00 PM): If you loved BROCKHAMPTON’s creativity, Matt’s solo stuff brings more introspection with a trippy vibe. Rap meets R&B meets your subconscious.Magdalena Bay (6:00 – 7:00 PM): Think Sailor Moon as a pop star. Their synth-heavy, hyperpop-leaning visuals are just as memorable as the music.Royel Otis (9:00 – 9:45 PM): Australian beach pop meets bedroom production. A soft landing to close your Thursday.BMI Stage – Discoveries Waiting to Happen
Girl Tones (1:00 – 1:30 PM): Sweet, stripped-down soul with harmonies that feel like summer air. Tiny but mighty set.Alexsucks (2:30 – 3:00 PM): A grungy punk explosion that will 100% wake you up.Yanna (3:20 – 4:00 PM): Velvet voice + smooth production = the R&B set you didn’t know you needed.BD Stalley (4:30 – 5:00 PM): Up-and-comer in the conscious rap space. Real lyrics, tight delivery, and sharp beats.Colby Acuff (6:00 – 6:30 PM): Traditional country storytelling that hits hard. He’s not just another cowboy hat.Xaviersobased (7:00 – 7:30 PM): Half meme, half genius. His chaotic humor meets surprisingly catchy beats.The Grove – Chill Meets Intense
Silly Goose (12:45 – 1:30 PM): Wild card energy. Their set is basically one long inside joke between band and crowd.The Droptones (1:50 – 2:30 PM): Groove-driven funk with killer horns. It’s the perfect set to sip a cold drink and sway.Black Party (2:45 – 3:30 PM): Chill R&B that blends sex appeal with cosmic vibes.Sunami (4:00 – 4:30 PM): Brutal, loud, in-your-face hardcore. Not for the faint of heart—but cathartic as hell.Glass Beams (6:00 – 6:45 PM): They look like a secret society. They play like jazz aliens. You’ll be hypnotized.Overmono (7:30 – 8:30 PM): British brothers spinning underground dance tracks for the heads. Don’t miss this rave under the stars.Tito’s Handmade Vodka Stage – Genre Roulette
Jade Lemac (1:00 – 1:45 PM): Young, emotional pop with powerhouse vocals. Keep your eyes on her.Chicago Made Showcase (2:15 – 3:00 PM): This is your crash course in Chicago’s underground scene. Local heroes, raw talent.Fcukers (4:00 – 4:45 PM): Noise, funk, and performance art all rolled into one unforgettable experience.Role Model (6:30 – 7:15 PM): Bedroom pop at its emotional best. Sad but hot energy.Alex Warren (8:00 – 8:45 PM): From TikTok to IRL pop performer. Honest lyrics, catchy hooks.Dollapalooza Stage – The Oddball Gems
Terrance Lamar (12:15 – 1:00 PM): Soulful gospel with heavy funk roots. Bring your spiritual self.Prospa (3:00 – 4:00 PM): Retro rave revival from the UK. Glow sticks optional but encouraged.Heather Redman (5:15 – 6:00 PM): Americana ballads that feel like late-night road trips.DOMi & JD Beck (8:00 – 9:00 PM): Insanely skilled jazz prodigies mixing drum solos and memes. Trust us—just go.Kidzapalooza + Family Stage
Open daily from 11 AM – 5 PM, this area offers music workshops, mini-sets from kid-friendly artists, arts & crafts, and chill-out zones for littles and their grownups. It’s a full-blown party for the pint-sized crowd.
Friday Lineup (August 1)
Alright, now let’s talk Friday, aka Day 2. This is the point in the festival where the energy really starts to thump, your sunscreen’s wearing thin, and everyone’s feeling themselves. You’ve settled in, scoped out the food trucks, learned how to avoid the porta-potty lines—and now it’s time to dive into the full vibe of Friday’s epic lineup.
From smooth indie bops to full-on electronic madness to iconic headliners that’ll melt your brain, Friday is fully loaded with unforgettable moments. So let’s go stage by stage, shall we?
