Lollapalooza, one of America’s biggest summer festivals, will be running again this August, and as per usual, it’s got a hell of a lineup. Rap god Eminem, will be joined by massive acts such as the reunited Outkast, Kings of Leon, Artic Monkeys and Lorde. The quality isn’t simply top heavy, with an array of impressive acts spreading all the way down the bill and even a few Australian acts will be flying the flag for us including Iggy Azalea, The Temper Trap, and Courtney Barnett.
It’s not just music that makes Lollapalooza such an attraction to people all over the world. The festival, located in the heart of Chicago’s CBD, has a wide variety of avenues to keep punters busy no matter what they’re in the mood for. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect apart from a weekend of awesome music.
Art Alliance: The Provocateurs.
Something new and exciting Lollapalooza will be presenting in 2014 will be a partnership with street art king Shepard Fairey (of Obey and Hope fame). The two will come together to create an exhibition out of entire city block (Block 37) featuring the works of artist such as Shepard Fairey, Swoon, HAZE, Mark Mothersbaugh (DEVO), Stanley Donwood, Winston Smith, RETNA, Monica Canilao, Invader, DZINE, Camile Rose Garcia, Cleon Peterson, D*Face and WK Interact, among many others.
While running the days of the festival, it’s a short walk from Grant Park and tickets can be picked up cheap if you’re a Lolla ticket holder.
Chow Town.
Tested (to great success) at Big Day Out a couple of years ago, Chow Town makes getting food at a festival no longer a thought process of “will this make me projectile puke?” or “what even is that?” but one along the lines of “I don’t care what band I have to miss, I’m going to eat this, and that, and this!”
Stalls from Chicago’s favourite food spots, handpicked by celebrity chef Graham Elliot, will line Chow Town inside Grant Park with the best The Windy City has to offer. Be courteous to other punters by avoiding to drool on them when you’re faced with a selection of the best ribs, burgers, pizza, and sandwiches in town.
Farmers Market.
For those a little more conscious about what they consume, the Farmers Market at Lollapalooza is where you should hit up for some delicious (and mostly healthy), locally sourced goodness. Everything from delicious fruit smoothies and wheatgrass shots to grilled Brazilian cheese on a stick and cream puffs with homemade banana ice cream will have you covered.
Between the Farmers Market and Chow Town you should definitely make sure to dance a lot.
Green Street.
Fancy doing a bit of shopping? Well Green Street has you covered with local and international artisans selling off everything from sunglasses, cool hats, and anything else you might need to party on through the weekend.
Kidapalooza.
The name is exactly what it suggests. It’s a festival within the festival if you happen to have kids (or be a kid reading this) and want them to enjoy the weekend much like yourself. Free for anyone under the age of 10 they get a full festival experience featuring family friendly music, and arts & crafts… Stage Diving is strictly prohibited.
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Stay tuned to the AU for more Lollapalooza action in the leadup to the anticipated event. And for more details about the festival, head to http://www.lollapalooza.com/. Photos supplied by Lollapalooza.
