Well into festival season, Lollapalooza has become a notorious Chicago tradition year after year. Whether or not you’re going this year, the extended four day concert series will affect all of the Chicago area in some way or another. For those lucky enough to attend and especially first timers, preparing for Lolla can be daunting. Of course, there are a few essential things that will make your weekend perfect. I present to you my top five festival tips:
1. Don’t risk being caught off guard by the weather.
You can’t control the weather, and festivals are rain or shine events. Recently at Summerfest in Milwaukee, I made the decision to see a favorite band of mine and assume the night would be clear and lovely the whole evening. After standing in what I can only describe as a monsoon for three hours, I realized the error of my ways. Prepare for rain whether or not the forecast predicts it. Bringing ponchos, a plastic bag for your phone and a change of socks is never a bad idea.
2. Come prepared with the right items.
Some things to include are fairly obvious: think sunscreen, extra cash, portable phone charger, Advil, water bottles, Band-Aids, etc. But don't forget some less conventional essentials as well: other must-haves include toilet paper (ladies, trust me, four day festivals and no bathroom attendants are a bad mix), bandanas (cute, but also great for hot days), towels (serve many purposes) and flashlights.
3. Opt for options besides driving.
Everyone knows that parking at any large event is a nightmare, and a four day event is the ultimate driver disaster. Even worse, getting out of that parking lot at the end of the night will take hours. Driving home at 3 a.m. after such a long day is no fun at all. And of course there is the very rewarding benefit of the weight of responsibility being lifted off your shoulders. Opt for public transportation-the train, the bus, Uber, cabs- all easy and popular options
4. Make new friends.
A huge festival like Lollapalooza welcomes a variety of people and personalities. Making friends while waiting for acts is not only a great boredom cure but an eye opening experience. Even if you won't see these people again, you never know what you can learn from those around you. Knowing the people around you during a show will make it a true experience. Even in the pouring rain during my Summerfest experience, the concert was truly one of the best nights of my life- all due to the friendliness of the audience. I bonded with almost everyone around me, and as a result it was worth the weather.
5. Discover new music.
Most people are pretty dead set on seeing artists of a certain genre. However, make the most of any free time you have. With over four days of nonstop acts on eight stages, it would be impossible not to find at least one new band to see. You can even check out artists on the Lolla website before you go to get ideas. Branch out on your music taste and go see a band you never would have otherwise. You won't regret it. Ask around the festival to find who some other popular acts are if you aren’t sure who else to see.
Lollapalooza can be the best Chicago weekend possible if you go prepared and with an open mind. Every year is a unique experience and if you're looking for an unforgettable time, you will surely find it there. Being sure of yourself going into such a long four days is the no fail way to leaving with no regrets.
