Gear up, music fans, Lollapalooza begins when the gates in Grant Park open at 11 a.m. Thursday, running through 10 p.m. Sunday night. Read our Tribune guide with music recommendations by contributing critic Britt Julious, as well as our tips to help you be prepared:
1. Weather is here:
In a bone-dry July, where did these downpours come from? For the most part, the festival continues rain or shine, so come prepared with ponchos and boots if it rains. Vendors and convenience stores outside the grounds sell ponchos, subject to price and availability. Umbrellas are on the list of items not allowed (and same with blankets). Organizer C3 Presents has spoken to the Tribune about how the festival responds to severe weather and noted that three nearby garages would serve as evacuation sites: Grant Park North (25 N. Michigan Ave.), Grant Park South (325 S. Michigan Ave.) and Millennium Lakeside (5 S. Columbus Drive). Assuming the grounds can reopen, updated set times will be available via Lollapalooza’s Festiverse mobile app and on social media (on TikTok, Facebook, X, Discord and Instagram) and their SMS updates.
2. Make a travel plan, then make a backup:
With crowds, unpredictable weather and traffic, even the best travel prep can have a way of falling apart. If you’re relying on a meeting time and place, have a Plan B. Know that CTA and Metra trains will be packed after the 10 p.m. close, though extra service will be added (more at metra.com and transitchicago.com/lollapalooza). If you’re planning on doing ride-share, allowed drop-off and pickup points can change depending on police traffic control. Lollapalooza’s travel guide recommends walking west past State Street to hail a ride.
3. Bring sunscreen:
This one is on every list of tips for attending Lolla and it’s on ours too. One more reason why? Sunscreen is likely to sell out quickly at the CVS, Walgreens and convenience stores around Grant Park. In past years, many shelves were bare by the end of Day 1. (Only small, non-aerosol containers are allowed.)
4. Team-tote your water:
Stay hydrated. Empty water bottles are allowed, and recommended. So are hydration packs. Unless most larger bags, they do not need to be clear but must be emptied of all liquid and have no more than two pockets (one for the reservoir and one additional pocket). In response to our online poll, Tribune reader Caroline Hicks recommends “splitting a backpack water pack amongst a group and switching off who has to carry it.”
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5. Careful with that wristband:
Do not put on or tighten your wristband until you’re ready to attend the festival, it can’t be loosened or removed. Also, you can activate your wristband to use it as a cashless payment. Wristband Assistance is located at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Ida B Wells Drive if you need a wristband replacement or have other issues. Lollapalooza will only provide a replacement for wristbands purchased through the Lollapalooza website, Front Gate Tickets or the Ticketmaster Verified Exchange. More wristband help at lollapalooza.com/wristband.
6. The “secret” entrance can be less crowded:
The North Entrance is at Columbus Drive and Monroe, near the Bud Light stage. Also, know the entry and reentry rules. Festival patrons can leave and re-enter the festival two times after entering; patrons will scan their wristbands and pass through security each time they re-enter the festival. Daily capacity inside the fences increased to 115,000 in 2023.
7. Yes, you could lose your phone:
Or your wallet, or favorite sunglasses, but especially your phone. To be sure, Lollapalooza prioritizes your safety — see their Health, Safety and Security page for more information, and you’ll see uniformed police, security and support staff inside the park everywhere, but the pickpocket and snatch-and-grab teams are real. Don’t put your wallet or phone in a backpack or back pocket. For iPhone users, turn on stolen device protections. Thieves may be after accounts and personal information stored on your phone more than the device itself. Lost & Found is located at the main Guest Services Tent at Columbus and Ida B Wells, and you can also visit lollapalooza.liff.app. Also, register your phone with the festival and you will receive a QR code so that festival staff can contact you.
8. For families in the know:
Children ages 8 and younger are admitted free with a ticket-holding adult (limit two; not including Platinum). Strollers are allowed. Learn more about Tag-A-Kid. And the Kidzapalooza stage is back for 2026, with performers including Chicago’s Q Brothers, Mega Ran, School of Rock and Happiness Club. Nearby is the Family Service tent (open noon to 6 p.m. daily; more on lollapalooza.com/kidzapalooza).
9. Communication in Grant Park:
Communication can be difficult as local cell service towers become overloaded. The lower-tech the platform (text messaging works well), the better. And bring a paper printout of the day’s schedule.
10. Lockers can be reserved in advance:
Sign up at entertainmentlockers.com. Mobile chargers are available to rent inside the festival while supplies last, or bring your own. Fest-goers also recommend wet wipes and bucket hats, and Hicks recommends chewing gum for after you eat. Wear shoes for walking, it’s a full mile from the Bud Light stage to the T-Mobile. And bring hearing protection, or ear plus are also available at Guest Services.