Chicago’s Windy City will once again host Lollapalooza, a three-day music festival taking place August 1-3 in Grant Park. This year’s lineup will feature 130 musical acts on nine different stages, including:
radio head
rage against the machine
nine inch nails
kanye-west
wilco
the storytellers
love and rockets
gnarl barkley
Party in the street
the black keys
lupe fiasco
The National
G. Love and Special Sauce
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings
broken social scene
spank molly
brand ronson
cat power
explosions in the sky
brand new
Gogol Bordello
Stephen Malkmus and the assholes
Dierks Bentley
Okkervil River
Amadou and Mariam
blues traveler
john butler threesome
Passes for the three-day festival range in price from $175 to $205 and are available on a first-come, first-served basis at lollapaloza.com.
The festival isn’t just for music-loving adults—there’s plenty of fun for all ages at Kidzapalooza, featuring a variety of activities to keep kids and teens entertained. In addition to musical acts for the whole family, expect to find music workshops, a petting zoo, a dance floor, video game tournaments and much more.
Lollapalooza is a general admission event, so get there early and claim your spot in the park. But if you prefer to be treated like a VIP, you have two options: the first is to join the Lolla Lounge. As a member, you’ll receive beverages, buffet lunches and dinners, relaxing mini-spa treatments, air-conditioned bathrooms, and comfortable lounge chairs. Best of all, each room has a raised platform for an unobstructed view of the stage. Three-day LollaLounge passes sell for $850 each.
You can also purchase your own private Lollapolooza hut – it’s the best way to experience the show! You will have your own exclusive platform, with personal servers and air-conditioned comfort stations. For more information, visit the Lollapalooza site.
Lollapalooza Detours
While you’re in town for the festival, why not enjoy the rest of what Grant Park and downtown Chicago have to offer? Add these destinations to your to-do list:
STORE
magnificent mile
The Magnificent Mile, a long stretch of Michigan Avenue, is known by several names, including the Mag Mile and the Miracle Mile. Known for its shops and picturesque wide sidewalks, Michigan Avenue is a shopper’s paradise. This is where you’ll find all the major department stores (Nordstrom’s, Neiman Marcus, Saks), designer boutiques (Chanel, Louis Vuitton), and dozens of specialty stores. If you have the opportunity, look into staying at a hotel on the Magnificent Mile (Michigan Ave. Chicago Hotel)
Wicker Park/Bucktown
If you’re looking for the next big thing in fashion, head to this hip neighborhood located where Milwaukee, Damen and North avenues intersect to see the latest creations from emerging designers and smaller brands that are sure to help you stand out in a crowd. Not to be missed: Phoebe 45 for womenswear and Apartment Number 9 for men.
WALK
navy pier
600 E Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 595-7437
In a fifty-acre park complex on a boardwalk that stretches to Lake Michigan, Navy Pier offers a wide variety of entertainment and dining options, including fireworks boat cruises every Wednesday night from Memorial through Labor Day. If you have time, be sure to ride the 150-foot-tall Ferris wheel and take in stunning views of the lake and city skyline.
grant park
Downtown Chicago, between Michigan Avenue and Lake Michigan
Beyond the Lollapalooza staging area is a beautiful stretch of waterfront trails and cultural attractions, including the Shedd Aquarium, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Don’t miss the impressive Buckingham Fountain and Cloud Gate, a large reflective sculpture that is also known as “The Bean”.
DINNER
David Burke Main House
616 North Rush in Ontario
Phone: 312.660.6000
Chicago is a city known for its steakhouses, and Primehouse is arguably one of the best. Conveniently located in a downtown Chicago luxury hotel on N. Rush St., the menu features a delicious selection of meats that are dry-aged on the premises. Save room for dessert – the Kickin Donuts and Chocolate Fudge Cake with Graham Chip Ice Cream are not to be missed!
Garrett’s Popcorn
670 N Michigan Ave and four other Chicago locations
These local institutions tend to have long lines out the front, and when you walk in and try their irresistible popcorn, you’ll know why! Founded in 1949, Garrett’s is known for its Caramel Crisp and Cheese Corn varieties. Can’t you decide? Get the Downtown Mix and enjoy the best of everything.