The complete guide to Lollapalooza

Quick insights

• Lollapalooza returns to its longtime home of Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois, August 1-4, 2024. 
• The 2024 festival lineup features a bunch of first-time and returning artists.
• The various ticket options sell fast and may be unavailable well ahead of the festival.

Lollapalooza started over three decades ago as a touring music festival but has called Chicago home for nearly 20 years. Here’s a guide to Lollapalooza 2024, complete with dates, times, tips and other important information.

Important dates and times for Lollapalooza 2024

Lollapalooza 2024 begins on Thursday, August 1, and ends Sunday, August 4. Each day starts with the gates opening at 11 a.m. and ends about 10 p.m. Central Time. The venue and gates shut down soon after that. Check the official schedule for a detailed look at when each act is set to take one of the seven stages.                             

Essential items to bring to Lollapalooza

Some of the normal essentials for a music festival will be useful for Lollapalooza. Here’s what you should consider bringing:

• Your ticket: Whether it’s on your smartphone or printed out, there’s no sense going to Lollapalooza without your ticket. (If you’re attending multiple days, try not to mix up tickets. Each day requires a separate ticket.)
• Bag: This becomes more essential the more merch and souvenirs you plan to purchase or collect. A hands-free music festival experience is never overrated.
• Appropriate clothing: Check the weather and dress accordingly. Rain or shine, inappropriate attire could ruin your day.
• Money: There will be food, drinks, merch and more to buy at Lollapalooza. Don’t forget cash or a card if you plan to buy anything, or in case impulse strikes.
• Ear plugs: High volume is one of Lollapalooza’s claims to fame. Even outside, ear plugs might make the booming sounds more enjoyable. Guest Services may have ear plugs for free or for purchase if you forget yours.
• Empty water bottle: Lollapalooza is in the thick of summer. If the sunshine and heat typical of the season show up, hydration will be key. You’re allowed to bring in an empty bottle and are free to fill it throughout the day at one of the stations that offer complimentary filtered water.

Allowed items are subject to change. Check Lollapalooza’s safety guidelines before the event, so you know what to expect at the event’s airport-style security screenings.

Food and drink options at Lollapalooza

Local favorites and maybe some of your new favorites are sure to show up at this year’s festival. Expect a range of cuisine, refreshments and sweet treats available for purchase. Hydration stations will also offer complimentary cool, filtered water—just bring your own empty bottle.

Travel options for getting to Lollapalooza

You can get to Lollapalooza 2024 at Grant Park on the Chicago Transit Authority bus lines and most rail stations. You may also be able to use Metra, Pace and plan your trip using the Regional Transportation Authority's trip planner. Parking won’t be available on the festival grounds, but nearby garages typically have space on a first-come, first-served basis.

Entrances

Based on years past, here’s where to expect the gates to Lollapalooza 2024:

• Main Entrance: Michigan and Ida B. Wells 
• North Entrance: Monroe and Columbus 

For patrons with accessibility needs or certain tickets, keep an eye out for the signs above designated entrance lanes or ask a staff member to direct you.

Notable closures near Lollapalooza and Grant Park

Many streets, sidewalks and parks near Lollapalooza 2024 are expected to be closed in the days leading up to and including the festival. The Grant Bark Park (dog park) is also slated to be closed from Wednesday, July 31, to Monday, August 5.

Street closures

• Balbo—from Columbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive—July 17 to August 11
• Balbo—from Michigan to Columbus—July 29 to August 5
• Columbus—from Monroe to Roosevelt—July 29 to August 5
• Columbus (Northbound two center lanes)—from 13th Street to Roosevelt—July 29 to August 5
• Congress Plaza Drive—from Michigan to Columbus—July 29 to August 5
• Jackson—from Columbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive—July 23 to August 10
• Jackson—from Michigan to Columbus—July 29 to August 5
• Monroe—from Michigan to DuSable Lake Shore Drive—July 31 to August 5

Sidewalk closures

• Balbo (both sides)—from Columbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive—July 17 to August 11
• Balbo (both sides)—from Michigan to Columbus—July 29 to August 5
• Columbus (Northbound side)—from Roosevelt to the 9th St. Yard—July 17 to August 19
• Columbus (Southbound side)—from 9th St. Yard to S. Ida B. Wells—July 22 to August 10
• Columbus (both sides)—from Monroe to Roosevelt—July 29 to August 6
• Congress Plaza Drive—from Michigan to Columbus—July 29 to August 5
• Congress Plaza Drive (Westbound and Eastbound)—from Michigan to Columbus—July 27 to July 28
• DuSable Lake Shore Drive (Northbound side)—from Monroe to Roosevelt—July 24
• DuSable Lake Shore Drive (Southbound side), from Monroe to Roosevelt—July 27 to August 10
• DuSable Lake Shore Drive (Northbound side)—from Monroe to Roosevelt—August 6
• Jackson (both sides)—from Columbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive—July 22 to August 10
• Jackson (both sides)—from Michigan to Columbus—July 29 to August 5
• Michigan—from Jackson to 11th St. Bridge—July 30 to August 4
• Monroe (Eastbound side)—from Columbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive—July 22 to August 10

Ticket options and experiences for Lollapalooza 2024

There’s a variety of ticket options for this year’s festival. General Admission gives you access to the entire grounds for one or more days. Check out as many of the 80 performances as you can, shop or visit the sponsor and concession areas.

Here’s some information about the additional ticket options:

General Admission Plus

• Dedicated entrance into the festival and a concierge to help with any questions
• Unlimited access (first-come, first-served) to either of two lounges with seating and air-conditioned restrooms
• Complimentary water refill stations
• Private bar with drinks and dedicated food for purchase
• Big screens with livestreams from the main stages

VIP

• Dedicated entrance into the festival and a concierge to help with any questions
• Dedicated on-field viewing (first-come, first-served) at North and South Main Stages
• Unlimited access to either of two VIP Lolla Lounges, which feature seating, shade and air-conditioned restrooms
• Private bars with drinks and dedicated food for purchase
• Complimentary water refill stations
• Golf cart shuttle between Lolla Lounges North and South
• Big screen in Lolla Lounge North with live streaming from the main stages

Platinum

• Exclusive front-of-stage viewing (available first-come, first-served) at six stages with complimentary beer, seltzer, and water
• Unlimited access to two Platinum Lounges (North & South Main Stages), featuring relaxed seating and air-conditioned restrooms
• Complimentary full-service bar and all-day snacks and dining in both Platinum Lounges
• Golf cart shuttle between the Platinum festival entrance, lounges and stage viewing areas
• Complimentary lockers with mobile charging units (available first-come, first-served)
• Dedicated Platinum entrance into festival and concierge to assist with your festival needs 
• Exclusive festival gift (while supplies last)
• Presale access to Official “Lolla Aftershows”

In summary

Lollapalooza 2024 boasts a lineup you may not want to miss. You could argue that certain music genres distinguish Lollapalooza from other festivals of its kind. However, with a lineup and venue this large, virtually any music fan can have a good time.

Whether you’re attending one or all four days of Lollapalooza 2024, remember to bring some essentials and check the official website right before you go in case there are any changes.