Lollapalooza 2023 will light up Grant Park from August 3rd to the 6th, and Chicago is very excited. Throughout the weekend, headliners such as Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, Lana Del Rey, and The 1975 will fill the festival with an intoxicating melodic energy that only Lollapalooza can create.
For a more in-depth overview of the lineup, check out CP’s Lollapalooza 2023 article. Although the iconic event is an undeniable blast, it can also be very taxing and tiring if you’re not prepared. Here are some valuable tips from a seasoned Lollapalooza attendee to ensure constant enjoyment throughout the weekend.
What to Know
1. Stay Hydrated
Chicago in August can be debilitating, especially when you’re in a treeless environment. Most concerts entail being in close proximity with people amongst a seemingly inescapable crowd. During these times, the sun is beating directly onto the mass of shadless people, which means hydration is key! Dehydration can quickly ruin your experience, so consider bringing/buying a refillable water bottle to save money and reduce waste.
2. Plan Your Schedule
With so many fantastic artists performing, it’s crucial to plan your schedule in advance. Check out the lineup here before creating a personalized itinerary. Lay out a cohesive schedule on your notes app, screenshot it, and set it as your lock screen! This way, you can sufficiently keep tabs on time, ensuring that you’re not missing any of your favorite performers.
3. Dress Comfortably
Everyone knows that music festivals like Lollapalooza tend to double as a fashion show. It is one of the coolest aspects of events like this, so do partake in the fashionably fun! However, we suggest you do it comfortably. This means, no fancy shoes! You may shrug and say “beauty is pain” at 11am, but trust us, 12 hours later, you will be filled with regret! There is a lot of walking that happens at this festival, so tie up your gym shoes and thank us later.
4. Protect Yourself from the Sun
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and even a cute hat! As stated, shade is far and few between. Have sunscreen on hand so you can develop a glorious tan throughout the weekend rather than slowly becoming a lobster.
5. Pace Yourself
Lollapalooza is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself throughout the weekend to avoid burnout. Take breaks, sit down, and eat regular meals to keep your energy levels up. If you’re planning on indulging in substances, even it out with a constant flow of water. Alcohol and constant sun don’t mesh well, so take care of yourself to avoid falling ill!
6. Bring Essentials
The days are long and your phone will certainly meet its demise without any available outlets. Purchase a portable phone charger and bring cash (in smaller denominations).
7. Stay Connected
Share your schedule with your group and keep together. Cell reception is far and few between at Lollapalooza due to the amount of people. Oftentimes, it is hard to find your friends again if a meeting point is not established. Communicate and conquer!
Where To Go Before Lollapalooza
Stan’s Donuts
The powerhouse headliner, Louis the Child, is teaming up with Stan’s Donuts this weekend! Fuel up with the artist’s favorite menu items, like the Cinnamon Sugar Cake Donut and Black Iced Tea! The iconic Chicago chain will be uploading exclusive content to their social media channels, so visit them at @stansdonutschicago!
Hannah’s Bretzel
Fuel up for the festival weekend at Hannah’s Bretzel, Chicago’s downtown Loop gem. Enjoy a nutritious and sustainably friendly breakfast or lunch from our organic, whole grain menu. Don’t miss our fan favorites like the Not So Cubano, The Marisol, and Sergio’s Special. Celebrate National Sandwich Month with us and get rewarded with a complimentary Organic Chocolate Chip Cookie or a baguette sandwich after your 5th or 10th purchase.
Staytion Market & Bar
Experience the Lolla-Hydration cocktail at Staytion Market & Bar, inside Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel. Infusing the festival’s fun into your stay, join us on August 5 from 11 AM onward. Quench your thirst with this refreshing cocktail, keeping you dancing all weekend long.
Big Shoulders
Before hitting Grant Park, visit Big Shoulders for a top-notch coffee experience. Founder Tim Coonan’s culinary background ensures excellence in every cup. Savor their carefully sourced and roasted coffee, paired with incredible pastries like Broccoli Asiago Scone or Cheddar Bacon Jalapeno.
The Dearborn
Kickstart your Lollapalooza day with the best brunch in Chicago at The Dearborn, just steps from Grant Park. Treat yourself to Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread, Dutch Apple Pancakes, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, Roasted Pear Grilled Cheese, and more. Don’t miss the Tavern Style pizzas and delightful brunch cocktails.
The Smith
Start your Lollapalooza weekend with a fantastic happy hour and brunch at The Smith. From 3 PM to 6 PM on weekdays, indulge in discounted specialty martinis and bites, including oysters and seafood platters. Try their signature Mac & Cheese before heading to the festival.
FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar
Fuel up with indulgent lunch and dinner offerings at FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar during the festival weekend. Try their mouthwatering Smoked Rope Sausage Mac & Cheese and colorful cocktail, La Mariposa, made with Patron silver tequila and butterfly pea flower tea.
Bar Mar by José Andrés
Discover the ocean’s bounty at Bar Mar, located at the Bank of America Tower. Enjoy modern takes on classic seafood dishes by Chef José Andrés. Try fresh oysters, ceviches, fried calamari, and lobster rolls, making it a perfect stop during the summer festival days in Chicago.
Lollapalooza Aftershows
Many Lollapalooza goers do not realize that the party continues after the festival closes up. For years, Lollapalooza has been expanding its wings to music halls all around Chicago to further the musical weekend.
From the House of Blues and Lincoln Hall to The Vic and Spy Bar, artists from Lolla’s lineup will be filling the air with tunes that ring far past Grant Park. Maisie Peters, Sabrina Carpenter, Noah Kahan, Wallows, Thirty Seconds to Mars, and more will partake in shows that have an insurmountably reduced price when compared to Lollapalooza. Click here to view the entirety of the aftershows and discover which one is best to attend!
Written by Bridget McGann
