The Ultimate Guide to Lollapalooza

 

The classic Chicago music festival is back and bigger than ever, with four days of performances from major artists in the heart of historic Grant Park. Taking place in the center of Chicago, Lollapalooza is a fantastic opportunity to take in the culture of the city. Whether you’re going to see Doja Cat or Metallica, make your trip memorable with the ultimate guide to Lollapalooza at Chicago’s hotels, bars, and restaurants.

With humble roots as a venue for alt-rock bands and a meteoric rise in popularity that has attracted some of the biggest artists around, Lollapalooza prides itself on having a little something for everyone. Thursday kicks the festival off with a bang, featuring performances from Metallica, Lil Baby, Still Woozy, and even the internet cult-favorite 100 gecs. Friday really starts to ramp up the excitement, with performances from Dua Lipa, Machine Gun Kelly, and Glass Animals. Saturday keeps the hype train rolling with rap legends J. Cole and Big Sean, while Sunday brings it all together with Green Day, Doja Cat, and the festival’s founders, Jane’s Addiction. Whether you’re looking to relive this legendary festival’s glory days, or add the perfect concert pic to your social media feed, Lollapalooza 2022 has got you covered. 

When going to a music festival, it’s in vogue to stay at an Airbnb, but for an elevated experience Chicago has a wealth of wonderful hotels. The Godfrey Hotel is a boutique hotel with a welcoming, luxe design, and plenty of plush amenities. The Kimpton hotel offers a chic and sophisticated style allowing guests to relax in luxury, and is sure to exceed expectations. The Waldorf Astoria is also a lavish option with trendy furnishings and elegance for a relaxing stay in the Windy City. For one-of-a-kind amenities, Londonhouse blends traditional and modern service with an incredible rooftop restaurant, making it one of the premier luxury hotels in downtown Chicago. Thompson Chicago is another excellent choice, boasting beautiful mid-century modern architecture in a central location for peak convenience. 

Chicago is famous for its thriving food scene, and high-quality music calls for some high-quality meals. Whether you’re looking for a pre-concert brunch or some late-night chow, Chicago will provide you with tasty options for all palettes. Spiaggia is the place to go to for Italian, with a tasting menu to try in the beautiful setting of Chicago’s miracle mile. The trendy Asian-fusion restaurant TAO delivers ambiance and sophistication in spades, with a dynamic two-level space complete with private dining rooms and a bountiful bar. Alinea is a restaurant that always pushes boundaries, with experimental gastronomy that creates a one-of-a-kind taste for guests to discover.

The Windy City has a host of sparkling options to revel in, with a bar for every vibe. Estero is an open air experience in Logan Square, perfect for an afternoon drink. Cocktail connoisseurs will love the innovative concoctions of The Aviary, a swanky lounge known for its intricate drinks. For Lollapalooza attendees looking for even more music, Bassment is a jazzy modern cocktail lounge that always features live musicians, while Blind Barber is a fantastic space that’s part lounge and part dancefloor. 

The beauty of a music festival in the heart of the city is that nearly every club throws some kind of afterparty, so guests looking to dance the night away should have no trouble finding a good time. The newly reopened Studio Paris is a beloved Chicago nightclub, that used to compliment the legendary Paris Club restaurant, and is a local favorite for Lollapalooza afterparties. PRYSM Chicago is a Windy City staple, known for its hybrid Lincoln Park space with 3 separate rooms for partygoers to enjoy. For a private party, you can’t go wrong with Bodega. The chandeliers, modern furnishings, and full AV capabilities are the perfect setting for a night to remember.