The festival season heats up with the announcement of the Lollapalooza lineup, one of the year’s most anticipated events. Scheduled for July 31 to August 3, the festival returns to the iconic Grant Park in Chicago, featuring an eclectic mix of artists set to draw massive crowds. Headliners include Olivia Rodrigo, Tyler, The Creator, Sabrina Carpenter, and Luke Combs, leading a roster of over 170 acts spread across eight stages. The genre diversity, spanning pop, country, hip-hop, and rock, mirrors the festival’s evolution from its 1991 origins as a farewell tour for Jane’s Addiction to its current status as a global music powerhouse.
Held annually since settling in Chicago, Lollapalooza has built a reputation for delivering unique experiences. This year, organizers are banking on a lineup blending rising stars with established icons to appeal to a wide range of ages and musical tastes. Pre-sale tickets, launched on March 20, sold out in under an hour, underscoring the high anticipation among fans. Beyond the performances, the festival will feature attractions like Kidzapalooza for children and Chow Town, showcasing local cuisine with over 80 food options.
Olivia Rodrigo fez o Lolla Br virar um karaokê gigante com “Traitor”
#OliviaRodrigoNoMultishow #GloboplayPremium #LollaBrNoMultishow pic.twitter.com/kLmXDY1XtJ
— globoplay (@globoplay) March 29, 2025
Olivia Rodrigo’s debut at the Chicago Lollapalooza is a major highlight. Fresh off her GUTS World Tour success, the singer arrives at a career peak, bringing hits like “Vampire” and “Drivers License.” Sabrina Carpenter, returning two years after her first appearance, steps up as a headliner, cementing her pop stardom with chart-topping recent singles.
Top confirmed stars excite fans
With a lineup spanning generations and styles, Lollapalooza solidifies its status as a leading global festival. Alongside Rodrigo and Carpenter, Tyler, The Creator returns after headlining last year, delivering his signature blend of hip-hop and experimental sounds. Luke Combs makes history as the event’s first country headliner, broadening its musical scope and drawing a new audience demographic.
The K-pop group TWICE also stands out, selling out their ticket allocation for August 2 in record time and highlighting the genre’s growing Western appeal. Other heavyweights include A$AP Rocky, bringing top-tier rap, and Korn, back for the first time since 1997, reigniting nu-metal nostalgia. Gracie Abrams and Doechii add fresh energy, with Abrams’ introspective pop and Doechii’s innovative rap resonating with younger fans. RÜFÜS DU SOL, known for immersive electronic sets, rounds out the lineup with a visually striking performance.
Ticket sales hit record highs
Demand for Lollapalooza tickets this year shattered expectations from day one. The pre-sale, offering four-day passes starting at $385, kicked off at 10 a.m. on March 20 and sold out in less than an hour. The rapid sellout reflects the excitement surrounding the diverse lineup.
Ticket options range from general admission to VIP packages costing up to $25,000, which include exclusive areas and private transport. A waitlist remains open for those who missed out, with limited tickets still available online. Organizers expect over 400,000 attendees across the four days, consistent with previous years’ figures.
Official four-day festival schedule
Lollapalooza in Chicago follows its established four-day format, with two headliners closing each night. Here’s the basic rundown:
- July 31: Opening day with emerging artists and a yet-to-be-detailed headliner.
- August 1: A big night featuring Tyler, The Creator among the top acts.
- August 2: TWICE takes the main stage, joined by another major name.
- August 3: Luke Combs closes the festival, spotlighting country music.
Full schedules and stage breakdowns will be released closer to the event, maintaining the tradition of nonstop music from afternoon to midnight.
Festival evolution mirrors music trends
Born in 1991 as a touring event dreamed up by Jane’s Addiction frontman Perry Farrell, Lollapalooza initially championed alternative rock. Over the decades, it adapted to shifts in the music industry, embracing hip-hop, electronic, and now pop and K-pop. This year’s headliners—from Korn’s 1990s roots to Rodrigo’s modern pop dominance—illustrate that trajectory.
