Lollapalooza pro-tips: Essential tips from a Lolla vet

If you are like me and live in Chicago then you have noticed an influx of 20-somethings in neon RayBans clogging up the sidewalks. This is because Lollapalooza has arrived! Chicago’s summer gem is back for it’s 3 days of amazing music, good vibes and of course nearly 72 hours of (hopefully safe) partying. As a Lolla veteran, I would like to provide you with some essential tips to survive this weekend.

Fill those Camelbacks with actual water…hydrate!

I know festivalgoers are told this time and time again, but when I look to my left at the main stage and see someone pass out, I know that this advice isn’t quite sticking. Lollapalooza has PLENTY of water filling stations, so passing out from dehydration should not be happening. Not only will hydrating prevent you from passing out, but proper hydration will also prevent you from having a nasty hangover in the morning that forces you to miss those early sets you were trying to catch the next day.

Download the Lolla app

This app will be your spirit guide for the weekend. This app is customizable, so you can plug in everything you want to see. Complete with set times, stage locations, and map–this app is your right hand man. Also make sure to turn on notifications in case of emergency situations, i.e. Evacuation-gate 2012.

Pack a poncho!

Music festivals are the only place where fanny packs and ponchos are acceptable fashion wear. While some don’t mind getting a little wet during a festival, there is nothing worse than getting caught in a downpour and having to look for a tiny piece of shelter that nearly 1 million other people are looking for. The weather calls for rain on Sunday, so make sure to be prepared!

Don’t spend the whole time taking selfies

Sure, a few selfies here and there are cool, but when your arm is blocking the view from people who are trying to enjoy the show, it becomes obnoxious. You will also later regret it when you are trying to look back on memories and all you can remember is taking a slew of duck face pictures.

Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes

Back in the day, you only had to worry about the danger of mosh pits at a Slayer concert, but these days the possibility of a mosh pit breaking out can happen anywhere. If you don’t want your poor toes smashed to smithereens then do not wear open toed shoes! Also, make sure they are comfortable because running from stage to stage will feel like the Boston Marathon after a while.

Designate a meeting spot for lost friends

The possibility of your friends getting loss in the mass of similarly dressed people is very high. And as the day goes on and the sun starts to bake the alcohol into you, disorientation becomes more and more prevalent; therefore finding a big shiny spot to meet back up on is essential. Pro-tip: The huge Perry’s sign by the Perry’s stage was always a good one for me.

Don’t Over Exert Yourself

Sure trying to see as many bands as possible seems like a good idea, but you will realize it isn’t quite the best idea when you are running around in the hot, hot sun trying to go from stages that are polar opposites from each other. Your best bet is to pick 5 bands that you really want to see that day and stick to those. Trying to see 20 bands in one day is going to be nearly impossible and you might make yourself sick by doing it!

Don’t Go Off With Strangers