Lollapalooza kicks off four-day festival in Grant Park

Thousands of giddy festival goers flocked to Grant Park Thursday for Lollapalooza’s opening day. The four-day long music festival, now in its 30th year, is back at full capacity after its cancellation last year. 

Many attendees had gotten the fashion memo and came clad in neon, fishnets, swimsuits, pleated skirts and high-waisted bottoms. There was an ample display of mesh and glittery skin, and the accessory of the day was the Camelbak hydration pack. Smiles and cheerful facial expressions completed the look. 

Guests had to pass through several checkpoints to gain entry, including a Health screening gate, which required proof of vaccination or negative Covid test received in the previous 72 hours. There was also the usual bag check and security screen. Despite the additional protocols, crowds were dispatched into the park efficiently and relatively quickly. 

Musical artists and performers expressed genuine excitement to be back in front of an exuberant, animated audience. Messages of gratitude and hope for a brighter future punctuated their monologues, which touched on the past year of isolation and quarantine. 

Miley Cyrus headlined opening night on the T-Mobile stage donning a red sequined Gucci jumpsuit and silver platform go-go boots. Her performance, which featured collabs with G Herbo, Billy Idol and Kid LAROI among others, carried a magical energy of the first party you attend after a long dry spell. The crowd seemed swept up in the optimism, simply grateful to listen to live music again.  

The festival continues through the weekend welcoming Tyler the Creator, Megan Thee Stallion, Post Malone, Foo Fighters and more.