Do you feel that, Chicago? That’s the rush of hundreds of thousands of people flocking to Grant Park for the best music festival in the whole freakin’ world. (We’re unbiased, we promise.) Happy Lollapalooza Day 1, and for my baddies who are going all four days, pace yourself! You’ll thank me on Sunday…

You’ve heard of the North, South, and West Sides. Now, here’s the East Side…

Catch breathtaking views of Chicago's skyline and iconic landmarks with a drink in hand as you cruise down Lake Michigan aboard a two-story, open-air party boat! Chicago Party Boat Cruises are rocking the lake ‘til the fall. Win a pair of cruise tickets now.

JUST ANNOUNCED

• Fresh off his comedy special Halalarious, stand-up comedian Tahaa Kahn is taking the stage at The Den Theatre. Known for his razor-sharp, deadpan humor, his macabre humor will make you laugh, then cry. Get tix or win ‘em.*

• The Budweiser Concert Series at Gallagher Way brings an exciting lineup of artists to the heart of Wrigleyville. Don't miss Ashley McBryde and Hippo Campus, the last two shows of the summer. Get tix now.*

• 120+ artists transform downtown Wilmette into an open-air gallery this weekend at the Wilmette Art Fair. Tasty bites, chilled treats and beloved local spots complete the perfect summer vibe. Enter to win an Art Fest gift card!*

• Make me lose my breath, make me water. That’s right, pop princess Tyla is coming to Aragon Ballroom this November. If you want to move your hips among a crowd of fellow baddies, now’s your time. Tickets are on sale now.

• Plus other just announced shows from The Smashing Pumpkins, Chuck Timely, Greta Van Fleet, Orville Peck, Tinashe, Patrick Wolf, YG, Ratboys, Friko, Florry, Trivium, Brett Eldredge, Automatic / Accessory, and more!

IT’S LOLLA SZN, BABY 🎉🎵

Lollapalooza is technically a music festival. It's also a marathon of a four-day group project involving hydration, public transportation, crowd math, foot care, and trying to remember where you told your friends to meet you six hours ago. We put together a handy list of tips and tricks for having a weekend as safe as it is fun. Study up.

The party doesn’t end with Grant Park. From pre-parties and pop-ups to late-night shows and after-hours hangs, here are the best unofficial Lollapalooza events happening across Chicago in 2026 — no festival wristband required. Check out the huge list that our awesome interns put together.

Let’s keep these good vibes going, baby. If you haven’t checked out the list of official Lollapalooza Aftershows yet, it’s not too late to catch the music world’s biggest stars in their element. There are still tickets to artists like John Summit, Ado, Spacey Jane, Momma, Alison Wonderland, Amber Mark, and more. Don’t sleep.

And of course, Chicago is nothing if not the home of festivals all year round. If you have a hard time keeping track of all the festivities, don’t worry, we do too, which is why we put together this awesome guide for all of the best ones happening this year. We know, we’re the best. Market Days next, anybody?

AVOID THE LOLLA CROWD

LOCALS ONLY

• If you’re not going to Lolla, one great people-watching activity to do while the entire city is on pause is to walk the Lakefront Trail top to bottom along the water. It’s the best hike the city has to offer. Check out the path here.

• The Riot Fest 2026 lineup is here! Tool, Twenty One Pilots, Pierce The Veil, Alanis Morissette, and so many more this September 18-20 in Douglass Park, Chicago, IL. 3-Day tickets are on sale now.*

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