The music festival of the summer has arrived. Lollapalooza returns to Grant Park in Chicago on August 1-4. The four-day event can be non-stop fun, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see all of your favorite artists in one place. But in the craziness of the weekend, you’ll find yourself quickly exhausted. Luckily, one of our N’terns attended last summer, and some of our N’Crew are native to the Windy City, so we’ve put together our best tips for partying like a pro while prioritizing your safety.
The City of Chicago has also shared safety tips and more information regarding entry procedures, traffic information, medical resources, weather shelters, and more.
1. Get a good reusable water bottle or water backpack that follows festival guidelines
No, alcohol doesn’t count to keep you hydrated! Whether you’re at the festival for one night or all four, don’t underestimate the power of drinking water to keep you going. Lollapalooza allows water packs and reusable bottles as long as they are emptied prior to entry.
2. Don’t forget sunscreen!
The quickest way to ruin a good day is with a sunburn. Make sure you pack a bottle that is 3.4 ounces or less, and remember to reapply throughout the day.
3. Get some earplugs and save those ears!
Hearing damage is no joke, and Lollapalooza is loud, for good reason! Live music is epic in the moment, but full hearing capacity lasts a lifetime. Don’t worry, you can still hear all of your favorite bands just fine. These Loop Experience earplugs are specifically designed for concerts.
4. Bring a portable charger
Phones die quickly when you are recording your favorite artists, so be sure to bring a portable battery! Amazon has some great options, like this high-speed battery pack or this magnetic power bank for iPhones.
5. Familiarize yourself with the lollapalooza map
That includes all the entrances/exits and medical tents. An estimated 400,000 people attend Lollapalooza, and your safety should be a number one priority. Make sure you know where to go for medical help or a quick escape in case of an emergency.
6. Create a meeting point
In case you accidentally get separated from your group, make sure you have everyone’s phone number and determine a place to meet at the end of the night and throughout the day to check in. Familiarize yourself with the Festival Map and locate nearby landmarks like the Buckingham Fountain or the Art Institute of Chicago.
7. Make a schedule of the artists with the stages they are performing at
Lollapalooza has a full lineup and schedule of artists online, so do your research! Make a game plan to hit up all your must-see artists to get the best experience. It can be hectic to plan upon arrival, especially if your group wants to split up or see different artists.
Headliners for the festival include Megan Thee Stallion, SZA, The Killers, and Blink-182, with other artists like Lizzy McAlpine, Conan Gray, and Tyla featured as well.
8. Create some cute outfits and even better memories
Get creative with your fits! Lollapalooza guests go all-out for this festival, so no outfit is too crazy. Take to TikTok for outfit inspo, share your ideas with your friends, and enjoy the experience!
Grab your tickets for Lollapalooza. You don’t want to miss out!
