Lollapalooza Chicago
Lollapalooza is one of the highest ranking festivals in the world. If you love music, you cannot afford to miss this one of a kind event.
Event information
What is Lollapalooza?
Lollapalooza is a musical extravaganza that takes place in Chicago's Grant Park every year. Attendees can enjoy four days of world-class music from genres like alternative rock, hip-hop, punk rock, heavy metal, and EDM. The festival is the brainchild of Jane's Addiction singer Perry Farrell and first took place in 1991 as a farewell tour for the band, but became an annual event thanks to its tremendous success.
Since then, artists like Tyler, The Creator, Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, A$AP Rocky, Lana Del Rey, The Killers, Billie Eilish, and countless others have graced Lollapalooza's stages. The festival has grown to become one of the most popular and well-known music festivals in the world, drawing over 400,000 attendees annually from around the globe.
In addition to incredible music, the festival showcases visual artists, features Kidzapalooza programming for families, and partners with top Chicago restaurants through Chow Town to provide festival-goers with cuisine that goes far beyond typical festival fare.
For festival-goers planning their Chicago adventure, explore Chicago RV rentals for the ultimate festival experience, or consider Oak Park, Illinois, RV rentals just minutes from downtown with easier parking access.
When and Where is Lollapalooza Held?
- Dates: Summer every year, usually late July through August
- Location: Grant Park, 337 East Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60602
- Entrances: Main entrance at Michigan Avenue and Ida B. Wells Drive; North entrance at Monroe Street and Columbus Drive
- Attendance: 400,000+ visitors annually across four days
Tickets
How Much Does Lollapalooza Cost?
Lollapalooza offers several ticket options to match different budgets and preferences. Tickets typically sell out quickly, especially single-day passes, so early purchase is recommended.
Ticket tiers include:
- General Admission: Starting around $130 for single-day passes
- 4-Day General Admission: Approximately $400-500
- VIP Packages: Enhanced viewing areas, dedicated restrooms, and shaded lounges
- Platinum Packages: Premium experiences with expedited entry and exclusive amenities
- Lolla Insider: Top-tier package with all festival perks
Visit the official Lollapalooza website for current ticket pricing and availability.
Explore Lollapalooza Chicago RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Navigating a big city like Chicago in your RV can be a stressful experience if you aren’t prepared. There are a number of low bridges and tunnels. Stick to the outskirts of the city and be sure to check the flow of traffic on your smartphone or radio. Driving to the venue is not recommended since you may face parking issues and vehicle congestion. You’re better off taking public transportation from your campsite if you can.
Parking areas
Parking is not allowed on the grounds, but parking areas are organized nearby. These spots sell out fast, so it’s a good idea to book your space on the website ahead of time. If you wait too long, you may end up having to park further away from the venue than you desire.
Public Transportation
Chicago's comprehensive public transit system makes getting to Lollapalooza simple and affordable. During festival weekend, both CTA and Metra increase service to accommodate crowds.
CTA trains: Red and Blue Lines stop near Grant Park. Any elevated line through the Loop will get you within walking distance.
Metra trains: Multiple lines serve downtown Chicago stations. Check the Metra office underground near Grant Park for discounted "all you can ride during Lolla" passes—a hidden deal many festivalgoers miss.
Buses: CTA buses will be rerouted around Grant Park during the festival. Between 9 pm-11:30 pm, expect additional reroutes to accommodate crowds leaving the festival.
Rideshare and Taxis
Uber, Lyft, and traditional Chicago taxis offer convenient door-to-door service, though surge pricing during peak hours can be substantial. Designate meeting spots with your group since cell service becomes unreliable with hundreds of thousands of people concentrated in one area.
Biking
Chicago's Divvy bike-share system provides stations throughout the city. The lakefront trail offers a scenic route to Grant Park, though remember you cannot bring bikes into the festival grounds.
Street Closures
Festival-related road closures begin as early as mid-July and continue through August 4. Major closures include Columbus Drive (Monroe to Roosevelt), Jackson and Balbo (Michigan to DuSable Lake Shore Drive), and Congress Plaza Drive. Check choosechicago.com or call 511 for real-time updates.
Where to stay
Onsite
No Onsite Camping at Grant Park
Grant Park doesn't allow any RV parking or camping on festival grounds, so you'll need to plan your accommodations strategically.
Nearby
McCormick Place, North America's largest convention center, sits just one mile from Grant Park and offers the most convenient overnight RV parking solution. At approximately $30 per night (plus reservation fees), it's a bargain considering Chicago parking rates. The 18th Street lot positions you near the Metra train station, which drops you right at Grant Park's doorstep.
