A year after Lollapalooza made a cautious return to Grant Park, the music festival is back again and is bigger than ever. In addition to an ambitious array of music acts spanning multiple genres, this year’s festival will also welcome the return of Kidzapalooza, the festival’s stage catering to acts appropriate for families and young children. Here, we’ve rounded up our picks for some of this year’s most promising performers.
Lollapalooza 2022 will take place in Grant Park from July 28-31. Gates open each day at 11 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. Main gates are located on Monroe and Columbus and Michigan Avenue and Ida B. Wells Drive.
THURSDAY
DON’T MISS: Jazmine Sullivan, Black Coffee and Metallica
After multiple albums and years in the music industry, Jazmine Sullivan’s career finally blew up in 2021. After six years away, Sullivan returned with “Heaux Tales,” a critically-acclaimed EP featuring some of her strongest music yet. Sullivan mostly abandoned the more eclectic, pop-leaning styles that were peppered throughout her past albums to hone in on R&B, a perfect showcase for her once-in-a-generation vocals. For fans who may have missed her sold-out show in Chicago (or were not willing to pony up the steep ticket prices for the concert), her Lollapalooza set is sure to be a glorious journey through her soulful musical catalog.
Drake’s latest album, “Honestly, Nevermind,” may be divisive for fans, but there’s no denying the sonic star power behind many of the record’s tracks — like Black Coffee. Newbie house music fans may have just been introduced to this South African DJ and producer, but Black Coffee has built a steady reputation for warm, vibe-setting beats that keep bodies moving around the world. They were so successful, in fact, that he won best dance/electronic album at the 2022 Grammy Awards for his charming latest record, “Subconsciously.”
It may be difficult for Gen Z guests to imagine, but Lollapalooza used to be a primarily rock-oriented music festival. And although the festival’s lineup has progressed to include a variety of genres, it always includes a few nostalgic rock headliners to stay true to its roots. This year is no exception, with heavy metal kings Metallica closing out the first night with what is sure to be a rapturous live set.
BEST STAGE: Bud Light Seltzer (Jazmine Sullivan, Tove Lo, Lil Baby): Thursday is typically considered the less daunting day of Lollapalooza, but that doesn’t mean there’s a weak lineup. In fact, this year’s schedule includes a bevy of bona fide stars hitting the Bud Light Seltzer stage, including Jazmine Sullivan, pop singer Tove Lo and Lil Baby, arguable the biggest young rapper on the scene today.
SOMETHING ELSE: 100 Gecs. It’s easy to classify this Chicago-area-based duo as hyperpop, but that would reduce the weight of their eclectic sound. From grunge to pop to club, 100 Gecs incorporates a little bit of everything into their sound. And surprisingly, the efforts have worked, garnering widespread critical acclaim and a rabid fandom that will make “pilgrimages” to the tree depicted on the cover of their debut album, “1000 Gecs.” First-time listeners who are also fans of PC Music or Sleigh Bells will especially enjoy their genre-pushing sound.
ALSO ON THE BILL: Billy Strings, Zhu, Manchester Orchestra, Ashnikko, Still Woozy.
FRIDAY
DON’T MISS: Muna and Dua Lipa
Last month, Muna, an indie three-piece from Los Angeles, released their self-titled third studio album, a critically lauded collection of synth-pop and country pop tracks that pushes the group to new sonic ground. At its heart, the album stays true to the band’s love of a perfect melody and catchy lyrics, but Muna also showcases their wide-ranging tastes and inspirations. Also beloved for their live shows, their Lollapalooza set is sure to thrill both new fans and old alike.
Dua Lipa has come a long way since her more humble pop star beginnings. And against the odds, she has managed to shake off any one-hit wonder accusations with her sophom*ore studio album, “Future Nostalgia.” Here, Lipa showcased her deep love and knowledge of dance music, from house to disco, among other subgenres. And the risk paid off, garnering the musician multiple hit singles. Now, as dance music returns to the mainstream, it is clear Lipa’s sonic decisions more than two years ago on “Future Nostalgia” foretold a present that needed a lot more fun and a lot more dancing.
BEST STAGES:
Tito’s Handmade Vodka (Jackie Hayes, The Regrettes, Baby Tate, King Princess): If there is one stage not to miss, it is this one. Although the artist’s genres may vary (from the indie rap of Baby Tate to the indie rock of Chicago-based Jackie Hayes or King Princess), one thing is for certain — the music is incredible. If you’re interested in discovering who is “next,” Tito’s Friday lineup is a perfect place to start.
T-Mobile (Cordae, Glass Animals, Dua Lipa): This stage may be one of the biggest of the festival, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking any interesting artists. From the backpack rap of Cordae to the psych and indie rock of Glass Animals, this stage promises big names who still push against the grain.
SOMETHING ELSE: True pop superstardom has always eluded Tinashe, which is a shame because the multifaceted singer, songwriter, dancer and producer is making some of her best music yet. Unlike other performers who simply go through the motions, Tinashe is sure to give audiences nothing short of a showstopping performance, even at Lollapalooza.
