ATTENTION! If you have never been to Lollapalooza, you have no excuses not to start saving up for next year’s tickets. For those of you who have been to this crazy and colorful festival full of wild days and unimaginable nights, then you know where I’m going with this. Lollapalooza, held in Chicago’s very own Grant Park, had an estimated showing of over 100,000 music lovers and party enthusiasts, including four days of performances from over 170 artists. The crowds get rowdy, behavior becomes reckless, and before you know it you’re consumed by the music. Yet, as always, every party has its downfalls. The following includes a breakdown of the best and worst moments of Lollapalooza 2017:
1. Best: The Music
Not to state the obvious, but it IS a music festival.
Every year, Lollapalooza creates their lineup to include not only the most popular and favorited artists on the charts, but also to introduce up-and-coming musicians to the public eye. Top performances of this year’s event included artists such as Migos, 21 Savage, Chance the Rapper and an abundance of other musicians. Lollapalooza also featured appearances from Cage the Elephant, John Bellion, and a personal favorite, The Shins. No matter what stage you were at, it was guaranteed to be entertaining. As the artists put on their best shows, the crowds provided the hype. Between the dancing, grinding, and straight up screaming, fans gave it their all, making the musical aspect unforgettable. Oh, and shout out to Perry’s for surprising us with the one and only Perry Farrell, the man who makes this weekend possible each year.
2. Worst: The Evacuation
If your shoes weren’t coated in mud by the time you left Grant Park Thursday night, you did it wrong.
Disappointing as it was, the forecast for Lollapalooza weekend called for a slight chance of rain the first two days-emphasis on slight. Little did fans expect, an intense storm struck the festival late Thursday night, forcing artists such as Lorde and Lil Uzi Vert to cancel their performances, while thousands fled Grant Part to avoid the weather. Unfortunately, rain ponchos were not enough to save us. Hundreds of phones were water damaged and transportation in the city was slowed down tremendously due to the amount of people attempting to squeeze in to available trains and Ubers. Fans were soaked, tired, and anxiously trying to return home. This storm was the worst possible ending to the start of the party.
3. Best: The People
You like The Killers too?! What’s your SnapChat?
To the people I had the fortune of meeting at Lollapalooza this year, particularly a new friend from Dublin, Ireland, this one is for you. Fans from all over the world travel to Chicago to celebrate this event, and you will not find a better place to make fast friends than in these crowds. The energy is so lively, putting thriving fans in the most outgoing of moods. Pictures are taken, Snaps are exchanged, and new friendships are formed. Although some friendships may seem unexpected, it is a true reflection of the fact that fans are there for one reason, and one reason only-to have one hell of a weekend.
4. Worst: Death by Partying
Mosh Pit? More like Medical Tent.
To those we lost due to dehydration, overdrinking, and an array of other downfalls, you were certainly missed. Medical tents throughout Grant Park were filled with fans who partied till they dropped. Missing Whiz Khalifa only to spend your time getting rushed to one of these tents? Tragic. Enough said.
Despite any minor upsets, Lollapalooza 2017 exceeded all expectations. If your suffering from post-Lolla depression, not to worry, it will return. Relive the unforgettable memories, remember the rager, and keep the party going. Until next year, Lolla!