Lollapalooza 2025: Your Ultimate Festival Guide to Chicago
6/12/2025
Lollapalooza isn't just a music festival - it's Chicago's biggest summer celebration, bringing music lovers, foodies, and artists together in Grant Park for four unforgettable days. Before you head out, here's everything you need to know to make the most of your festival experience, from packing essentials to post-show nightlife.
Dates: July 31 - August 3, 2025
Hours: Gates open 11:00am daily; performances run till about 10:00pm each night
Step One: Packing Essentials (Allowed Items Only!)
Lolla has strict guidelines, so pack smart and stress-free:
- Clear bags (maximum 12"x6"x12") or small clutch purses/fanny packs (up to 6"x9").
- Your ID
- Personal misting fans
- Empty reusable water bottle (plastic or metal - no glass or aerosol containers).
- Factory-sealed plastic water bottles (two maximum, 1 liter each).
- Non-aerosol sunscreen (personal-sized, sealed container, max 3 oz).
- Hand sanitizer (personal-sized, sealed, 2 oz max).
- Earplugs - you'll thank yourself later!
- Prescription medication (with your matching ID)
Leave these items at home to breeze through security faster:
- NO blankets or towels
- NO aerosol sprays (including sunscreen or bug spray)
- NO chairs or inflatables
- NO outside food or beverages of any kind
- NO umbrellas
- NO professional cameras or audio equipment
For informational use only. Double check the official policy here before you head out!
Step Two: Getting to Grant Park from Hyde Park
Staying at The Sophy puts you close enough for easy transit, yet far enough away to relax at night.
Here's your game plan:
- Metra Electric Line: Board at the 55th/56th/57th Street station and ride directly to Millennium Station, just a short walk from festival gates.
- CTA Bus (#6 Jackson Park Express): Picks up along Hyde Park Boulevard; drops you conveniently near Grant Park
- Rideshare: Get dropped off a few blocks from Grant Park (try Michigan Avenue & 11th Street) to avoid heavy traffic.
- Bike: Grant Park offers a convenient, free bike valet near the festival entrances.
From your Hyde Park home base, the festival gates are only about 15 minutes away
Step Three: What's Happening at Lolla 2025?
This year's Lollapalooza lineup is incredible, featuring more than 170 artists. Here are some headliners you won't want to miss:
- Tyler, The Creator – Kicking off the festival on Thursday night, bringing his dynamic hip-hop beats at 9:00 PM on the T-Mobile Stage
- Luke Combs – Country music star bringing soulful vocals and memorable tunes to the Bud Light Stage at 8:30 PM Thursday.
- Olivia Rodrigo – Taking the spotlight Friday night at 8:40 PM on the T-Mobile Stage, ready to captivate with her emotional pop hits.
- Korn – Legendary nu-metal rockers will electrify Friday evening, performing at 8:30 PM on the Bud Light Stage.
- RÜFÜS DU SOL – Electronic dance trio lighting up Saturday night with atmospheric rhythms at 8:45 PM, T-Mobile Stage.
- TWICE – Internationally acclaimed K-pop sensations performing Saturday night at 8:30 PM, Bud Light Stage.
- Sabrina Carpenter – Closing out Sunday with vibrant pop anthems, 9:00 PM on the T-Mobile Stage.
- A$AP Rocky – Ending the festival on a high-energy note Sunday night, performing from 8:45 PM to 10:00 PM on the Bud Light Stage.
Explore the full official Lollapalooza schedule to plan your festival itinerary.
Insider Festival Tips:
- Download the official Lollapalooza app (Apple) (Android) to build your custom schedule.
- Play it safe and set multiple meet up points (Ferris wheel, merch tent, or Perry's arch).
- Fill your reusable water bottle at free hydration stations throughout Grant Park
- Reserve a locker: Lockers are available for General Admission, VIPs, and Platinum guests. Book your locker in advance here as supplies are limited!
Step Four: The Night Doesn't End at Lolla! (Chicago Nightlife)
When the festival closes, the city comes alive. Check out these late-night hotspots:
Near Grant Park:
- Mesler Chicago – A favorite among Hyde Park locals, Mesler Chicago is one of the city's best-kept secrets - where seasonal cuisine and an intimate outdoor lounge set the scene.
- Cindy's Rooftop – Sip craft cocktails with unbeatable panoramic views overlooking Millennium Park and Lake Michigan.
- Girl & The Goat – It's helmed by celebrity chef Stephanie Izard and is known for its bold, globally inspired small plates and energetic atmosphere. It's often mentioned in the same breath as the city's top culinary destinations.
- ROOF on the Wit – Set 27 stories above it all, ROOF has earned international acclaim for its expressive design and entertainment, sweeping skyline views, and unique hand-crafted cocktails and cuisine.
- LH Rooftop – Legendary views of the Chicago skyline
Hyde Park Favorites:
- The Promontory – Live music venue with an upscale lounge vibe and diverse musical acts.
- 14 Parish Restaurant & Rhum Bar – A lively spot with upscale Caribbean plates and an extensive rum list. The decor is colorful and warm, and the vibe feels festive but elevated.
- Virtue – Run by chef Erick Williams, Virtue combines elevated Southern cuisine with refined hospitality
Step Five: Relax, Recover, Repeat
Lolla is a marathon, not a race. Take some downtime to recharge:
- Relax at Promontory Point or Nichols Park - ideal spots for peaceful walks, sunset viewing, or a casual picnic.
- Spend a few hours at The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry or tour Frank Lloyd Wright's Iconic Robie House.
Final Festival Prep Tips
- Charge Up: Bring a portable charger - outlets are rare. Bonus points if you have a solar charger!
- Layer Up: Chicago weather changes fast; wear layers you can easily stash in your clear bag or locker.
- Stay Connected: Cell service can be unreliable, so choose meet-up spots beforehand and stick to them, or band together with a Totem Compass, a small, screen‑free friend‑finding device designed for festivals. It uses satellite and mesh‑network technology to help you navigate to your group in crowded environments - no Wi‑Fi or cell signal needed
- Capture the Moment: Share your festival photos tagging @TheSophyHotel and using #SophyLolla for a chance to be featured!
Ready to book your festival stay? Use Promo Code LOLLA or click below to save!