Happy’s Lollapalooza Survival Guide
By Happy on Jul 21 Filed In Live Music, Lollapalooza 5 Comments
Every year, folks ask me some tips for survival when embarking upon the experience that is Lollapalooza. Allegedly I’m some kind of festival expert, so here’s my unofficial Survival Guide to Lollapalooza, listed in no particular order:
- Plan your schedule wisely. If you have an eclectic taste in music like me, you’ll probably find yourself flustered when attempting to plan your schedule because so many great bands are playing back-to-back (or at the same time) on opposite ends of the park. Keep in mind that Grant Park is HUGE, and unless you have wings, it is near impossible to see EVERY band on your list. As such, remember that its nearly a mile’s walk to get between the two main stages, not to mention the thousands of other festival goers congesting the walkways. Pace yourself, and plan wisely.
- Choose comfort over fashion. I’m not implying that you come to Lolla dressing like a slob, but it astounds me to see ladies traversing the festival grounds in heels and skirts. Are you kidding? You’re going to do a LOT of walking unless all the bands you want to see are conveniently at the same stage. Flip flops or sneakers are king.
- Remember to hydrate. Sure, you’re at a music festival — you’re probably going to want to do your fair share of drinking. Unless you want to be ‘that guy’ passed out face-down in the grass during the headlining acts and/or escorted out by security, remember to drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids as well (Sweet Leaf Tea, baby!). As a rule of thumb, I find it better to hold off on the heavy drinking until the sun comes down. Sun + heavy drinking = hot mess.
- Come up with a contingency plan. Cell phone towers always get backed up during Lolla, and you can hardly rely on your cell phone as a means of communication. Lest you’re versed in the art of sending smoke signals, designate a good meeting spot in case your group gets separated. Or you could get some of those child leashes to keep tabs on your friends. However, do remember to charge your phone up to max before you head to the fest.
Please, keep your friends on a leash.
- Wear sunscreen. Bring extra. Unless you enjoy looking like a lobster. It’s all up to you.
Ouch.
- Take photos. Way too many photo opportunities not to. Plus, you could probably use a reminder of how much fun you had when it’s all over. Besides, Facebook is a great way to make all your friends that aren’t going jealous.
- Bring plenty of cash. You’re going to spend money, so make sure you have enough on you. There are ATM’s on-site, but the service fees are always stupid high. That’s how they make their money though — banking off your poor planning.
- Pack lightly. This isn’t an expedition, so don’t bring your whole life with you. If you bring a giant bag or purse, you’re likely to forget about it at some point and lose it. Plus, you have to deal with the extra time waiting in line to get your bag screened. Just bring a small pack with only the essentials — wallet, camera, sunscreen, water, maybe a blanket.
- Have fun. There’s plenty to do in between bands, so make sure you spend some time checking out the other areas in between. Plenty of free, useful stuff to be had, you just have to go find it. Also, every now and then, stand still and just take it all in. There’s so much going on around you, it’s nice to take a moment to appreciate the place you’re in and the people you’re with. That’s why they call it an ‘experience’.
Chicago skyline during Lollapalooza.
Nice one, Happy.
You’ve pretty much covered everything.
Annnd, I’ll see you there!!
I completely forgot about sunscreen, which means I probably wasn’t thinking that Chicago would be toasty and sunny. Maybe because I’ve never been to Chicago! I’m changing my packing strategy.
I expect to see photographic evidence of Danny in one of those leashes. You know he gets distracted by shiny objects. It will help keep him on task.
[...] may have read my Lollapalooza Survival Guide post, and there will inevitably be some parallels, but I thought I’d give you fine citizens [...]
Question – should one consider bringing a small fold up chair/stool? Are these straight up NOT recommended or allowed? Thanks for the tips!