The biggest music festival in the city will kick off the long awaited celebrations that were marred due to Covid-19 

 

By Zofeen Maqsood

It looks like Chicago is in a serious mood to celebrate and make up for the lost time due to the pandemic. Later this month, Lollapalooza, the city’s largest music festival returns with a renewed zing. To be held from July 29 – August 1 at Grant Park the festival will see 8 stages and more than 170 bands from all over the world.

What is significant about this years’ Lollapalooza is that it returns in its original avatar after a year. In 2020, the event was cancelled due to Covid-19. However to keep the spirit of festival going the city of Chicago had offered a live streamed event held on the initially scheduled dates. The live streamed event featured acts from artists such as Outkast, Lupe Fiasco and Brockhampton but the music lovers missed the original experience that has become the city’s trademark event for many years now.

The annual four-day music festival got a go-ahead this May from the authorities for the year 2021 and it seems that the enthusiasm could not be contained. It is evident that the public is more than willing to leave the not-so-fond memories of social distancing and restrictions behind as the tickets for the big events are almost sold out. The tickets according to the organizers are going out fast. The tickets range from $150 upwards for general admission and go up to $8000 for platinum admission for certain performances.

It looks like Chicago is in a serious mood to celebrate and make up for the lost time due to the pandemic. Later this month, Lollapalooza, the city’s largest music festival returns with a renewed zing. To be held from July 29 – August 1 at Grant Park the festival will see 8 stages and more than 170 bands from all over the world.

What is significant about this years’ Lollapalooza is that it returns in its original avatar after a year. In 2020, the event was cancelled due to Covid-19. However to keep the spirit of festival going the city of Chicago had offered a live streamed event held on the initially scheduled dates. The live streamed event featured acts from artists such as Outkast, Lupe Fiasco and Brockhampton but the music lovers missed the original experience that has become the city’s trademark event for many years now.

The annual four-day music festival got a go-ahead this May from the authorities for the year 2021 and it seems that the enthusiasm could not be contained. It is evident that the public is more than willing to leave the not-so-fond memories of social distancing and restrictions behind as the tickets for the big events are almost sold out. The tickets according to the organizers are going out fast. The tickets range from $150 upwards for general admission and go up to $8000 for platinum admission for certain performances.

What’s Special for 2021?

As is expected that this years’ Lollapalooza will hold a special significance as many aficionados have been awaiting this event. For many others, the event marks the symbolic return of life as we knew it before the Covid-19 pandemic turned things upside down.

This years’ festival is also seen as a great way to promote vaccination amongst the public. Chicago city officials are using the festival to encourage vaccination. On Saturday, the city gave out 1200 single day tickets at a vaccination drive as reported by Chicago’s top doctor Allison Arwady.

The promotion was part of an initiative titled Protect Chicago Music Series.

Late last month, four vaccination sites in the city were also turned into a Lollapalooza experience where a DJ performed and Lollapalooza- branded giveaways were distributed.

The Performances

The 2021 line up is one of the most sought after and the festival begins with Miley Cyrus, Illenium, Kaytranda, Playboi Carti amongst other line up. Day 2 will see Marshmello, Roddy Ricch, Tyler – the Creator, Jack Harlow and Polo G along with others. Day 3 highlights include Post Malone, Journey, Megan Thee Stallion, Limp Bizkit and Slander with many others. The concluding day would see Foo Fighters, DeBaby, Brockhampton, Modest House, Young Thug along with many others. The festival will also offer some of the most sumptuous food and drinks from Windy City’s famed restaurants.

Each year in what has become a Chicago tradition the city’s legendary park comes alive with a carnival like atmosphere, best music against the backdrop of the beautiful Chicago skyline and stunning shores of Lake Michigan.

For those who are ready to spend more money for a greater experience there are VIP and platinum tickets that provide access to exclusive lounges, great views and luxury experiences.

The city is doing everything to ensure that this years’ event is a safe and memorable experience for everyone. Lollapalooza has also announced a lineup of after shows like every year for those who cannot cough up big ticket prices to see some of the performances at other smaller venues.

History of Lollapalooza

Lollapalooza started as a touring event back in 1991 by Perry Farrell, singer of Jane’s Addiction. An annual sell out event it holds up to 400,000 people in Chicago’s Grant Park. One of the largest and most long-standing music events in the country, it attracts attendees from across the country. From its first edition itself Lollapalooza was a roaring success and has been a revered name in music calendars. Lollapalooza was revived in 2003 and it continued as a touring event. However it was in 2010 that it was decided to make it a Chicago event, even though it inspired versions elsewhere internationally too.

What’s Special for 2021?

As is expected that this years’ Lollapalooza will hold a special significance as many aficionados have been awaiting this event. For many others, the event marks the symbolic return of life as we knew it before the Covid-19 pandemic turned things upside down.

This years’ festival is also seen as a great way to promote vaccination amongst the public. Chicago city officials are using the festival to encourage vaccination. On Saturday, the city gave out 1200 single day tickets at a vaccination drive as reported by Chicago’s top doctor Allison Arwady.

The promotion was part of an initiative titled Protect Chicago Music Series.

Late last month, four vaccination sites in the city were also turned into a Lollapalooza experience where a DJ performed and Lollapalooza- branded giveaways were distributed.

The Performances

The 2021 line up is one of the most sought after and the festival begins with Miley Cyrus, Illenium, Kaytranda, Playboi Carti amongst other line up. Day 2 will see Marshmello, Roddy Ricch, Tyler – the Creator, Jack Harlow and Polo G along with others. Day 3 highlights include Post Malone, Journey, Megan Thee Stallion, Limp Bizkit and Slander with many others. The concluding day would see Foo Fighters, DeBaby, Brockhampton, Modest House, Young Thug along with many others. The festival will also offer some of the most sumptuous food and drinks from Windy City’s famed restaurants.

Each year in what has become a Chicago tradition the city’s legendary park comes alive with a carnival like atmosphere, best music against the backdrop of the beautiful Chicago skyline and stunning shores of Lake Michigan.

For those who are ready to spend more money for a greater experience there are VIP and platinum tickets that provide access to exclusive lounges, great views and luxury experiences.

The city is doing everything to ensure that this years’ event is a safe and memorable experience for everyone. Lollapalooza has also announced a lineup of after shows like every year for those who cannot cough up big ticket prices to see some of the performances at other smaller venues.

History of Lollapalooza

Lollapalooza started as a touring event back in 1991 by Perry Farrell, singer of Jane’s Addiction. An annual sell out event it holds up to 400,000 people in Chicago’s Grant Park. One of the largest and most long-standing music events in the country, it attracts attendees from across the country. From its first edition itself Lollapalooza was a roaring success and has been a revered name in music calendars. Lollapalooza was revived in 2003 and it continued as a touring event. However it was in 2010 that it was decided to make it a Chicago event, even though it inspired versions elsewhere internationally too.