Important considerations:
- This is dry camping (no hookups)
- Come prepared with full water tanks, propane, and generator fuel
- Low clearance bridges exist on some Chicago routes—contact McCormick Place in advance for RV-safe directions
- Make reservations ahead of time, especially for festival weekends
Campgrounds with Full Amenities
For those wanting hookups, showers, and traditional campground amenities, several excellent options sit within an hour of downtown Chicago:
Illinois Beach Campground Located on Lake Michigan's shores between Chicago and Milwaukee, this state park campground offers 225+ sites with 30/50-amp electrical connections, modern restrooms, showers, and a playground. You're steps from beautiful beaches and just 45-50 minutes from Grant Park via I-94. The campground accommodates big rigs and welcomes pets on leashes.
Indiana Dunes Campground Situated in Chesterton, Indiana (about 45-50 minutes southeast of Chicago), this scenic campground sits within Indiana Dunes National Park. Sites accommodate RVs up to 55 feet with 50-amp electrical hookups, fire rings, and picnic tables. You'll have access to beaches, hiking trails, and the South Shore Rail Line for easy Chicago commutes. Modern bathhouses and a dump station make this a comfortable base camp.
Chicago Northwest KOA Located in Union (about 50 miles northwest), this family-friendly KOA offers both electric/water and full hookup sites. Amenities include restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, basketball courts, mini-golf, and a camp store. While it's the farthest option from downtown, it provides the most traditional campground experience with activities for families.
Getting around
You can easily get around the venue on foot. Keep in mind that some of the roads near the areas will be closed on festival days, so make arrangements accordingly. There is a special ADA festival entrance for guests with disabilities so they can enter and get around using designated lanes.
What to pack
Clothing
Lollapalooza is one of the more fashionable music festivals, so it’s a great opportunity to dress up and step outside your comfort zone. You can expect to see plenty of boho-inspired looks as well as crop tops and shorts. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and carry a raincoat in case it rains. Make sure to wear comfortable, broken-in shoes that you can keep on all day long. It’s also a good idea to carry a light rain jacket or poncho for unexpected weather as umbrellas are not allowed at the venue.
Gear
- Small clutch purses and fanny packs (6" x 9" or smaller) with no more than one pocket—these don't need to be clear
- Clear bags larger than 6" x 9" must be smaller than 12" x 6" x 12"
- Empty hydration packs (don't need to be clear)
- Valid ID and festival wristband
- Sealed water bottle (one per person) or empty reusable bottle for free refill stations
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+) and a hat for sun protection
- Portable phone charger/power bank
- Cash and cards (though most vendors accept cards, some prefer cash)
- Small blanket or bandana to sit on
Health & Safety
Grant Park offers minimal shade, so rehydration becomes crucial during long, hot Chicago summer days. Free water refill stations are located throughout the festival grounds.
Security measures: Bag checks occur at all entrances. Security personnel patrol grounds throughout operating hours. For emergencies, festival staff and first aid stations are clearly marked on festival maps.
Medical services: First aid stations staffed by trained medical professionals. If you have special medical needs, contact festival organizers in advance or speak with security upon arrival.
Weather: July/August in Chicago typically brings warm days (75-85°F) and cooler evenings (55-65°F). However, Lake Michigan's proximity means the weather can change quickly. The festival proceeds rain or shine, though severe weather may cause temporary stage closures.
Prohibited items: Professional cameras, video recording devices, drones, weapons, outside food/beverages (except one sealed water bottle), illegal substances, umbrellas, chairs, hammocks, inflatables, totems, selfie sticks, and all Chicago parks prohibit smoking/vaping.
Where to eat
Cooking
Cooking at Your Campground
Most campgrounds allow portable grills (check fire restrictions before your trip). Stock up on groceries at Whole Foods near Grant Park or at grocery stores closer to your campground.
Restaurants
Chicago Restaurant Scene
Between festival days, explore Chicago's legendary dining scene:
- The Magnificent Mile for upscale dining
- West Loop for trendy restaurants and food halls
- Pilsen for authentic Mexican cuisine
- Chinatown for dim sum and Asian specialties
- Greektown for Mediterranean fare
Vendors
At the Festival
Lollapalooza partners with GrubHub to bring Chicago's culinary scene to Grant Park through Chow Town. Expect everything from Chicago classics (deep-dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, hot dogs) to international cuisine, vegetarian options, and food truck favorites. Budget $15-25 per meal.
Safety
Security
Only small bags are allowed into the venue, and they will be searched before entry. You may also be subjected to an airport-style search. The festival organizers have stepped up safety measures in recent years by working with local, state, and federal authorities. Harassment based on gender, race, sexual orientation, or appearance will not be tolerated at Lollapalooza.
Weather
Typically, you can expect summer weather that’s quite mild. However, there have been some unexpected weather events like strong winds and thunderstorms in the past. It’s best to expect the unexpected and go prepared in case it rains. In the rare occasion that the weather takes a turn for the worse, there are measures in place to evacuate guests in a timely and safe manner.
Medical
Medial tents will be situated strategically around the festival grounds. If you need help, you can reach out to festival staff or medical personnel. There is an access center to assist patrons with disabilities. People with sensory difficulties or mobility impairments can request special wristbands for ease of entry to accessible areas of the festival.
