A large crowd of people surrounding the stage at a concert

Your Guide to Lollapalooza 2023

Lollapalooza is a four-day music festival that takes place in Chicago, IL. The festival features a diverse lineup of artists from all genres including rock, pop, hip-hop, electronic and more. Lollapalooza is one of the largest and most popular music festivals in the world, and it attracts over 400,000 people each year.

The 2023 lineup for Lollapalooza is stacked with headliners including Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, Red Hot Chili Peppers, ODESZA, Lana Del Ray, Karol G, The 1975 and Tomorrow X Together. There are also a ton of great up-and-coming artists on the lineup, so you’re sure to find something you’ll love.

If you’re planning on attending Lollapalooza 2023, here are a few things you need to know. Tickets are on sale now, so be sure to get yours early. The festival takes place from August 3-August 6, 2023, at Grant Park in Chicago. Camping is not allowed on festival grounds, but you can use other nearby spots.

Lollapalooza is a great opportunity to see some of your favorite artists perform live, and it’s also a great way to experience Chicago. So what are you waiting for? Get your tickets today and start planning your trip!

Lollapalooza Lineup

Headliners:

  • Kendrick Lamar
  • Billie Eilish
  • Red Hot Chili Peppers
  • ODESZA
  • Lana Del Rey
  • Karol G
  • The 1975
  • Tomorrow X Together
  • Migos
  • Post Malone
  • Machine Gun Kelly
  • Ellie Goulding
  • J. Cole
  • The Kid Laroi
  • Flume
  • Glass Animals
  • Big Sean

Other Notable Acts:

  • Diplo
  • Maggie Rogers
  • Carly Rae Jepsen
  • A Boogie Wit da Hoodie
  • J.I.D
  • Pusha T
  • Thirty Seconds to Mars
  • Noah Kahan
  • Fred again..
  • Young Thug
  • Gillian Welch
  • The War on Drugs
  • MUNA
  • Wet Leg
  • Ashnikko
  • Still Woozy
  • Lil Durk
  • Yungblud
  • Dominic Fike
  • Nina Kraviz
  • Porter Robinson
  • CHVRCHES
  • Becky G
  • Tove Lo
  • Dominick Fike
  • Sofi Tukker
  • Louis the Child
A city skyline in Chicago

Tips for Attending Lollapalooza

Attending Lollapalooza can seem a little daunting at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some foolproof tips to get you ready for Lollapalooza.

  • Plan your day ahead of time. Check the festival schedule and make a list of the bands you want to see. This will help you stay on track and avoid wasting time in lines.
  • Arrive early. The festival grounds open at 11 am, but if you want to avoid the crowds, try to get there before noon.
  • Use the secret entrance. The north entrance at Columbus and Monroe is often forgotten, but it can save you a lot of time if you’re trying to avoid crowds.
  • Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure you’re wearing shoes that you can stand in for hours on end.
  • Bring sunscreen and a hat. The sun can be strong in Chicago in August, so make sure you protect yourself from the elements.
  • Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol, especially if you’re not accustomed to drinking in hot weather. 
  • Bring snacks. Food and drinks are expensive at the festival, so bring your own snacks to save money. You can bring empty water bottles to the festival, but you’ll have to pay for water if you don’t bring your own. There are water stations throughout the festival grounds, so you can refill your water bottle for free.
  • Avoid the crowds. If you’re not interested in seeing the biggest headliners, you can avoid the crowds by catching smaller bands on the side stages.
  • Explore the festival grounds. There’s more to Lollapalooza than just music. There are art installations, food vendors, and even a Ferris wheel.
  • Visit the food trucks. There are a variety of food trucks at Lollapalooza, so you can find something to eat that you’ll actually enjoy.
  • Have fun! Lollapalooza is a great festival, so relax and enjoy yourself.

How to Get Lollapalooza Tickets

Lollapalooza is a popular event, so be ready to get tickets. Tickets went on sale to the general public on March 29, 2023. You can still purchase tickets on the Lollapalooza website or through Ticketmaster. You can also rely on Ticketmaster Verified Fan—a program that helps fans get tickets to popular events. To participate in Verified Fan, you need to create a Ticketmaster account and verify your fan status. Once you are verified, you can access Lollapalooza tickets. 

If you missed out on the general public sale or the presales, don’t panic. You can try to buy tickets from a reseller. Several websites sell tickets to Lollapalooza, but be sure to do your research before you buy from a reseller.

Where to Stay

For Lollapalooza, you can stay in several places, including hotels, hostels, Airbnbs and campgrounds.

