New deal keeps Chicago at the center of Lollapalooza universe

Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot announced this week a deal with Lollapalooza organizer, C3 Presents, to extend for ten years the festival’s tenure in Grant Park with a possible five-year extension beyond that.

The deal comes with an estimated future financial impact of nearly $4 billion for Chicago’s economy, said the City. Mayor Lightfoot made the announcement onstage during the festival’s final day to an eruption of cheers from fans.

"Lollapalooza is not only a significant economic driver for our city, but a truly iconic Chicago summer festival," said the mayor. "I am thrilled to come to this agreement that will ensure Lollapalooza is here to stay for the next decade—bringing music, culture, and joy to both residents and tourists for years to come.”

The annual four-day festival, held in Chicago for the last seventeen years, had been operating on a one-year extension after the previous deal expired.

Lollapalooza continues to be one of the largest and most iconic music festivals in the world and one of the longest running in the United States.

“There are now a total of eight Lollapaloozas on four continents, but Chicago remains the center of the Lollapalooza universe,” said Charlie Walker, Partner at C3 Presents and Producer of Lollapalooza.

The agreement also includes a $2.2 million commitment from C3 for the Lollapalooza Arts Education Fund to support arts education for more than 100,000 public school students in Chicago, said the City.

“While the world may already know about the great entertainment that Lollapalooza brings to our city, they will soon see that this partnership also elevates and nurtures the creativity and skills of our young Chicago artists,” said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez.

Critics expressed concerns over noise, trash and how the long-term agreement will impact the downtown with traffic and closures when Grant Park additionally takes on NASCAR street racing next year.