CHICAGO – The Lollapalooza music festival kicks off on Thursday, and there are a few things you need to know whether or not you’re going to this weekend’s mammoth event in Grant Park. Here are some tips and practical information you should know.
HOW TO GET TO THE FESTIVAL
Chicago city officials advise festival goers to use public transportation to get downtown. Both Metra and the CTA will offer extra train and bus service on most lines that pass through downtown Chicago beginning Thursday.
In the case of CTA, extra transportation services will be available from Union Station and Ogilvie to Grant Park.
Uber advises users to duly review the driver’s data before getting into the vehicle due to the large number of requests that will be made.
CLOSURE OF STREETS
From July 28-31, streets, curbs and sidewalks will be closed through early August to prepare for and clean up after the festival, according to the Chicago Office of Communications and Emergency Management. The following street closures will be in effect:
- Balbo Drive from Columbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive: Closed through August 7. Balbo closure to extend to Michigan Avenue will remain in effect through August 1
- Jackson Drive from Columbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive: Closed through August 6. Jackson’s closure extends to Michigan Avenue and will remain in effect through August 1.
- Columbus from Monroe to Roosevelt: Closed July 25 at 8 pm through August 1. Columbus closure will extend to Randolph Street on July 27 at 11:59 p.m. and continues through August 1
NOTE: Additional northbound center lanes in Columbus from 13th Street to Roosevelt Road and Columbus will reopen on August 1.
- Ida B Wells from Michigan to Columbus: Closed until August 1.
- Monroe Street from Michigan to DuSable Lake Shore Drive: Closed until 6:30 a.m. on August 1
ACCESS TICKETS TO THE FESTIVAL
Attendees can enter Grant Park through the main entrance at Michigan Avenue and Ida B. Wells Drive, or through the north entrance at Columbus and Monroe Street.
ENTRY PROCEDURES
- The festival wristband must be on the right wrist and visible to the security team
- If you are not vaccinated against COVID-19, the CDC recommends wearing a mask at all times
- Entrance includes signage and designated passage for people with disabilities
- Only transparent plastic bags or purses will be allowed to enter
- Liquids are not allowed to enter the festival.
BAGS AND LUGGAGE REVIEW
- Only clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags are allowed, no larger than 12″ x 12″ x 6″.
- Small purses and fanny packs with no more than 1 pocket and no larger than 4.5″ x 5.5″ are allowed.
- Backpacks and bags with multiple pockets are prohibited
- Those who do not bring bags can enter through the “No Bag Express” lane
- Those who do bring bags or purses must enter through “Bag Lane”
- All purses and bags will be opened for inspection
- More information here
WHAT YOU CAN BRING TO THE FESTIVAL
- strollers
- blankets or towels
- frisbees
- Binoculars
- Photographic cameras, not including accessories
- Gopro cameras without accessories
- Non-aerosol sun lotion
- Empty water container and not to exceed 36 ounces
WHAT YOU CAN’T BRING TO THE FESTIVAL
- Electronic cigarettes
- Aerosol sprays
- No professional sound or video recording equipment
- Professional cameras or accessories
- drone
- Flags or similar elements
- coolers
- hammocks
- glass containers
- drugs
- illegal substances
- Food
- Alcoholic drinks
- huts for camping
- Bicycles or other means of transportation
- inflatable structures
- Fireworks or pyrotechnics
- selfie stick
- Skateboards, scooters or bicycles
- More information here.
The security of the festival is very strict and all attendees will go through an exhaustive security control and search at the entrances. Hundreds of surveillance cameras have also been installed throughout the festival and Michigan Avenue.
Metallica, Dua Lipa, J. Cole and Green Day are scheduled to headline the festival, as well as other popular artists like Lil Baby, Machine Gun Kelly, Kygo and Doja Cat.
One-day tickets to Chicago’s Grant Park Music Festival range from $125 to $4,200 for a 4-day Platinum Pass. General Admission+ tickets sell for $225, which includes shade and seating in two private groves near Buckingham Fountain, premium restrooms, and a full-service bar with preferential pricing.
New general admission ticket packages are also available, with two- and three-day passes joining the collection. Two single-day passes will cost $220 and three single-day passes will cost $330 at the festival website. Tickets for the aftershows are for sale hereYo.
Organizers noted that health and safety policies, such as negative tests, masks and proof of vaccination, may be required for the event, similar to last year. Details of any COVID measures will be announced prior to the festival.
Illinois and Chicago eased their COVID restrictions, lifting their indoor mask mandate and proof of vaccination requirements in late February. Lollapalooza, among many other summer festivals, is being announced to return to its pre-pandemic size and scope.
We would like to say thanks to the author of this article for this awesome web content
All about Lollapalooza 2022: security, festival access and street closures