Here are some of the campgrounds near Lollapalooza:

  • Emerald Trails Campground: This campground is located about 45 minutes from Grant Park, where Lollapalooza is held. It offers full and partial hookups, as well as a variety of amenities, including showers, laundry facilities and a playground.
  • Martin’s Camping Ground: This campground is also located about 45 minutes from Grant Park. It offers full and partial hookups and amenities including showers, laundry facilities and a pool.
  • McCormick Place RV Park: This campground is located right next to McCormick Place, which is a large convention center that is often used for Lollapalooza. It offers dry camping, as well as a variety of amenities, including showers, laundry facilities and security.
  • Harvest Hosts: This network of farms and businesses allows RVers to stay overnight on their properties for free. There are many Harvest Hosts locations near Chicago, so you can find one that is convenient to Lollapalooza.

If you don’t have your own camper, rent one! GoCamp helps you find a camper van for rent and take it anywhere you want. Rent amazing camper vans at affordable prices, and don’t miss the amazing opportunity to camp for Lollapalooza.

Fireworks at a concert at night with hundreds of attendees

What to Pack

Now you have your tickets and a placeto stay, but what do you pack?

  • Comfortable shoes: You will be doing a lot of walking, so make sure you have comfortable shoes that you can stand in for hours on end.
  • Sunscreen: The sun can be strong in Chicago in August, so protect yourself from the elements. Consider bringing a hat or bandana as well, as it will help keep the sun off your face and neck. A bandana can be used to protect your face from the sun and dust, as well as helping your hair stay off your neck to keep you cooler.
  • Sunglasses: Sunglasses will protect your eyes from the sun and dust too.
  • Reusable water bottle: You can bring empty water bottles to the festival, but you’ll have to pay for water if you don’t bring your own.
  • Snacks: Food and drinks are expensive at the festival, so bring your own snacks to save money.
  • Rain gear: We all know that weather can be unpredictable. It is always a good idea to pack rain gear, just in case.
  • First-aid kit: A first-aid kit will come in handy if you or someone you know gets injured. You can find kits that are very small and easy to travel with.
  • Portable charger: A portable charger will keep your phone charged so you can stay connected.
  • Cash: There are ATMs at the festival, but they can be crowded. It is a good idea to bring some cash just in case.
  • ID: They check ID at the entrance and when you buy drinks, so make sure to keep your ID readily accessible.
  • Tickets: Of course, you can’t forget your tickets.
  • Wet wipes: Wet wipes are great for cleaning up after eating or if you need to freshen up.

What to Expect

Lollapalooza is so much more than just a music festival. First-timers may not know what they are getting themselves into. Festival attendees can expect a full, well-rounded experience from their time at Lollapalooza. There is always a diverse lineup of music. Lollapalooza features a wide variety of musical genres, from rock and pop to hip-hop and electronic dance music. In 2022, the lineup included Metallica, Dua Lipa, Machine Gun Kelly, Kygo, Green Day and J. Cole. There is sure to be a large and energetic crowd full of people who are passionate about art in all forms. In 2022, the festival drew over 400,000 people over four days. 

In addition to the music, Lollapalooza also features a variety of activities and attractions, such as art installations, food vendors and a Ferris wheel. But mostly, Lollapalooza goers can expect a sense of community. Lollapalooza is a great place to meet new people and make friends. The festival atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, and everyone is there to have a good time.

Must-See Acts

There are so many different performers at Lollapalooza. This diversity guarantees that there is something for everyone.

With that being said, there are a few acts that you absolutely cannot miss:

  • Kendrick Lamar: Kendrick Lamar is one of the most critically acclaimed and popular rappers in the world. He is known for his complex and thought-provoking lyrics, as well as his energetic live performances.
  • Billie Eilish: Billie Eilish is a Grammy-winning singer and songwriter who has quickly become one of the biggest stars in the world. Her music is a mix of pop, indie, and electronica, and her live performances are known for their theatricality.
  • Red Hot Chili Peppers: The Red Hot Chili Peppers are one of the most successful rock bands of all time. They are known for their energetic live performances and their eclectic mix of musical styles.
  • ODESZA: ODESZA is an electronic music duo who are known for their dreamy and atmospheric soundscapes. Their live performances display powerful visuals and their ability to create a sense of euphoria.
  • Lana Del Rey: Lana Del Rey is a singer and songwriter who is known for her dark and atmospheric soundscapes. Her live performances are intimate, showcasing her ability to connect with the audience.
  • Tomorrow X Together: Tomorrow X Together is a K-pop boy group known for their catchy melodies and their energetic live performances. They are one of the most popular K-pop groups in the world, and their live performances are always a must-see.
People playing on a Lollapalooza stage

Stages

Lollapalooza has eight stages, each with its own unique lineup and atmosphere.

