“B” Cool at Lollapalooza

June 5, 2015

It's time once again for Lollapalooza.

While we have two months to wait, tickets are on sale now and it’ll be here before we know it. The biggest and best major summer music fest within reasonable driving distance of northern Michigan opens July 31 and Express has all the best info on what to do once you get there.

THE BUZZ

Lollapalooza is the Perry Farrell-founded music fest that started in 1991 as a touring event, but eventually settled in Chicago in 2005, where it’s been a must-go music destination ever since. Lolla is not for the music fan faint of heart or feet, with eight stages and music running from 11:30am-10pm three days in a row, you need stamina – and a bit of cash, as well. Tix can run anywhere from $110 (1 day) to $275 (3 days), but to see such an eclectic range of cutting-edge music all in one place is always worth it.

THE BASICS

If Lolla regulars shared their secrets of how to survive the fest (Express has been covering the event since 1996, so we’ve got a little insight), they’d tell you three important things: plan ahead, wear sunscreen and hydrate. Many an over-enthused festivalgoer has been felled by severe sunburn and/or dehydration and, if you don’t plan in advance, it’s easy to miss the band you really wanted to see that’s a mile away on the other side of the park. Download a map and band schedule before you go or pick one up at the entrance to make sure you’re on top of everything. Buy the big bottle of sunscreen to carry along and keep your water bottle filled (and drink it).

THE BASE

Chicago’s Grant Park is where Lolla lives and breathes, and where you’ll be spending all three days, save the walks back a n d forth from your hotel (don’t expect to camp, because this is an urban fest, and there is no camping). Downtown Chicago is about a six-hour drive from the Petoskey area, five hours from the Traverse City area; you’ll want to check into your hotel as early as possible because there are going to be a lot of other people wanting to do the same thing (the fest’s attendance hit 220,000 last year). Grant Park itself is 115 acres of festival fun, and we weren’t kidding about the mile you’ll have to walk between the main stages. The good news is that the park is full of amenities, so you won’t have to leave. From restroom facilities to first aid stations to food, beverages, the Green Street environmental market and Lolla Cares cause-awareness booths, free swag and fun giveaways, everything including the entertainment can be found right on site.

THE BITES

Lolla offers its own farmers market on the festival grounds, which is a great place to pick up healthy, locally-sourced eats.

If you want something already prepared for you, or perhaps something more exotic, don’t miss the two centralized Chow Town stations, rows of food booths curated by Chef Graham Elliot. Among the Chow Town offerings last year were artisan sandwiches, Mongolian beef bao, lobster corndogs and, of course, a whole range of Chicago-style hot dogs and deep dish pizza. It’s a far cry from typical festival food and a lot more interesting. Pretty much every beverage you can think of, plus desserts, are also ready to grab n’ go.

THE BANDS

And now, the part you’ve all been waiting for. While this year’s lineup seems a little lighter on the really big names than in previous years, there’s still a lot to shout about, most notably the three major headlining spots: the one and only Sir Paul McCartney (Friday), chartclimbing crooner Sam Smith (Saturday) and the return of festival favorites Florence and the Machine (Sunday). Elsewhere, there are bands of every rock genre waiting to be heard. Indie-rock and folk-rock fans will be racing around trying to catch performances by Cold War Kids, The Weeknd, Alt-J, Toro Y Moi, Delta Spirit, Twenty One Pilots and Father John Misty. Electronica aficionados will wear themselves out dancing to sets from Kaskade, Travis Scott, Carnage, Alesso and Bassnectar. And scenesters will be trying to catch glimpses of Robert Pattinson, his paramour FKA Twigs, and pop diva Charlie XCX. See? There really is something for everyone.

The 2015 Lollapalooza Fest runs July 31-Aug. 2. To view the full schedule for each day and get all the info on this year’s happenings, visit lollapalooza.com