ALSO ON THE BILL: Machine Gun Kelly, Don Toliver, Rezz, Girl in Red, Liquid Stranger, Clozee, Royal Blood, Bob Moses.
SATURDAY
DON’T MISS: Willow and Lil Durk
Oldheads may have just discovered Willow’s music with the recent TikTok success of long-ago released tracks like “Wait a Minute” and “Meet Me at Our Spot,” but the supremely talented musician has already released four albums, all before she reached 21 years old. With each new project, Willow has embarked on a different musical direction, diving headfirst into different genres, styles and musical eras to express her vision. On her latest album, 2021’s “Lately I Feel Everything,” the musician embraced the pop-punk, alt-rock and emo of the early aughts to surprising success. Although she’s leaned more rock as of late, we hope this Lolla set traverses her broad-ranging catalog to introduce fans new and old alike to her many, many talents.
One of Chicago’s greatest recent musical success stories, Lil Durk marks another major homecoming show with this latest Lollapalooza set. Prolific and hardworking, Durk will hopefully play selections from one of his recent releases, including 2020’s “The Voice” or “7220,” released earlier this year. And although nothing has been confirmed, fans may want to stick around to see if Lil Baby, who released the joint album, “The Voice of Heroes,” with Durk in 2021 and performed at Lolla on Thursday, will make a guest appearance.
BEST STAGES:
Discord (Gracie Abrams, Mariah the Scientist, DUCKWRTH, Willow): Like always, most of Lollapalooza’s best stages are its smallest, and the new Discord stage is no exception. Fans interested in hearing artists primed for more mainstream success should stick around, whether they’re interested in rap (Mariah the Scientist), pop (Gracie Abrams) or hip hop and R&B (DUCKWRTH).
Solana x Perry’s (Surf Mesa, Lil Durk, Duke Dumont, Tomorrow x Together): Dance music and hip hop heads should enjoy the sounds emanating from Solana x Perry’s stage on Saturday. Whether they’re interested in groove-centered house by Duke Dumont and Surf Mesa or trap by Lil Durk, this always-rowdy area of the fest is sure to live up to its party-oriented legacy.
SOMETHING ELSE: Tomorrow x Together. A late addition to the Lollapalooza lineup, this K-pop boy band will close out the U.S. leg of its first world tour with an appearance at Lollapalooza. Get to know the group (and their appealing pop tracks) before they inevitably reach stratospheric international heights.
ALSO ON THE BILL: J. Cole, Kygo, Big Sean, Kaskade, Idles, Turnstile, Wallows, Chelsea Cutler, Coin, YG, BLXST.
SUNDAY
DON’T MISS: Horsegirl and PinkPantheress
We can’t help but feel a little bit proud of Horsegirl, a young, Chicago-made success story. After a feature in the Tribune about their first EP and snowballing press attention, this trio was quickly signed to Matador Records. Now, the band will release “Versions of Modern Performance,” their debut record of intelligent, nostalgia-laden indie rock. It is a rapid, but much-deserved success story for three Chicago artists with clear vision and drive. Catch them before they get an even bigger fan base.
Don’t dismiss PinkPantheress, a Gen Z wonder. The singer, songwriter and producer may have found viral fame through TikTok (a trend for many young millennial and Gen Z performers), but that doesn’t mean her music lacks substance or heart. In fact, her debut mixtape, 2021’s “To Hell with It,” was a one-of-a-kind showcase for the artist’s post-hyperpop brand of music. Incorporating elements of jungle, drum and bass, and garage, “To Hell with It” was a surprising debut highlighting the musical depths of this rising artist.
BEST STAGE: Coinbase (Audrey Nuna, Beach Bunny, Banks, Goth Babe): There’s a little bit of everything at this new stage. We especially are interested in checking in on Chicago-based Beach Bunny, who continue to garner widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike for their punchy, appealing pop rock. Banks, who has spent more than a decade on the scene making moody, alternative R&B, is set to headline this stage, likely in support of “Serpentina,” her fourth studio album. Head over to Coinbase earlier in the day to also check out acts like Goth Babe and Audrey Nuna.
SOMETHING ELSE: Chicago Made Showcase. In an ongoing celebration of Chicago’s musical legacy, fan-favorite local acts are set to take the stage as part of the Chicago Made Showcase. We’re especially excited for rapper Queen Key, whose star continues to rise both locally and nationally, and vocalist K YRA, who was raised in Chicago but is now based in Los Angeles.
ALSO ON THE BILL: Green Day, j-hope, p*rno for Pyros, The Kid Laroi, Charli XCX, Dominic Fike, Denzel Curry, Polo & Pan, Maneskin, Local Natives, The Marías, John Summit.
What to know
TICKETS: 4-Day General Admission from $350, 4-Day General Admission+ from $700, 4-Day VIP from $1,600 and 4-Day Platinum from $4,200 are available at lollapalooza.com/tickets. Children ages 10 and younger are free with a ticket-holding adult. Limit 2 children per ticketed adult.
STAGES: There are eight stages at Lollapalooza this year: The T-Mobile main stage is on the south end of the park, in the sports fields near DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Also the Bud Light Seltzer stage on the far north end near Monroe. Plus Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Discord, BMI, Solana x Perry’s, Coinbase and Kidzapalooza stages.