  • T-Mobile Stage: The T-Mobile Stage is the main stage at Lollapalooza. It is located in the heart of the festival grounds, and it is where the biggest headliners perform.
  • Bud Light Seltzer Stage: The Bud Light Seltzer Stage is another large stage at Lollapalooza. It is located in the same area as the T-Mobile Stage, and it often features up-and-coming artists and bands.
  • Perry’s Stage: Perry’s Stage is known for its electronic dance music (EDM) lineup. It is located in the back of the festival grounds, and it is a popular spot for late-night dancing.
  • Citi Stage: The Citi Stage is a smaller stage that is located in the middle of the festival grounds. It often features indie rock and alternative music.
  • Smirnoff House: The Smirnoff House is a large tent that is located in the back of the festival grounds. It features a variety of different genres of music, as well as food, drinks and activities.
  • Honda Stage: The Honda Stage is a smaller stage that is located in the middle of the festival grounds. It often features up-and-coming artists and bands.
  • Kidzapalooza: Kidzapalooza is a festival within Lollapalooza that is specifically for kids. It features a variety of activities, such as music, arts and crafts, and games.
  • Grant Park Stage: The Grant Park Stage is a large stage that is located in Grant Park, but not within the festival grounds. It is used for non-music events, such as the Lollapalooza Comedy Festival.

In addition to the stages, there are also some other areas in Lollapalooza, such as:

  • The Grove: The Grove is a large lawn area located in the middle of the festival grounds. It is a popular spot for people-watching and relaxing.
  • The Park: The Park is a smaller lawn area located in the back of the festival grounds. It is a popular spot for picnicking and taking in the views of the city.
  • The Art Market: The Art Market is a collection of art vendors that are located in the middle of the festival grounds. It is a great place to find unique souvenirs and gifts.
  • The Food Vendors: Lollapalooza has a wide variety of food vendors, offering everything from classic festival fare to gourmet cuisine.
  • The Merchandise Booths: Lollapalooza offers many merchandise booths where you can buy official Lollapalooza merch.

Schedule

If you’re still feeling a little overwhelmed, don’t worry. Here is a suggested schedule that would allow you to take in everything Lollapalooza has to offer.

Friday, August 4

  • 11 am – Arrive at Grant Park and check out the festival grounds.
  • 12 pm – Catch up-and-coming artists on the Honda Stage or Citi Stage.
  • 2 pm – Head to Perry’s Stage for some electronic dance music.
  • 4 pm – See a more established act on the T-Mobile Stage.
  • 6 pm – Take a break for dinner and people-watching in The Grove.
  • 8 pm – Catch one of the headliners on the T-Mobile Stage.
  • 10 pm – Head to the Smirnoff House for late-night dancing.

Saturday, August 5

  • 11 am – Repeat steps 1-3 from Friday.
  • 3 pm – Check out the Art Market or the Kidzapalooza.
  • 5 pm – See a smaller act on the Bud Light Seltzer Stage.
  • 7 pm – Head to the Citi Stage for a more intimate show.
  • 9 pm – See one of the headliners on the T-Mobile Stage.

Sunday, August 6

  • 11 am – Catch up on any acts you missed on Friday or Saturday.
  • 1 pm – Head to the Park for a picnic lunch.
  • 3 pm – See a few more up-and-coming artists on the Honda Stage or Citi Stage.
  • 5 pm – Check out the merchandise booths or the festival’s website for any last-minute changes to the lineup.
  • 7 pm – See one of the headliners on the T-Mobile Stage.
  • 9 pm – Close out the festival with a bang on the Perry’s Stage.

This is just a suggested schedule, of course. You can adjust it to fit your own interests and preferences. Hopefully, it gives you a good starting point for planning your Lollapalooza weekend, though. You can’t see it all, so prioritize the artists and events that really interest you.

And remember, when you’re using one of GoCamp’s camper vans, it’s easy to get away for a quick nap to rest up for the next act. You can start browning vans here.

A woman playing a mandolin and a woman playing a violin outside a rental van

The Bottom Line

Hopefully, by now you’re convinced that you need to attend Lollapalooza. This is the place where you can see your favorite artists perform live. Lollapalooza features a diverse lineup of artists, so you’re sure to see some of your favorites. In 2023, the lineup includes Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Odesza, Lana Del Rey, and Tomorrow X Together. Not only that, but you will discover new music. There are always up-and-coming artists playing on the smaller stages, and you never know who you might find.

Lollapalooza is a great place to let loose and have fun. The festival atmosphere is electric, and there’s something for everyone. Not to mention you can be a part of history! Lollapalooza is one of the most iconic music festivals in the world. It’s been going on for over 30 years, and it’s seen some of the biggest names in music perform. Lollapalooza is the place to make memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re seeing your favorite artist perform or just hanging out with friends, this festival is a time you will never forget.

Get your trip started today with GoCamp!