Lollapalooza, Chicago’s esteemed music festival, is known for unexpected surprises. This year’s lineup from Thursday to Sunday at Grant Park is no exception, featuring numerous standout female artists. Headliners such as Lorde, Charli XCX, Tate McRae, and Olivia Dean promise exciting performances. Beyond these headliners, rising talents like Slayyyter, Grammy winner Leon Thomas, and Monaleo offer compelling acts for attendees.
Thursday Highlights
Not to Miss: Lorde kicks off the day with her unique blend of personal and expansive sound in her latest album, “Virgin.” With themes of personal transformation, her set promises to captivate.
Little Simz, performing later, brings acclaimed British hip hop with her evocative and feisty style. Her work has garnered critical praise, making her set highly anticipated.
Best Stage: The Bud Light stage offers variety with acts like Empire of the Sun and Blood Orange. John Summit closes with his infectious house music.
Something Else: The English indie band Wet Leg provides an engaging late-afternoon show with their post-punk sound, creating a refreshing change of pace.
Friday Highlights
Not to Miss: Charli XCX headlines with her engaging mix of pop and rock, highlighted by her latest album, “Brat.” Her energetic performance is a must-see.
Zara Larsson, known for her dance-pop hits, will deliver a lively show. Her latest album, “Midnight Sun,” continues to build her U.S. audience.
Slayyyter brings her Y2K-inspired music to an energizing stage show, following her social media success and viral festival performances.
Best Stage: At the Airbnb stage, see emerging artists like Love Spells and Oklou, with an exciting performance by Horsegiirl in headgear.
Something Else: Nostalgia takes the form of The Smashing Pumpkins as they headline with their classic rock tunes, appealing to fans across generations.
Saturday Highlights
Not to Miss: Leon Thomas showcases his shift from songwriter to solo artist with his Grammy-winning style and engaging stage presence.
Olivia Dean headlines with her R&B charm, promising a sell-out show for fans seeking her music live in Chicago.
Brooklyn’s Geese offer dynamic post-punk sounds that have captured an enthusiastic following.
Best Stage: The Bud Light stage features rockers Wolf Alice and rap duo Clipse, offering a diverse lineup for varied musical tastes.
Something Else: Newcomer Sienna Spiro captivates with her unique blend of pop, jazz, and soul, marking her as one to watch.
Sunday Highlights
Not to Miss: Indie-pop band Muna enchants with their infectious tunes, continuing their rising momentum.
Turnstile delivers energetic punk, inviting fans to revel in their melodic hardcore tracks.
Monaleo’s Southern Gothic hip-hop set promises vibrant tracks and charismatic stage presence.
Best Stage: Allianz showcases diverse acts like R&B artist Destin Conrad and K-pop influence Aespa, making it a must-visit.
Something Else: Jade steps away from her Little Mix roots with her innovative solo performance, captivating audiences with her eclectic music.
Festival Information
The 2026 Lollapalooza takes place from July 30 to Aug. 2 at Grant Park. Gates operate from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., allowing for multiple re-entries with a wristband. Limited 1-day tickets for Sunday are available.
Stages: Performances span Bud Light, T-Mobile, and more stages. Perry’s stage is dedicated to electronic music.
Updates: Stay informed via social media platforms and the Lollapalooza app for live updates.
Bags: All bags undergo searches; small clutch purses are exceptions. Hydration packs are allowed with limitations.
Lockers: Rent lockers and portable chargers online for convenience.
Safety: The festival promotes a harassment-free environment, offering medical tents and overdose prevention services.
Accessibility: Service animals, accessible viewing areas, and portable toilets are available. ASL interpretation is provided at select performances.
Lost & Found: Located at Guest Services at the festival grounds, with online registration options for easy retrieval.