Lollapalooza returns with star-studded lineup for 35th annual festival

Lollapalooza is almost here, which means Chicago is gearing up once again for one of its busiest weekends of the year as locals and visitors alike descend upon the city for a four-night music extravaganza. 

The famed festival returns for its 35th annual event, touting an all-star lineup headlined by some of the top names in the music industry, including the likes of Lorde, Charlie XCX, The Smashing Pumpkins and John Summit, among others.

Lollapalooza will take place this year at its usual home in Grant Park, from Thursday, July 30, through Sunday, Aug. 2, and feature over 170 different artists performing across eight different stages.

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In keeping with recent trends, organizers have once again leaned into a pop-heavy roster with the aforementioned Lorde and Charlie XCX being joined by other mainstream Top 40 names, including Tate McCrae and Olivia Dean as headliners. 

Folk-rock and alternative artists such as Geese, Sombr and Yungblud help to preserve the event's indie roots while Jennie, from global sensation BlackPink, adds international star power by becoming the first solo female K-pop artist to headline a main stage. 

Despite reaching its 35th birthday, the festival continues to reinvent itself by incorporating fresh elements year after year. One big new introduction in 2026 is the arrival of the Razr Wheel, a free ferris wheel attraction sponsored by Motorola, which will offer guests the chance to escape crowds and get a picturesque view of the festival and the Chicago Skyline.

Also arriving this year is a new partnership with THC beverage companies RYTHM and Senorita, which will allow for the distribution of the brands' products at the event for concertgoers, ages 21 and up. The decision marks a major move for festival organizers as they look to appeal to a younger demographic that is increasingly shying away from large consumption of alcohol in favor of cannabis-infused and mocktail alternatives, a trend that has hurt the event's bottom line in recent years. 

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Along with these new additions, the festival will also bring back other popular extracurriculars such as the Bud Light Sounds Bar, the Chase Freedom Club, and the Snapchat charm bracelet making station.

For those without tickets, Lollapalooza is also bringing back its daily Livestream. The livestream will take place on Disney+ and Hulu with a number of top acts set to be showcased across all four days of the event.

Four-day tickets are currently sold out; however, a limited number of one-day tickets still remain available. For more information on the festival, its lineup, and last-minute wristbands, visit Lollapalooza's official website.