T-Mobile Stage – Big Sound, Big Feelings
Tanner Adell (1:00 – 1:45 PM): This country newcomer blends classic twang with girlboss sass. Think rhinestones and empowerment anthems with TikTok energy.Gigi Perez (2:30 – 3:15 PM): Formerly known as Lil Miss Canal Street, Gigi delivers dreamy alt-pop with a moody edge. Her voice? Chef’s kiss.Foster the People (4:30 – 5:30 PM): If you haven’t screamed “Pumped Up Kicks” in a field with thousands of strangers, have you even lived? Indie-pop kings with hits for days.Djo (6:15 – 7:15 PM): That’s right—it’s Joe Keery (aka Steve from Stranger Things), but he’s not here for Hawkins. He’s here to melt your face with psychedelic grooves.Olivia Rodrigo (8:30 – 9:45 PM): The Gen Z heartbreak queen is bringing the drama, the ballads, and hopefully the surprise covers. Grab tissues and earplugs—this one’s loud in every way.Bud Light Stage – Unexpected Icons
Jane Remover (12:45 – 1:30 PM): Hyperpop with emotional depth. She’s carving out a space between electronic chaos and heartache poetry.Otoboke Beaver (2:30 – 3:30 PM): Japanese punk legends with energy that will slap you in the face—in a good way.T-Pain (4:30 – 5:30 PM): The auto-tune king turned national treasure. Come for the throwbacks, stay for the charisma.Bleachers (6:30 – 7:30 PM): Jack Antonoff is the indie-pop whisperer. He’ll make you cry, dance, and hug your bestie—all within 45 minutes.Korn (8:30 – 9:45 PM): The nu-metal icons are here to rage. Expect headbanging, mosh pits, and maybe a surprise emotional moment because… festivals.Perry’s Stage – For the Ravers
Hekler (1:00 – 1:45 PM): Bass drops so heavy they might rearrange your insides.Isokno (6:15 – 7:00 PM): Dark, twisty electronic vibes with serious “underground warehouse” energy.Knock2 (9:00 – 10:00 PM): High-BPM, no-chill, footwork fire. If you’re still standing at this point, this set will finish the job.Lakeshore Stage – Indie Lovers Rejoice
Dogpark (11:30 – 12:15 PM): Indie-punk cuties that bring emotional chaos in the form of catchy guitar riffs.Isabel LaRosa (2:00 – 2:45 PM): Sweet, synth-laced indie-pop. Think Billie Eilish if she liked warm pastels.Navy Blue (3:45 – 4:30 PM): Introspective rap meets ambient soundscapes. Vibe-y with substance.Amaarae (6:00 – 6:45 PM): Afro-fusion queen who’ll glide between genres and leave you breathless.Wallows (7:40 – 8:40 PM): Teen drama soundtrack staples. Sad boys, fuzzy guitars, and shout-along choruses.The Grove – Hidden Gems & Global Beats
Kenny Mason (2:30 – 3:00 PM): Genre-defying, grunge-rap genius. Don’t miss this one.Flipturn (5:00 – 6:00 PM): Dreamy indie rock with a youthful rush.Ocean Alley (6:30 – 7:30 PM): Aussie surf rock with psychedelic flair. Chill and sun-soaked.Mary Droppinz (8:00 – 9:00 PM): Tech house meets attitude. She’ll have you moving nonstop.BMI, Kidzapalooza & More
Carol Ades (5:00 – 5:30 PM – BMI): Songwriter-turned-pop-empress. Emotions will be high, vocals even higher.Wyatt Flores (7:00 – 7:30 PM – BMI): Rising country-folk star with an old soul and a magnetic stage presence.Mary Droppinz (8:00 – 9:00 PM – The Grove): Yes, she’s pulling a double! And you’ll want to catch both.Saturday Lineup (August 2)
Let’s be real—by Saturday, the energy is wild, the outfits are wilder, and the lineup is stacked with pure fire. This is the heart of Lolla weekend: when the fest hits peak intensity, the crowd knows the drill, and the performances get legendary. Whether you’re vibing with new indie stars, going full rave at Perry’s, or screaming lyrics at the main stage, Saturday is built to blow your mind. Let’s dive into what’s happening and where.