In its early days, the festival shaped the alternative aesthetic, uniting punk, metal, and hip-hop acts. Today, it reflects music’s globalization, with artists from diverse backgrounds sharing the spotlight. TWICE’s inclusion underscores K-pop’s Western surge, while Combs signals country’s broadening appeal beyond its traditional base.
Fixing in Chicago since 2005, the festival has grown from a roving tour into a cultural fixture. International editions in Argentina, Chile, and Brazil further amplify its reach, tailoring lineups to local tastes.
Global acts boost festival appeal
Beyond Chicago, Lollapalooza thrives worldwide. In Argentina’s Buenos Aires, at the San Isidro Hippodrome, Olivia Rodrigo dazzled crowds in March, performing in a striking red outfit as fans sang along. Chile’s Santiago edition, held March 21-23, saw Rodrigo cover No Doubt’s “Don’t Speak,” joined by acts like Benson Boone and Tate McRae, reinforcing the festival’s musical variety. In Mumbai, India, a fan joined Green Day onstage, creating a viral moment that thrilled attendees.
Australian talent shines in Chicago
This year’s Chicago lineup showcases Australia’s vibrant music scene. RÜFÜS DU SOL leads the charge with their electrifying live sets, while Dom Dolla, riding high after selling out Madison Square Garden twice, brings his electronic prowess. Other Aussies like Royel Otis, Ocean Alley, Glass Beams, Old Mervs, Torren Foot, and Airwolf Paradise highlight the country’s diverse output, from indie rock to dance beats, offering a global stage to break into the U.S. market.
Beyond music: family fun and food
Lollapalooza extends beyond concerts with family-friendly and culinary offerings. Kidzapalooza caters to kids with workshops and age-appropriate shows, with free entry for children under 8 accompanied by an adult. Chow Town, meanwhile, features over 80 vendors serving Chicago staples like deep-dish pizza alongside vegan and international dishes, reflecting the city’s rich food culture and fueling attendees for the long haul.
Must-see moments on stage
Olivia Rodrigo’s set is expected to feature hits and potential surprises, like her recent No Doubt covers, possibly hinting at a special Chicago moment after her Coachella 2024 cameo with the band. TWICE will deliver high-energy choreography, cementing K-pop’s festival presence. Luke Combs’ closing night promises a mix of heartfelt ballads and upbeat anthems, while Korn’s return after nearly 30 years will unleash heavy riffs for a nostalgic crowd.
Headliner highlights and trivia
The top acts bring unique stories to the stage:
- Olivia Rodrigo: At 22, she’s a Grammy winner with global chart-toppers.
- Tyler, The Creator: A creative force blending music, fashion, and art.
- Sabrina Carpenter: Her 2024 singles skyrocketed her pop status.
- Luke Combs: The first country headliner, with over 13 million albums sold.
- TWICE: A K-pop juggernaut breaking sales and streaming records.
This mix underscores Lollapalooza’s knack for balancing trends and legacies.
Aftershows keep the party going
Official aftershows extend the festival vibe, hosted at venues like Metro and House of Blues. Featuring indie acts and headliners in intimate settings, their full lineup drops closer to the event, with speculation around names like Abrams and Doechii. Chicago buzzes during the festival, with public transit like the CTA’s Red, Orange, and Green lines easing travel to both Grant Park and aftershow spots.
Getting there and logistics
Grant Park’s central location makes access easy via public transit, with nearby train and bus stops. Premium packages offer private transport and prime viewing areas, while remaining tickets and hotel bundles cater to out-of-towners. Early planning is key, as Chicago fills up fast during the event.
Cultural impact of Lollapalooza today
Over three decades, Lollapalooza has shaped pop culture, hosting legends like Rage Against the Machine and Arctic Monkeys. Modern stars like Rodrigo cite these acts as influences, linking eras. By embracing country and K-pop, the festival reflects shifts driven by streaming and social media, amplifying both emerging talent and veteran acts to a global audience.
This year’s edition, with its 170-plus artists and massive turnout, promises to be a defining moment in its storied history.
