Nearly all festivals these days have mobile apps with which you can make your own schedule, get up to date info on what’s happening and check set times. Don’t miss out on all the deals and updates available through your phone. And unlike remote places like Bonnaroo, Coachella and Sasquatch, cell service is far more reliable on the fields of Grant Park.
Give some cautionary thought to what you do decide to bring, and do your best to obey local laws (weed isn’t legal everywhere yet, boys and girls!). It’s much more of a chaos-rush atmosphere at Lolla than, say, the TSA-shaming entrypoints at Coachella, but broadcasting your recreational plans could result in a very bad day for you. And no matter how good the deal sounds, don’t buy anything at the park other than what grows naturally: you never know what you’re getting.
Evil scheduling conflicts mean you will inevitably miss some performances you’ll wish you had seen, but if you plan ahead you can cut down on the missed moments. Sample some music you’re not familiar with on the official Lollapalooza site and see if something new catches your ear.
Your phone battery is going to deplete faster than you can say, “Wait, I’m not finished uploading that pic of the Tame Impala singer getting choked by his stupid scarf in hundred-degree heat!” Twitter, Instagram and Facebook apps are energy vampires that will leave you digitally stranded in no time.
Keep your charger on you, and consider taking the cheap leap into the world of portable chargers. There will be charging stations for mobile devices set up in various locations. Use them as often as you can – you don’t want technology failing on you at the worst possible time.
Your chief necessity. Skip the alcohol in the first half of the day – when the headliners arrive, you don’t want to be a cashed-out mess. Stuff bottles in every pocket you can find, and take advantage of the free refill stations – you’ll be thankful when you’re up front and the sweaty goddess to your left starts begging you just to pour some on her. Extra bonus: Chicago tap water isn’t nearly as bad as the faucet sludge in most other major cities.