T-Mobile Stage – Saturday’s Main Event Madness
Divino Niño (12:00 – 12:45 PM): Chicago-based, Latin-infused psych-pop that kicks the day off with a dreamy groove.Juliana Madrid (1:30 – 2:15 PM): Lush indie-pop melodies and vulnerability. Underrated gem.Bakar (3:15 – 4:15 PM): UK alt-rock with a soulful punch. Major charisma, and stage-ready vibes.Hippo Campus (4:30 – 5:30 PM): Infectious indie-rock built for summer fields and feel-good anthems.Alvvays (5:45 – 6:45 PM): Dreamy Canadian indie that hits you in the heart. “Archie, Marry Me” live? Yes, please.Omar Apollo (7:00 – 8:00 PM): Sultry vocals and genre-defying grooves. His live sets ooze cool.SZA (9:00 – 10:00 PM): R&B queen. Every note is a vibe. Every lyric? Straight from your journal. She’ll close with pure elegance and emotional power.Perry’s Stage – Saturday Rave Vortex
Bruno Furlan (12:00 – 12:45 PM): Deep house groove to kick things off. Underground vibes.ISOxo (1:30 – 2:45 PM): High-energy trap & bass. Sweat guaranteed.Knock2 (4:00 – 5:00 PM): Bass house heatwave. He brings the drop, and then some.Matroda (6:00 – 7:00 PM): Tech house bangers that make your feet move before your brain catches up.The Chainsmokers (8:00 – 9:00 PM): Yeah, they’re pop, but they’re fun as hell. You’ll sing along even if you pretend not to know the words.Rezz (9:00 – 10:00 PM): Bass, trippy visuals, and a hypnotic presence. End your night in a daze (in a good way).Bud Light Stage – Chill, Powerful, Poetic
Worry Club (1:00 – 1:45 PM): Lo-fi indie with major feels.Del Water Gap (2:30 – 3:30 PM): Clean, clever, emotional pop. Total heartthrob vibes.Arlo Parks (4:00 – 5:00 PM): Her voice is honey. Her words are healing. Bring tissues.LANY (6:00 – 7:00 PM): Love songs, heartbreak bops, and big chorus moments.Kesha (7:30 – 8:30 PM): Glitter, power, and rebellion. A live show that screams empowerment.JID (9:00 – 10:00 PM): Lyrical genius. Energy unmatched. He’ll close with a bang.Lakeshore Stage – Alt & Indie Paradise
Thee Sacred Souls (1:30 – 2:15 PM): Smooth soul revival. Soothing and groovy.Arcy Drive (2:45 – 3:30 PM): Alternative-rock with punchy hooks.Djo (4:00 – 5:00 PM): Yes, that’s Joe Keery (aka Steve from Stranger Things). His psychedelic alt-pop is hypnotic.TV Girl (6:00 – 7:00 PM): Lo-fi, hazy nostalgia trip. Internet cult faves.Caroline Polachek (8:00 – 9:00 PM): Avant-pop siren. Ethereal and captivating.The Grove – Saturday’s Surprise Stage
Opal Canyon (1:00 – 1:45 PM): Americana indie with heartfelt lyrics.Liv.e (3:00 – 3:45 PM): Experimental soul-jazz. Like Erykah Badu in a digital dream.Baby Rose (4:00 – 4:45 PM): Deep, sultry vocals and raw emotion.Blondshell (6:15 – 7:15 PM): Grunge-pop rage anthems for sad girls and mad boys.The Japanese House (7:30 – 8:15 PM): Moody synth-pop for twilight moments.BMI & Kidzapalooza Gems
Sophia James (1:30 – 2:00 PM – BMI): Soothing indie acoustics.Kenny Mason (3:00 – 3:30 PM – BMI): Alt-rap with hard edges.Jane Leo (7:45 – 8:30 PM – BMI): Funky, fierce, genre-hopping energy.Rainbow Rock Band (12:00 – 12:30 PM – Kidzapalooza): Kid-friendly jams for the little festies.Sunday Lineup (August 3)
We’ve reached the final chapter, fest warriors! It’s Sunday, August 3, and if your legs are sore, your voice is hoarse, and you’ve got glitter in places glitter should not be—congrats, you’re doing Lolla right. But don’t tap out now. Sunday is where it peaks. We’re talking global icons, cult favorites, emotional sendoffs, and vibes so good you’ll wish Monday never existed.