EXPERIENCE: It is a full mile inside Lollapalooza grounds, from north to south. The main gates on Michigan Avenue are at about the halfway mark and wide open inside for foot traffic. The food tents of Chow Town and specialty vendor areas usually are the first thing you meet, with Buckingham Fountain and merch sellers just behind. Turn south for the T-Mobile, north for the Bud Light Seltzer stage. Box toilets and aid stations are plentiful most everywhere. The daily capacity is about 100,000 fans. Lollapalooza recently posted a map on its website.
UPDATES: For up-to-date information from the festival, a mobile app is available for iOS and Android. Plus follow Lollapalooza’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages; check the website or get festival emails. Lollapalooza is presented by Austin, Texas-based C3 Presents, a division of Live Nation.
LIVESTREAM: Some performances will be streamed via Hulu; subscription required, available during the festival only; www.hulu.com
AFTER THE FEST: Our recommendations on where to go after the festival for late-night food or after-party shows is at www.chicagotribune.com/dining
FOR ENTRY: Guests are required to have a festival wristband for entry. Unlike last year, Lollapalooza will not require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test in order to attend the festival. Most major music festivals have adopted the practice of following state and local requirements; this policy is in accordance with IDPH and CDPH guidelines.
Masks are not required for attendance at the festival, but organizers recommend unvaccinated patrons bring a mask to wear when needed.
Festival patrons can leave and re-enter two times after entering. Patrons will scan their wristbands and pass through security each time they re-enter the site.
Bag policy: All bags will be searched before entering the festival. Bags must be clear and made of clear plastic, vinyl or PVC. Bags cannot be larger than 12 inches by 12 inches by 6 inches. Small clutch purses and fanny packs with no more than one pocket are also allowed, as are clutch purses no larger than 4.5 inches by 5.5 inches. Hydration packs are allowed and do not need to be clear, but they should be empty of all liquids before entering.
Lockers are available for rent now at Entertainment Lockers for general admission, VIP and Platinum ticket holders.
SAFETY: Lollapalooza has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, including harassment based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, body size, appearance, age or national origin. Lollapalooza encourages patrons to contact staff if they feel threatened or unsafe in any way.
Patrons in need of emergency medical assistance can go to one of six medical tents.
Sober patrons are encouraged to visit the Soberside tent, west of Columbus, in between Ida B Wells and Balbo, for on-site support, if needed.
Between Friends and Resilience’s collaborative campaign #OurMusicMyBody will have a booth inside the North entrance next to Guest Services to raise awareness about promoting consensual experiences for all in the music scene.
Mental health education and support will be available from Hope For The Day, which provides resources for those seeking information on mental health education and support.
ACCESSIBILITY: Accessible festival entry lanes are available at each entrance. A sign will indicate each entrance.
Strollers, miniature horses and dogs are allowed to provide assistance to individuals with a disability. Guests with a service animal will receive a Patron Notice of Responsibility for a Service Animal or they can request the form in advance from access@lollapalooza.com.
American Sign Language interpreted music performances are available for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing. Patrons should email access@lollapalooza.com to request a specific performance be interpreted.
Upon arrival, guests who require accessible viewing areas should visit the Access Center for information on the accessibility wristband program. This provides the guest plus one patron access to the accessible viewing or deaf and hard of hearing areas.
Wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, and three or four-wheeled scooters are allowed only for use by patrons with mobility disabilities. Powered wheelchairs can be charged at the Access Center and guests should bring all cords and accessories needed to charge their devices.
Patrons who need prescription medication must present the pharmacy-labeled container that states the prescription, dosage and patient name to the medical staff at each entrance gate. Patrons are only allowed a supply of the prescribed medication for that day. Medicines needing to be inhaled or smoked are prohibited unless in a prescribed inhaler. Over the counter medications are allowed in a sufficient supply for the day.
ALLOWED ITEMS: See also bag policy above, for a full list of allowed and prohibited items consult Lollapalooza.
Baby strollers, Frisbees, binoculars, blankets, sheets, towels.
Cameras (basic point-and-shoot consumer-grade cameras) without detachable lenses and other accessories.
Empty reusable water bottles and hydration packs, and plastic or aluminum water bottles
Sunscreen in non-aerosol containers is allowed in the size of 3.4 ounces or less
PROHIBITED ITEMS:
Outside food and drinks (including alcohol) and coolers of any kind (exceptions may be made for medical use).
Aerosol containers, including sunscreen and personal beauty products.
Smoking of any kind, including vaping.
Framed backpacks, multiple pocket backpacks and any pack that is not aligned with the bag policy.
Professional cameras and professional recording equipment; drones or any other remote flying device.
Chairs of any kind, hammocks, umbrellas, tents, canopies, or shade structures of any kind.
Pets (except service animals)
Skateboards, scooters, bicycles, wagons, carts or any personal motorized vehicles; carts of any kind (including Red Wagons); bicycles inside festival grounds (free parking is available near festival entrance).
Unauthorized/unlicensed vendors are not allowed.
Britt Julious is a freelance critic.
