Lollapalooza, the perennial Chicago summer music festival, returns to Grant Park this August, promising another four days of diverse musical performances across eight stages. Like always, this year’s lineup showcases a mix of established headliners and rising stars across genres like rap, rock, pop, R&B and EDM. Last-minute changes to the schedule have added excitement, with Megan Thee Stallion (last at Lolla in 2021) joining as a new headliner on the T-Mobile mainstage.
But what I’m most excited about for this year’s festival is the abundance of acts who’ve experienced meteoric rises in the past year, including rousing pop sensation Benson Boone, soulful breakthrough artist Teddy Swims (who’s been in the industry for a while), and the unique, Kate Bush-meets-Lady Gaga superstar Chappell Roan. For audiences interested in hearing what’s next, this year’s lineup is the perfect introduction.
Thursday
NOT TO MISS: Benson Boone, Jungle, Chappell Roan
It’s been hard to ignore Benson Boone in 2024. The surprisingly soulful singer from Washington state has made a major splash over the last few years with the release of singles like “Ghost Town” and “In the Stars.” But no track has been as inescapable as “Beautiful Things,” Boone’s solid Top 10 hit that has come to shake up the mainstream rock music world and define the sound of Gen Z (at least those super-active on social media). His music is more substantive than the runaway success of his largest single may suggest. In April, he released his debut album “Fireworks & Rollerblades.” Catch Boone as the headliner of the IHG Hotels & Resorts stage (across from T-Mobile), where he is sure to perform a mix of deep cuts and popular tracks like his latest single “Slow it Down.”
Last year was a watershed moment for the UK band Jungle. After 10 years of grinding in the music scene and cultivating a solid and loyal fan base, the band broke through in a major way with the release of their latest album, “Volcano.” They proceeded the album with four singles, including the uber-successful “Back on 74.” A loose and catchy song, it was the music video that really caught audiences’ attention. Jungle has never been a band that aims to be in the spotlight and this was certainly the case with the video, in which young dancers performed a highly choreographed dance that fans recreated on social media for months. They perform a mid-afternoon set on the Bud Light stage.
Chappell Roan is a one-of-a-kind sort of artist who doesn’t come around often. For one, Roan is queer and creates music that speaks from her perspective about life and romance. She also is something of a female drag queen, unique in the drag world and mainstream pop culture in general. Roan has seen her success skyrocket in 2024, due in large part to an opening slot on pop singer Olivia Rodrigo’s latest tour. Roan’s music reminds me of early Kate Bush, perhaps due to her affinity for dense, lyrically subversive lyrics and undeniable pop melodies. With her star set to rise even farther, you won’t want to miss her late afternoon T-Mobile set. Roan will likely play a selection of tracks from her stunning debut album, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.”
BEST STAGE: Last-minute headliner Megan Thee Stallion makes the T-Mobile stage extra special. Earlier this summer, Megan dropped her latest album, a comprehensive and experimental body of work that sees the rapper perform in Japanese and dive into unique samples from artists like Gwen Stefani. If you missed her two sold-out shows in May, don’t miss this set. Earlier in the day, the stage welcomes two sonically diverse artists. In the early afternoon, audiences can see South African amapiano artist Tyla perform in a rare Stateside show (the singer had to cancel a tour in support of her debut album due to an injury). Later, 2010s pop artist Kesha performs an hour-long set as part of her comeback efforts. Earlier this summer, Kesha released a new single, “Joyride,” a glitchy synth-pop wonder that sounds equally rooted in the danceable fun of her early years and the cross-genre experimentations of the contemporary pop music world.
SOMETHING ELSE: The Perry’s stage is typically known for the abrasive, some may say outdated, EDM of the mid-to-late 2010s. That’s why it’s surprising that famed Chicago house DJ Farley “Jackmaster” Funk will play a late afternoon set. Although he’s only scheduled to perform for 30 minutes, the beloved local DJ will be a break from the wall of noise typically found in this part of Grant Park. Cool down with a show-stopping master class with one of the house music greats.
Friday
NOT TO MISS: Raye, Faye Webster
Like many artists featured at this year’s Lollapalooza, 2023 was a major year for British musician Raye. An industry veteran with more than a decade of experience, Raye finally released her debut solo album, “My 21st Century Blues.” After collaborations she worked on throughout the last decade and the hits she penned as a songwriter for artists like Little Mix, Rihanna, Beyoncé, John Legend and Ellie Goulding, “My 21st Century Blues” was a sharp and soulful body of work introducing Raye as an artist. It also found massive critical and commercial success. Early single “Escapism” went viral on TikTok, underlying Raye’s universal appeal. She performs on the Tito’s Handmade Vodka stage in the afternoon.