Here’s your full-blown, emotional, hype-packed walkthrough of Sunday’s stages and performers:
T-Mobile Stage – Finale Fireworks Incoming
RaeCola (12:00 – 12:45 PM): Electro duo with Chicago roots. Tech house heads, rise up!LAILA! (1:30 – 2:15 PM): Genre-bending vocals and fierce femme energy.Katseye (3:15 – 4:15 PM): Glitchy, alt-electro pop. Feels futuristic yet nostalgic.Marlon Hoffstadt (4:30 – 5:30 PM): Berlin-based house music legend. Banger after banger.Isaiah Rashad (5:45 – 6:45 PM): TDE’s quiet powerhouse. His lyrical depth will hit you right in the feels.Dominic Fike (7:00 – 8:00 PM): Indie prince, pop flirt, chaos king. Expect everything.Sabrina Carpenter (9:00 – 10:00 PM): She’s no longer “just” a Disney star. Sabrina’s stage presence is elite. Pop perfection to close the T-Mobile saga.Perry’s Stage – End of Weekend Rage Mode
Jigitz (12:45 – 1:30 PM): High-BPM madness. Don’t bring your chill.MIMINO (1:30 – 2:45 PM): EDM meets melodic waves. Euphoric energy.Rebecca Black (6:00 – 7:00 PM): Yes, that Rebecca Black. But now she’s an alt-pop queen with bangers. Respect the glow-up.Gryffin (8:00 – 9:00 PM): If you need an uplifting dance moment with big drops and bigger feelings, Gryffin’s got you.Martin Garrix (9:00 – 10:00 PM): KING status. The man knows how to end a fest with a literal boom.Lakeshore Stage – For the Cult Faves and True Discoveries
Joe P (1:30 – 2:15 PM): Raw, emotional, and poetic. Bring your sensitive side.BOYBREDTOOD (2:45 – 3:30 PM): Lo-fi meets dream-pop. Soothing stuff.Mariah the Scientist (4:00 – 5:00 PM): Smooth R&B with lyrics that’ll mess you up emotionally—in the best way.FINNEAS (6:00 – 7:00 PM): The brain behind Billie Eilish’s success. His solo stuff is just as haunting and sharp.Still Woozy (8:00 – 9:00 PM): Funky, weird, catchy. A dance party for the offbeat souls.Bud Light Stage – Soulful to Savage
Jane Remover (1:00 – 1:45 PM): Emotional glitch-pop. She’s rising fast.Otoboke Beaver (2:30 – 3:30 PM): Japanese punk energy that’ll blow your socks off. CHAOTIC GOOD.Wild Rivers (4:00 – 5:00 PM): Indie-folk harmonies that feel like a hug.Remi Wolf (6:00 – 7:00 PM): Psychedelic pop + unmatched stage presence. Don’t miss this one.A$AP Rocky (9:00 – 10:00 PM): Fashion icon. Rap superstar. Headliner king. He’ll close the Bud Light stage in pure style.The Grove – Off-Beat, Underrated, Must-See
Landon Barker (1:00 – 1:45 PM): Son of Travis Barker, but doing his own pop-punk thing.Keenan Lira (3:00 – 3:45 PM): Mellow crooner vibes with magnetic energy.Willow Avalon (4:00 – 4:45 PM): Her voice is like an indie lullaby, and we’re here for it.Joey Valence & Brae (6:15 – 7:15 PM): Beastie Boys-inspired chaos. High-energy and unapologetically fun.Graham Barham (7:30 – 8:15 PM): Country-rock blend that’ll have you two-stepping into sunset.BMI, Kidzapalooza & Other Fun Finds
BENCHES (1:30 – 2:00 PM – BMI): Smooth and seductive alt-rock.Siena Liggins (3:00 – 3:30 PM – BMI): Loud, proud, and stylish pop perfection.Artemas (7:45 – 8:30 PM – BMI): Up-and-comer with a voice that sticks to your ribs.Latin Mafia (9:00 – 10:00 PM – BMI): Latin rhythms meet electronic edge. Closes out the smaller stage with a bang.Birds of Feather (12:00 – 12:30 PM – Kidzapalooza): Wholesome singalongs for the kiddos and their fest-loving parents.ALSO READ: Justine Bieber New Album Got The Swag— Here’s The Juice
Places to Avoid at Lollapalooza (Unless You Like Chaos)
We love Lolla, but we also love keeping our sanity intact. With over 400,000 people expected to swarm Grant Park over four days, some areas are just straight-up avoidable if you don’t want your festival experience turning into a stress fest.
1. Main Stage Bottlenecks During Headliners
Let’s be real—everyone and their neon fanny pack will be trying to catch the headliners. While the T-Mobile and Bud Light stages offer some of the best performances, they also get ridiculously crowded. Unless you’re dead set on being front-row, save yourself the trauma of getting stuck between sweaty strangers and find a good spot at the back with space to breathe and dance.
2. Entrance Zones During Rush Hours (1–3 PM)
Pro tip: Don’t arrive at the exact same time as everyone else. Between 1:00–3:00 PM, the main entry gates get slammed. We’re talking 30-minute waits, full bag checks, and that one dude who forgot the no-liquid rule. Show up early or wait it out a little to keep your blood pressure chill.
