Lollapalooza Guide
By Heather Sadusky
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Today's the day! Lollapalooza is rocking Chicago for the tenth year in a row, and hundreds of thousands of people are expected to cram Grant Park to see their favorite bands for the next three days.
Gates open at 11 a.m. each day, and music ends at 10 p.m., but that doesn't account for the numerous after parties, official or otherwise.
We've compiled the key features you need to know, including the headliners, fun facts, and official Lolla tips.
Arguably the biggest name on Friday's opening day is Eminem, who performs on the Samsung Galaxy stage at 8:30 p.m. At the same time, however, Arctic Monkeys will be rocking on the Bud Light stage and Zedd on Perry's stage. Other notable names earlier on Friday include Lorde, AFI, Iggy Azalea, and The Kooks.
Many people are looking forward to Outkast on Saturday, at 8:15 p.m. on the Samsung Galaxy stage. But the night's other big names include Krewella at 8:30 p.m. on Perry's stage, Calvin Harris at 8:45 p.m. on the Bud Light stage, and Foster the People at 6:45 p.m. on the Samsung Galaxy Stage.
As for Sunday, the top two performers—scheduled last and about the same time—are Kings of Leon at 8:15 p.m. on the Samsung Galaxy stage, and Skrillex at 8:30 p.m. on the Bud Light stage. Prior to that is a mix of other recognizable names, including hard dub from Flosstradamus at 5:30 p.m. on Perry's stage; reggae jams from Rebelution at 5:45 p.m. on the Palladia stage; and lyrical rap from Childish Gambino at 6:45 p.m. on the Bud Light stage.
The idea is to cater to all kinds of genres and therefore all kinds of people, separating the crowds into smaller groups by their musical preferences. So if you're bummed your two favorites perform at the same time on opposite ends of the park, maybe pick a stage to be loyal to and enjoy the fact that the crowd is divided.
Considering the expected 100,000 people a day, there are some important safety tips and useful suggestions provided by Lollapalooza. In the event of weather emergency—like the rainy mud plain that forced an evacuation of the festival two years ago—people are directed to exit the park and head to one of three safety shelters organized by Lollapalooza and the city, listed below.
GRANT PARK NORTH
25 N. Michigan Avenue
(Between Washington and Madison – enter via vehicle entrance on Michigan)
GRANT PARK SOUTH
325 S. Michigan Avenue
(Between Jackson and Van Buren – enter via vehicle entrance on Michigan)
EAST MONROE STREET
5 S. Columbus Drive
(Michigan between Jackson and East Adams – enter via vehicle entrance on Michigan)
Also, a map of the shelters can be seen here.
Festival-goers also should take note of the park's poles, marked with numbers that will help locate your friends, or emergency responders locate you if need be.
Like most festivals and concerts, all bags will be searched when entering Grant Park. If you manage to attend without a bag then you can enter through the express lanes.
Hydration is also key, so attendees are encouraged to bring their own refillable water bottle, empty upon entrance, which can be filled up at the park's CamelBak Filling Stations.
Make sure not only to wear your wristband, but to have it registered ahead of time. This is a precaution in case anything happens to it, and is mandatory for this year's Lollapalooza. Simply go to the website and under the 'Tickets' tab click 'Register My Wristband.'
Now for the fun facts. Each year Lollapalooza brings a boatload of revenue to the city of Chicago, last year adding $140 million to the local economy. This year, 69 percent of attendees are from out of town, meaning they all need somewhere to stay, food to eat, and transportation.
Additionally, this year the Lollapalooza experience will be live streamed through Red Bull TV, on three separate channels. Performances covered include a handful of the biggest names: Outkast, Skrillex, Kings of Leon, Zedd, Chance the Rapper, Arctic Monkeys, etc.
For those within the action, charging stations will be located throughout the park in order to charge phones and devices. The event is also maintaining environmental responsibility by providing recycling, composting, and eco-friendly plates, napkins, utensils. Styrofoam, plastic bags, and flyers are banned, and Green Street holds vendors who have proven social responsibility.
Finally, treat others how you would want to be treated, and don't do anything you wouldn't want your parents to see. Enjoy Lollapalooza 2014!