It’s been thoroughly exciting to witness how singer-songwriter Faye Webster continues to experiment with her music. On her latest album, “Underdressed at the Symphony,” released in March of this year, the musician continued to wade through unique genres of music. Listeners discovered how Webster successfully managed to blend elements of indie rock, R&B and country to perfect a sound that is uniquely her own. This can best be heard on her latest single, “Feeling Good Today.” At only 86 seconds long, the track blends light piano with Webster’s vocoder-altered voice. What do you get when you blend ’80s funk with indie folk? Apparently, Faye Webster. Catch her late afternoon set on the Tito’s Handmade Vodka stage.
BEST STAGE: Friday is all about the girls, and there is no stage that exemplifies this as much as the T-Mobile stage. As on Thursday, T-Mobile is stacked with hitmakers. Arrive in the afternoon to watch pop and R&B singer Victoria Monét’s set. Earlier this year, Monét snagged three Grammys for music off of her impressive latest record, “Jaguar II,” and won for best new artist. Live, Monet has a penchant for precise, hip hop-inspired dance moves coupled with her beautiful, sometimes cheeky songs. Later, actress and musician Reneé Rapp takes to the stage. In the last two years, Rapp has gained a sizable audience for her brand of soulful, snarky pop. Perhaps Megan Thee Stallion will join her on stage for their collaborative single “Not My Fault,” released earlier this year on the “Mean Girls: The Musical” soundtrack. Finally, SZA rightfully headlines Lolla. The singer-songwriter has steadily worked for more than a decade crafting pop-influenced R&B music that speaks to a generation of earnest, vulnerable young people.
SOMETHING ELSE: Wondering how an Icelandic jazz-pop artist has found her way to an evening set on the Bud Light stage? Blame TikTok. The platform helped Laufey, whose work often channels elements of classical and traditional pop, find an unusual audience of Gen Z listeners. Many cite the cinematic qualities of her music, which can easily sound like the loveliest soundtrack to one’s life. Her last album, “Bewitched,” picked up the Grammy for traditional pop vocal album. Laufey will be joined by the Chicago Philharmonic. If you’ve been looking for the perfect alternative to the rap, rock, EDM and pop that fuels Lollapalooza, take a listen.
Saturday
NOT TO MISS: Future x Metro Boomin, Tate McCrae, The Killers
If you are wondering how the Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef popped off in 2024, look no further than Future x Metro Boomin. Although those two artists have written sneak disses about each other in their respective solo songs, it was not until Lamar dropped a verse in the Future and Metro Boomin single “Like That” that the public took notice. The single was part of the first collaborative album released this year, “We Don’t Trust You.” Less than a month later, the two dropped a follow-up collaborative album titled “We Still Don’t Trust You.” Both received critical and commercial acclaim.
If Tate McRae seems a little familiar to you, it could be because the young Canadian singer began her career as a dancer. McRae often toured around the world and appeared on television programs like “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” due to her prodigy-level dance skills. She may also feel familiar if you grew up in the pop heyday of the early 2000s. McRae is a dancer turned singer of the turn-of-the-millennium vein. Think Britney Spears. But McCray’s music offers a little more bite than Spears’ early tracks. Her wildly successful single “Greedy” from her sophomore album “Think Later” showcases an artist who is not afraid to push boundaries. Catch her on the Bud Light stage.
Lollapalooza has changed a lot since it first launched in the early ’90s. But one thing is for certain every year: the festival will always include a bombastic, classic rock band. This year, The Killers fits the bill. In the early aughts, The Killers established themselves as one of the last arena rock bands of the new millennium. Tracks like “Mr. Brightside” and “Somebody Told Me” from their debut record “Hot Fuss” continue to thrill audiences on the album’s 20th anniversary. They released their latest record, “Pressure Machine,” in 2021. They headline the T-Mobile stage.
BEST STAGE: There’s lots of goodness to be found on the Bacardí stage on Saturday. Arrive early to hear Chicago musician Friko. Gaining a slot at Lollapalooza is a major feat for any artist, but it is especially sweet for a Chicago duo who cut their teeth in the city’s strong DIY scene. Later in the day, British musician Romy performs an hour-long set. A member of the much-beloved band The xx, Romy’s solo music is worthy of a listen as well. Later in the evening, the celebrated and politically controversial musician Killer Mike is sure to play a collection of tracks from his Grammy award-winning 2023 record, “Michael.”
SOMETHING ELSE: Sometimes, it seems like Ethel Cain is more known for her outspoken opinions than her music. Hilarious and sharp, Cain is not afraid to share how she feels about everything from guns to war. And sometimes it gets her into hot water, but that doesn’t mean her music should be ignored. Many of her songs focus on the stories and impact of her Southern roots. Cain makes singular indie rock and Southern gothic music that pierces through the veil to unleash emotions and memories of what it means to inhabit the world today, best exemplified in her last album, “Preacher’s Daughter.” She plays an evening set on the IHG Hotels & Resorts stage.