3. Food Courts at Peak Meal Time (4–7 PM)
Yes, the food is drool-worthy, but so are the lines—especially when you hit peak hunger hour. Avoid the big clusters between 4 and 7 PM unless you like standing in line longer than the set you’re about to see. Either eat early, late, or pack a snack and scope out smaller vendors tucked off the main path.
4. Perry’s Stage If You’re Not Into EDM or Rowdy Crowds
We LOVE a good dance pit—but Perry’s Stage is not the place to casually vibe. It’s loud, it's packed, and it’s chaos (the fun kind… unless it’s not your thing). If you’re not into electronic music, massive bass drops, and glow sticks flying at your face, maybe skip this area after dark.
5. Porta-Potty Clusters Near Main Paths
Do we even have to explain this one? Go off the beaten path if you want to survive the restroom experience with your dignity intact. The ones near the big stages are, uh… not for the weak. Check maps and go further into the park for shorter lines and (slightly) better conditions.
6. Merch Booths Right After Major Sets
You’ll be tempted to snag that tee right after your fave artist crushes their set. So will everyone else. Unless you love being shoulder-to-shoulder in a crowd of sweaty fans fumbling for Venmo, shop earlier in the day or sneak off when a lesser-known act is on.
7. Center Park Grass When It Rains
If Chicago weather throws a tantrum—and it often does—that central patch of grass becomes a mud pit straight out of a music fest horror story. Avoid the slip-and-slide. Trust your boots. Stick to pavement.
Must-Have Essentials to Bring to Lollapalooza 2025
Let’s talk survival, people. You don’t want to be that person melting in the sun, phoneless, and parched halfway through the day. Packing smart = partying smarter. Here’s your no-nonsense, battle-tested checklist of everything you need to thrive at Lolla 2025.
1. Hydration Pack or Reusable Water Bottle
Chicago heat is no joke in July and August. Lolla has free hydration stations throughout the park, so BYO bottle (make sure it’s empty on entry!). A hydration backpack is even better if you want hands-free sipping while you dance your face off.
2. Portable Charger (Fully Charged)
Between snapping pics, navigating the app, and texting your lost friends who swore they’d be “by the fountain,” your battery won’t make it past 3 PM. Pack a portable charger—and make it a good one. Bonus if it charges multiple phones.
3. Festival-Approved Clear Bag
Don’t even think about rolling in with your giant tote. Lolla has strict bag rules: clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″, or small clutches (no larger than 6″ x 9″). Pack light, and keep it rule-friendly.
4. Sun Protection (Hat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen)
You’re outside ALL DAY. Protect that face. A wide-brimmed hat, sweat-proof sunscreen, and quality shades are festival essentials unless you want to walk away looking like a tomato.
5. Bandana or Face Mask
Dust, smoke, and mystery smells are part of the experience. A bandana doubles as fashion and function, especially near Perry’s Stage or on windy afternoons.
6. Cash/Card Combo
Most vendors are cashless now, but it never hurts to have some emergency cash. Make sure your card is easily accessible—nobody wants to hold up the line while you dig through 17 hair ties and a granola bar.
7. Lightweight Rain Poncho
This is Chicago. If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes. When that pop-up thunderstorm hits (and it will), you’ll be glad you packed a cheap poncho instead of paying $20 for one from a vendor.
8. Printed Set Times or Festival App
Wi-Fi can be sketchy. Download the Lolla app or print the schedule ahead of time. Highlight your must-see acts and map out stage routes—you’ll thank yourself later.
9. Comfortable Shoes (That Can Get Wrecked)
Your cute new sandals? Leave them. You’re walking miles and standing for hours. Go with broken-in sneakers or boots. Trust us, your feet will throw you a parade afterward.
10. Mini First Aid Kit + Essentials
Band-Aids, painkillers, eye drops, blister cushions. Add a few hygiene wipes, deodorant wipes, and tampons/pads if you need them. It’s the little things that can make or break your day.
Lolla Like You Mean It
You’ve got the lineup, the logistics, the survival tips, and even the spots to dodge like a pro. So what’s left? Just one thing: go all in. Lollapalooza 2025 isn’t just a music festival—it’s a rite of passage, a city-wide celebration of sound, energy, and the human need to scream lyrics with strangers at sunset.
So dance like nobody’s livestreaming you, sing like your ex is in the crowd, and make memories like you’ve only got one summer left. Because this isn’t just another weekend—it’s Lolla, baby. And you were born to headline your own story.
See you in Grant Park. Let’s make some noise, Chicago.