I have lived outside Chicago my whole life and on Sunday July 31 I finally got a chance to go to the best music festival ever, Lollapalooza. I was super excited, but I did not know what to expect and how the day would turn out. It turns out that everything went fairly smooth, but I could have been more prepared. With the amount of people both downtown and at the festival, knowing what to expect and having a game plan is essential to having a great time. I would love to go back next year and following these tips will certainly make Lollapalooza the best moment of your summer. So who wants to join me on August 3-6, 2017? Definitely worth the money!
1. Have a game plan for what artists you want to see
So many great artists play at the same time all across Grant Park that there is simply no way to see every single artist. When the schedule comes out, look over it with your friends and pick the artists you would like to see. Come concert day you will know exactly who you want to see and when they will be playing.
2. Follow the map
Do not underestimate Grant Park's size. Honestly, it is pretty big and requires a lot of walking back and forth. If you want to get a good spot for your favorite artist, look at the map and see how far the stages are so you can plan when to travel to a different stage. In no time, you'll be a pro at navigating.
3. Bring a portable phone charger
From using Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, texting, GPS, and dare I say Pokemon Go, your phone's battery will not make it through to the end of the night. Now there are a few wireless charging stations on the fairgrounds, but good luck getting a spot. Better to be prepared then miss out on taking that perfect selfie.
4. Pick a meeting spot to find your friends
Whether you want to meet up with some of your old high school friends or you get separated from your ride home, pick out an easily identifiable spot to find each other. Simply going near a stage is not going to work. Rather try to meet by an ATM, a shop, the Buckingham Fountain or a charging station.
5. Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is a must at Lollapalooza. Standing and walking all day in the sun takes a toll on a person. At Lollapalooza, you can bring in two sealed water bottles, fill up your Camelbak at a filling station, or buy a water bottle for $2. Drinking alcohol is fine if you're 21 or older, but it only makes you more dehydrated, so drinking water is your best bet.
6. Take breaks in the shade
Stages that have plenty of shade are your best friend. Not only can you get a much needed break from the sun, but you can also listen to some great music at the same time. A win-win situation right there.
7. Wear comfortable shoes
Walking, standing, walking and more standing defines most of your time at Lollapalooza so wearing comfortable shoes is a must. If you don't, you'll be feeling it the next day and that's no fun.
8. Try not to feel overwhelmed by the crowd
After hearing Halsey's set last week, all of a sudden I realized how huge the crowd was and started feeling a bit overwhelmed. While in the massive crowds, just go along with the flow. Eventually, you'll break through the herd and find your personal bubble once again.
9. Find your exit buddy
Just as in "Finding Nemo", the same concept applies to surviving Lollapalooza. Once an artist ends their set, people start moving every which way. Whether you hold your friend's hand, backpack, whatever, just stick together. No one wants to end up as a lost little fish in a sea full of strangers.
10. Learn how to use Chicago's public transportation
Coming from the suburbs of Chicago, the best way to get downtown and near Grant Park quickly and least expensive is taking either the Metra trains or the "L", aka Chicago's elevated subway. I would recommend looking at a map beforehand and buying either an all day pass or an extra ticket to use later that night to get through the line quickly.