Sunday
NOT TO MISS: Teddy Swims, Slow Pulp, Blink-182
The inclusion of breakthrough artists at the festival continues with Teddy Swims on Sunday. After years of performing in alt-rock and post-hardcore bands, Swims began to gain an audience for his solo efforts through his covers of songs by artists like Michael Jackson, Shania Twain and Amy Winehouse. It wasn’t until the release of his single “Lose Control” in 2023 that Swims made a real breakthrough. The song is a blend of country and R&B, which sounds somewhat similar to music released by other yearning male vocalists over the last two years. But there’s something inherently more soulful in Swims’ music that sets him apart from his peers. Perhaps it is his age, at 31 years old. Swims finally released his debut album, “I’ve tried everything but therapy (part 1)” in 2023. This year, “Lose Control” reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying Swims’ appeal.
What’s not to love about Slow Pulp? This Chicago-based band is a triumphant testament to the sonic diversity of our local artists. And while Chicago still has a tendency to create and foster garage rock sounds, Slow Pulp’s music is a little bit different. At times, their hook-driven alt-rock reminds me of the early millennium sounds created by the production group The Matrix (responsible for songs by artists like Avril Lavigne, Lillix and Liz Phair). Meaning, they make accessible, nostalgia-laden indie rock music that feels emotionally vulnerable and true. This can best be heard on tracks like “Slugs” and “Doubt” from their 2023 album, “Yard.” Their afternoon set on the T-Mobile stage is one of this critic’s most anticipated shows of the weekend.
Nearly everyone loves Blink-182, and why wouldn’t they? This generation-defining band captured the playfulness and angst of late Gen Xers and early millennials as they navigated a rapidly changing world from the heart of their stifling suburbs. Songs like “All the Small Things” and “What’s My Age Again?” off of their wildly successful first few records became MTV staples. From hiatuses to internal strife to a few early departures, Blink-182 has seen it all. But the group reunited a few years ago after lead singer Mark Hoppus was diagnosed with lymphoma. This reunion eventually led to their latest record, “One More Time …”
BEST STAGE: There are lots of good things to be found on the T-Mobile stage this Sunday. Along with Slow Pulp and Blink-182, audiences can also listen to the yearning indie rock of actor and musician Dominic Fike. Earlier in the day, the rock continues with post-hardcore band Pierce The Veil.
SOMETHING ELSE: Every year, the Chicago Made set is a perfect showcase for up-and-coming local acts. And this year is no different. Smaller acts competed last year through a program created by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events for a slot on the stage. Scheduled to cap the performances on the Tito’s stage is Twista, the fast-talking rapper who made a name for himself with early aughts hits like “Overnight Celebrity.”
What to know
Stages include the Bud Light, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Bacardí, BMI, Kidzapalooza, Perry’s, IHG Hotels & Resorts and T-Mobile. Each day’s concluding headliners perform on the Bud Light, T-Mobile, Bacardí and Perry’s stages. Consult the festival map at support.lollapalooza.com
For entry: Lollapalooza will take place in Grant Park Aug. 1-4. Gates open each day at 11 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. Gates are located at Monroe and Columbus, and Michigan Avenue and Ida B. Wells Drive. Guests must have a festival wristband for entry, and can leave and re-enter the festival two additional times after entering. Go to www.lollapalooza.com/wristband to activate your wristband and register for cashless. A Wristband Assistance tent is located north of the main entrance on Michigan.
Bag policy: All bags will be searched before entering the festival. Small clutch purses and fanny packs that are 6 inches by 9 inches or smaller do not need to be clear, but can have no more than one pocket. Larger bags must be clear. Bags can not be larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches. Hydration packs are allowed and do not need to be clear, but they should be empty of all liquids before entering the festival. Consult the list of allowed and prohibited items (including blankets again this year) at support.lollapalooza.com.
Lockers: Lockers are available for rent, as are portable phone chargers.
Chow Town: Most food vendors are located along Columbus Drive inside the main entrance, plus Plant Base, Dessert Island and Vibe Village. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. More information at lollapalooza.com/chow-town.
Updates: For up-to-date information from the festival, follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, on the Lollapalooza website or through festival emails.
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.
Patrons in need of emergency medical assistance can go to one of the available medical tents.
This Must Be the Place, an overdose prevention nonprofit, will have a booth with Naloxone, an opioid reversal medicine, and offer education on the dangers of fentanyl.
Accessibility: Accessible festival entry lanes are available at each entrance.
Trained service miniature horses or dogs are allowed on festival grounds to assist 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. A full schedule of interpreted performances will be released closer to the festival date.
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. Chargers must use a 110-volt, 20-amp circuit.
Accessible portable toilets are located at the ends of each group of portable toilets throughout the festival.
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.
Lollapalooza 2024 runs Aug. 1-4 in Chicago’s Grant Park; tickets from $155 (1-day general admission tickets sold out Thursday to Saturday) at www.lollapalooza.com/tickets
Britt Julious is a freelance critic.
