Lollapalooza: What You Need To Know

lollapalooza 2018
Festival goers appear at Lollapalooza in Grant Park on Thursday, Aug 2, 2018 in Chicago. Rob Grabowski/Invision/AP
lollapalooza 2018
Festival goers appear at Lollapalooza in Grant Park on Thursday, Aug 2, 2018 in Chicago. Rob Grabowski/Invision/AP

Lollapalooza: What You Need To Know

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Lollapalooza kicks off Thursday, bringing tens of thousands of people to downtown Chicago the next four days.

The music festival has everything from electronic to indie to hip-hop. But with so many acts and stages to choose from, planning can get a bit hectic.

Here’s a guide to help out with the logistics so the only thing you have to worry about is which band to see.

When and where is the fest?

Lollapalooza is going on Thursday through Sunday. It runs from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. each day. It’s spread out in downtown Chicago’s Grant Park near the lakefront.

Can I get a last-minute ticket?

On Wednesday you can still buy Thursday, Friday or Sunday general admission tickets for $130. If you buy after Wednesday, it’ll cost $138. Saturday general admission tickets are sold out, but Lollapalooza has a ticket resale site. There also are four-day general admission tickets available on the resale site.

Who’s playing?

Headliners include Ariana Grande, Tame Impala and the Chainsmokers. There will be some local acts too, like Saba, Beach Bunny and Smino.

What about food?

There will be over 30 vendors during the festival, including Harold’s Chicken, Cheesie’s Pub & Grub and XO Marshmallow. There will be vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

What’s going on with traffic?

It’ll be difficult to get around Grant Park during the fest. Balbo and Jackson are closed from Michigan to Columbus. Ida B. Wells is closed from Michigan to Columbus. Eastbound Monroe will be closed from Columbus to Lake Shore Drive. City officials say traffic will be back to normal on Tuesday.

What are my mass transit options?

Metra and the CTA will expand capacity for Lolla. Metra will add trains and adjust schedules for most lines. The CTA will increase service on train lines and bus routes.

Any other questions? Lollapalooza has answers on their website.

Blair Paddock is a news intern with WBEZ. Follow them @blairpaddock.