Hey everybody! I am getting so excited for my trip to Chicago with just 7 days left until 3 days of nonstop music and spending time outside in beautiful (or sometimes super hot) weather. 2012 was my first year at Lollapalooza (it just happened to be so perfect that I couldn't help but make it an annual tradition!) and this post is dedicated to helping out any newbies with a few helpful hints on how to prepare and fully enjoy your 3 days of music.
1. Spend a little time doing your homework
I know that homework is a terrible word but this is the best homework anyone could ever assign to you. Do a little research on the bands who will be playing at the festival. Last year I didn't fully invest in this and missed out on some great, smaller bands. For example, I had not heard of Tame Impala last year and I missed out on their set for no good reason!
2. Get there early.
Okay 12 noon is not that early and you just paid $235 for a 3-day pass or $95 for a 1-day pass. Don't waste your time sleeping. You never know what band you might hear. Also, if you get there early on Friday you can take a little time to see where all the stages are, locate Chow Town, as well as restroom locations. Getting the lay of the land will help, especially for that time when you are desperately hungry or only have a few minutes between shows at different stages.
3. Be prepared for mud.
Last year it rained on Saturday and we had to evacuate Grant Park. Yeah, that wasn't the best to force 100,000 inebriated festivalgoers who just wanted to listen to some music out of the park and back to their hotel rooms or evacuation locations for 3 hours. When we returned later that evening it really had poured, meaning that grass and dirt areas turned into mud pits, which people gladly made into their own personal Slip and Slide. So don't wear anything you don't mind getting dirty.
4. Be ready for some conflicts.
With so many bands and 8 stages you can't see them all. My biggest conflict last year was when Black Sabbath and The Black Keys played at opposite sides of the park at the same time. I chose Black Sabbath because I had seen The Black Keys a few months prior, but I heard the Keys played an amazing show. You might miss out on a few things, but don't be disappointed I ended up seeing about 30 bands last year.
5. Talk to strangers.
I met some of the most fascinating and friendly people at Lollapalooza last year. I talked to many people who had a similar taste in music to me. I had some funny and odd conversations and also got a lot of music recommendations, as well as compliments on my Band of Skulls and Dead Weather t-shirts. It's amazing how nice people can be when you are all on vacation, listening to music, spending time outside, and having a great time.
6. Drink water.
It will be hot and it will be humid, or at least it was last year. Also, they have free refill stations so you should bring a reusable water bottle to fill up. It is really nice that they don't force you to buy $5 bottles of water.
7. If you want merch buy it the first day.
Don't expect to have unlimited sizes available on Sunday. People who wanted their t-shirts, stickers, water bottles, CDs, etc. have already bought them and there might not be a lot left. If you want it that badly buy it ASAP!
8. Cell phone service might not be perfect.
100,000 fans in one park updating their Twitter and Instagram accounts or texting their friends makes even a city with great cell service not always reliable. 4G and service might be slow so it can make it hard to meet up with people.
9. Check out an Aftershow (or two or three)
Last year I went to the FIDLAR and JEFF the Brotherhood's show at Subterranean. It was great to check out a club I had never been to, as well as get a chance to see the bands twice in one weekend. Also, Lollapalooza is over at 10pm due to noise curfews so any aftershow fills up your free time. If you are in the under 18 crowd be sure to check for age restrictions as many shows are 17, 18 or 21+.
10. Enjoy yourself.
You are listening to music for ten hours a day, three days in a row. If you like music and you are spending time with friends and/or family just appreciate it. Don't think about projects you have at work on Monday, don't think about anything that stressed you out last week, just think about the music. Last year was amazing and the second that Jack White's set ended at 10pm on that Sunday evening I knew I had to go back, so savor every minute of it because it goes by way too fast.
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