It’s that time of year again—time to start buying Lollapalooza tickets! With the lineup dropping a few weeks ago, excitement for Lollapalooza is already in full swing.
Lollapalooza is a four-day music festival held in Chicago’s Grant Park, showcasing a wide variety of incredible artists.
I had my first Lolla experience at 11, seeing The Chainsmokers—and I’ve been going ever since! Whether it’s the music, the city, or just the people-watching, it’s always a blast.
There are definitely a few things you’ll want to know—whether you’re a first-timer or returning for another round. That’s why I’ve created a survival guide to Lollapalooza to help you be fully prepared.
1: Outfits
What you wear is a big part of the Lolla experience. One quick Google search and you’ll instantly see people decked out in neon, glitter, and probably some wild hairstyles.
Speaking from personal experience—wear something you’ll be comfortable in all day. You will see a lot of people wearing extravagant outfits on instagram but the photos don’t show how hot, sweaty, or uncomfortable it really is.
Most importantly: please don’t wear uncomfortable shoes.
Last year, I ordered a pair of shoes off Amazon that I hadn’t worn before. Big mistake. I ended up limping through half the day with multiple blisters and sat down every chance I got.
“My friend wore awful shoes, got awful blisters, and ended up bleeding everywhere. We had to go to a random gas station to get medical aid…it was awful,” senior Clare Cannady said.
Clearly, this experience isn’t one I went through alone.
Also, Lolla is held at the end of July, literally the hottest part of summer. If you have long hair, it’s ESSENTIAL to bring at least one hair tie. When you’re standing in the blazing sun waiting for a set to start, throwing your hair up might just save you from heatstroke or at least a seriously bad mood.
Even if you’re dancing or packed into a crowd, you do not want your hair in your face or getting all tangled. A slick-back ponytail is definitely a good hairstyle option.
If you think you have a perfect bag that goes with your outfit, before you bring it, be sure to read over the bag policy. You do not want to be stuck with your bag getting taken away.
Disclaimer: the wristband color changes everyday so if you try to re-use the same one, it will not work.
2: Surroundings
Lolla, as I said before, is hosted in a park. Grant park happens to be about 50% dirt and dusty grounds.
There’s not much grass around the stages, so you’re basically dancing in dirt. That being said, wear shoes you don’t mind getting wrecked.
There are all kinds of people and age groups there which means all kinds of outfits. Some people wear cute dresses or sets and others prefer to have their outfit be solely made out of duct tape. This could definitely take you by surprise.
Crowds can be very thick, and personal space is nonexistent. In short, be prepared to see and be around some people in weird outfits.
The main thing I can’t seem to ever prepare myself for are the public restrooms, also known as porta potties. You are going to have to use one at one point or another.
“I’ve been to Lolla three times and every single time I find myself in a 10 minute line for the porta potties, despite the hundreds of them. Once you finally get inside it, you have to hold your breath for the two minutes when you’re in there,” senior Amelia Hansen said.
Basically, be prepared for the worst.
3: Transportation and money
Lolla is fun and all… until you’re stuck in traffic trying to get there or leave. I highly recommend leaving way earlier than you think you need to. Ubering is a good option but can only take you so far with all of the roads closed down. Long story short, always be prepared to walk.
It is especially busy on the streets after the last headliner. Lots of people opt for the lit up bike taxis, but they usually seat up to four people and are pricey.
A couple years ago, trying to avoid all of the crowds, I tried taking the subway. Even trying to get on the subway felt like World War III. We were packed in so tight and it was awkward and uncomfortable.
The best move would be to plan out your transportation beforehand so you can avoid spending an extra hour trying to find a way home.
Lastly, you cannot go to Lolla without stopping at what is called “Chow Town”. Even after a couple hours, food is a must for energy. I recommend getting a slice of the classic Lou Malnati’s pizza.
Having some form of payment on you at all times is always important. Whether that’s card, cash or Apple Pay, it can never hurt. Anything is better than being stuck in the middle of Lolla hungry and broke.
