Lollapalooza

Put simply, Lollapalooza showcases the hottest artists from a very broad spectrum of music.

Grant Park is set to deliver just like it has every year since 1991, but it is up to you to make sure you see everything you want.  

Here’s some advice for once you get on the inside from a seasoned veteran.

DECIDE:  Find a schedule of the concert times before you get into Grant Park and work out any conflicts of interest beforehand.
Unfortunately, many of the best acts are scheduled during the same time or very close to one another. Much like the Louvre in Paris, its impossible to see every exhibition Lollapalooza has to offer. This year, the festival has even added an extra 35 acres to pack in more bands and fans, so walking from one end of Lollapalooza to the other is now a 115 acre journey.

Last year I had to decide between Lady Gaga and the Strokes on Friday, Phoenix and the Empire of the Sun on Saturday, and the Arcade Fire and Soundgarden on Sunday. Just kidding, nobody went to Soundgarden. In all seriousness though, walking eats up the time you could spend watching a band or getting to the very front row like a true concert trooper.

CONSUME:  Make sure that you load up on carbs before this show because it starts at sunrise and doesn’t end until well after sunset. Food inside the park is tasty, but it can get expensive.
Make a budget for food or pack your own sandwiches and bottled water. Also, make sure your water bottles remain unopened until you get inside the park or else you will have to discard them at the entrance.

BRING:  Don’t forget your colored sunglasses or a throwback Bulls cap, and wear some sunscreen because it gets infernally hot with the sun beaming down on you all day.
There’s typically an air conditioned Sony tent or something else enticing, but you can’t count on being near one or a nice sprinkle to cool things off like it did during Bon Iver’s 2009 set. So grab a pocket umbrella in case it turns out the weather has more in store than a light drizzle, too.

GET BUCK:  During a set by Portland indie-rockers Hockey, the band returned after a set to throw cans of Budweiser into the crowd. I caught one. During a Perry’s DJ Set, I crowd surfed. I danced until my legs hurt and sang along until I lost my voice. I met tons of fellow IU co-eds and made a lot of new friends just talking to people.

Remember, you’re here to have fun, so punch that beach ball, throw those glowsticks and go all out.

Everyone else will be!