[Photo courtesy of Rocco Prioletti]

By Kate Tocke, PR Director 

It is almost that time of year for the sacred Chicago weekend of Lollapalooza. On July 31, downtown Chicago’s Grand Park will transform into a festival ground to unify everyone under a single shared interest: good music. 

With headliners ranging from Sabrina Carpenter to Korn, the variety of music is truly endless. 

Over 170 artists are playing the four-day weekend, and I’m here to tell you who not to miss. 

Thursday, July 31

In true Lollapalooza fashion, the first day consists of exciting names and great artists. With headliners Tyler, the Creator and Luke Combs, the following performers are just as talented. I will be starting my day off at the julie set at 2:00 p.m. at the Lakeshore stage. This band is emerging from the Los Angeles scene with a perfect raw, genre-blurring sound, mixing shoegaze with noise rock. Utilizing distorted guitars and heavy basslines, this fun set would be a shame to miss. Check out their songs “flutter” and “starjump.”

For more of a hardcore scene, I will make my way over to The Grove stage towards the end of julie’s set to catch Sunami. Their hyper-aggressive harsh sound is perfect for moshing in the hot Chicago heat. Personally, I will watch in the back, but I won’t be missing these guys. 

Towards the end of the day, the bigger crowds will form to prepare for artists like Cage The Elephant, Gracie Abrams, Role Model and finally Tyler, the Creator. Dom Dolla is also a fan favorite. He recently announced that he’s taking over Perry’s stage with Dollapalooza on Thursday at 8:20 p.m. This set will feature many different DJs. 

After that long day, the only thing calling your name should be sleep, but The Wallows aftershow will be calling mine. There are many great aftershows happening all weekend long that can be found here. If you are insane, like me, I would recommend scoring some tickets to make your long days longer. Sleep is for the weak. It’s party time.  

Friday, August 1

Happy August and happy day two of Lolla. This day will be headlined by none other than Olivia Rodrigo and Korn. Two very different crowds, but if you are in the small pool of people who happen to like both (like me), the headlining stages are a mile apart and I can only be in one place at once.

I would check out Old Mervs at The Grove stage starting at 12:50 p.m. These guys are a classic surf rock group from the reliable country of Australia. Their songs are perfect for a hot summer day. Check out their songs, “Out Of Luck” and “What You’ve Lost.”

Foster The People are set to take on the T-Mobile stage at 4:40 p.m. They are a must-see for an indie sleazer like myself, but I’ll cut them short to see The Dare at the Grove at 5:15 p.m. Djo is then set to take on the T-Mobile stage at 6:40 p.m., before Olivia Rodrigo headlines. Korn will be taking the Bud Light stage for their headlining set at 8:30 p.m., starting ten minutes before Olivia. Rodrigo is known for bringing out some big names during her set, so I would stay close to her stage just in case she brings out David Bryne again.

Saturday, August 2 

It’s Saturday and day three is rolling around. I would start the day by checking out London-based sibling duo Wasia Project. This band takes influence from both classical and jazz music. After that set, if you are keeping the chill vibes, I would recommend seeing BOA at the Bud Light stage or Montell Fish at the Tito’s stage for slow R&B. 

I personally will be planning to catch Junior Varsity at 4:30 p.m. at the BMI stage as they have recently become one of favorites. With fuzzy guitars, hypnotic chants and raw energy, they are a must-see. Check out their song “Cross The Street.”

Clairo is set to play at 6:30 p.m. at the Bud Light stage, who I will not be missing. She has recently taken on this new chill stage set up that makes you feel like you are in a local jazz bar. With speculation of Shelly making an appearance at Clairo’s set, you might want to stay close. 

That decision will be tough though, as Doechii is set to take on the T-mobile stage at 6:55 p.m. She will definitely guarantee a great set, having had quite the year. Headliners tonight include K-Pop superstars TWICE and Australian electronic trio Rufus Du Sol. Mk.gee will also be playing around the same time. With many different styles to be heard Saturday night, this would be a fun time to walk around and explore different bands you might not know quite that well. 

Sunday, August 3

Lollapalooza is coming to end with one final day that will go out with a bang. The final day of Lolla has Sabrina Carpenter and A$AP Rocky headlining. 

Kick off Sunday by checking out one of my personal favorite bands, Wunderhorse. This English rock band formed in 2020 and truly rock. They have perfect songs to dance and sing to. If you are going to take any of my recommendations take this one, this band is seriously awesome check them out! 

I would also highly recommend checking out La Femme at 4:00 p.m. at The Grove stage. This French rock band incorporates elements of psychedelic rock and new wave, with hypotonic rhythms that will remind you of The Velvet Underground. I would swing by their set if you can make it! 

The Marías are a name that has been growing in the last few years. This band has influences of jazz and synth pop and infuses Spanish lyrics into their music. Lead singer, María Zardoya, has possibly the most angelic voice of her generation and it would be a shame to miss this heavenly experience.

This will be a long weekend but full of fun and amazing music. Be prepared to take on that sun with plenty of sunscreen and water! Familiarize yourself with what you can and can not bring into the festival grounds. Choose comfortably over style when it comes to outfits and be smart and safe. This is a marathon not a sprint. See you there! 

Make sure to follow the ACRN Instagram to see what I will be up to and come along with me for this four day festival!