Lollapalooza, otherwise known as Lolla, is a 4-day-long series of concerts consisting of different artists and bands. Since 1991, Lollapalooza has been a fan-favorite in Chicago with an increase in attendance year after year. However, this year was one for the books, drawing in numbers nobody would have ever expected.
With over 150 artists performing each year for four days straight, this was an unbreakable setlist and attendance of festival go-ers. According to Forbes Magazine, a grossing number of 500,000 people attended this year – the highest attendance ever recorded with the biggest crowd coming in for Chappell Roan, causing the biggest attendance ever reported in Grant Park. Sounds and music filled the city while everyone belted the words to “Hot To Go” by Chappell Roan.
“Seeing Chappell Roan was absolutely electrifying and an experience I will never forget,” senior Grace Gilbert said. “The crowd was louder than her, and everyone came together doing her “Hot To Go” dance, making the experience so memorable.”
This year’s headliners were some of the best ever offered in Lollapalooza history. Artists ranging from SZA, Blink 182, Future and Metro Boomin, Renee Rap, Megan The Stallion, and Hozier caused a phenomenon like never before. Fans were beyond thrilled and filled with anticipation to see some of the world’s greatest artists perform. The raging heat hit a high of 98 degrees with humidity feeling like 102, but that did not prevent attendance; rather, it increased.
“I was so excited to see Hozier and SZA perform even though the heat felt extremely unbearable. Knowing there was a reward at the end kept me going,” festival go-er Victoria Garcia said.
Brands and businesses took the increase in attendance to their advantage, as there were thousands of companies and local businesses lined from corner to corner. Liquid IV and Hydration Center had a remarkable amount of action, as many of the festival go-ers were dehydrated as heat spiked each day. Local businesses, especially late night businesses, experienced an extreme gross in sales; 4 a.m. was the peak hour for people to bring attention to local businesses.
“Turns out the late-night munchies got the best of these massive crowds. Restaurants then saw sales start to pick up around midnight (+6%), as the last few sets typically ran from 9 p.m.-11 p.m.” according to Toast. “From midnight to 4 a.m. (+16%) sales continued to mostly increase, and then sharply declined from 5 a.m.-6 a.m. (-14%). Ah, 5 a.m., the perfect bedtime.”
The atmosphere surrounding Lollapalooza was electrifying with people jumping and dancing, raging for more music and more sound. Many people struggled to escape the large crowds. There isn’t much of a way out unless there is a break in music. When one performance ended, another began on each of the four stages, all with different headliners. No matter where you went or how long you planned on staying, the atmosphere of the festival pulled go-ers in immediately.
“Exiting or trying to go to get water or use the restroom was nearly impossible due to how many people surrounded you,” Gilbert said. “It was honestly extremely terrifying knowing that escaping was impossible with many people fainting or urinating right where they were standing.”
All the moving parts and attraction opened up changes in the city for the amount of people who attended. According to CBS News, “CTA also announced that the Yellow Line will run until 1 a.m,” allowing attendees to travel at late hours of the night, especially with the safety of many being a priority. A large number of the festival go-ers were made up of teenagers and young adults from the age of 18 to 26. Buses rerouted to make sure to cover all of Michigan Avenue from 9 p.m- 11:30 p.m.
Through all the combustion and many moving parts to this festival, it was a successful event that will persuade many to return to see some of the world’s greatest artists, dress up, and spend four days in a beautiful city. This event continues to achieve wonderful sales with the numbers of attendees climbing the charts each year.
“No matter how many times I was dehydrated and witnessed questionable things, I will never say it wasn’t the best time of my life,” Garcia said. “I hope to return next year and enjoy one of the world’s greatest festivals.”
