This year’s Lollapalooza is bigger than ever. In celebration of the festival’s 25th anniversary, the festival organizers have expanded the event to four days. That extra dose of festival means an even larger spread of official and unofficial parties. We’ve collected the best of the bunch, from DJ sets on hotel rooftops to shopping events. This weekend will be jam-packed. Plan accordingly.
(Click here for our list of the best after-shows and non-Lolla concerts.)
WEDNESDAY
Cerise DJ sets
The Virgin Hotel Chicago’s Cerise has a weekend full of DJ sets. The first takes place early on Wednesday with a rooftop DJ set from Wavves and Ghostramp Records. Later that night, swing by for Dance Yrself Clean, a regularly occurring party named after the LCD Soundsystem song (they’ll be headlining Lolla) and dedicated to the dance-rock of the early- and mid-aughts.
Cerise, Virgin Hotel Chicago, 21+. 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Chicago Artists Manager Festival Panel
Jaime Black of Dynasty Podcasts and Mikul Wing of Future Factory moderate this panel featuring managers for artists (Sir the Baptist, Louis the Child, Saba) performing in this year’s Lollapalooza. This music industry-heavy event is a good entry point for those looking to break into the business.
Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, 7–9 p.m.
Lollapalooza Bingo Night
Alex White of White Mystery hosts this low-key party where guests can play bingo and win prizes including $50 gift certificates to Crown Liquors and Parts and Labor. A grand prize winner will receive a pair of four-day passes to the festival. DJ Greg Corner will play an all-Lolla artist set. RSVP on Do312 for a bingo card and free Bud Light from 7–8 p.m.
Crown Liquors, 21+. 7–10 p.m.
THURSDAY
ROOF Runway
Kick off the weekend with drinks, bites, and a rooftop fashion show featuring looks from Iridium. The spectacular views of the city from the hotel’s 27th floor are reason enough to attend.
Roof on theWit, theWit Hotel. 4 p.m.
Move Your Mule: Lollapalooza Edition
The Freehand’s regular rock steady jam session gets a Lolla upgrade with DJ sets from Kevin and Ethan of Mannequin Men and local record store Reckless Records.
Freehand Chicago. 9 p.m.
Cerise DJ sets
The Virgin Hotel Chicago’s Cerise has a weekend full of DJ sets. The second night includes sets from local DJ Heaven Malone and the crew from legendary dance and electronic music record store Gramaphone Records.
Cerise, Virgin Hotel Chicago, 21+. 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The 7th Annual Lollapalooza Sideshow
It wouldn’t be Lollapalooza without the annual Lollapalooza Sideshow. This year marks its seventh edition and includes DJ sets from LCD Soundsystem members Pat Mahoney, Gavin Russom and Tyler Pope along with sideshow performances from scene queens like Jojo Baby and Lucy Stoole. Red Bull drink specials will be served all night. RSVP on Do312 to win a pair of tickets to the fest.
Berlin, 21+. 10 p.m. $10
Twix Presents: COLLiDE Chicago Kick-off Party
Join Chicago magazine’s Readers Choice Best DJ (Lani Love) for a Lolla kick-off event featuring performances from '90s rock superstars Dinosaur Jr. Sip on drinks from Revolution Brewing, Topo Chico, Old Style, High Brew Coffee, and Deep Eddy Vodka to complement your evening. Admittance is based on capacity. RSVP on Culture Collide.
Hard Rock Hotel, 21+. 9 p.m.
FRIDAY
Summertime Chi
Here’s a secret: Lollapalooza lets festival attendees leave and return to the venue. Most people are unaware and most are too overwhelmed with the size of the festival to do so. But if you’re looking to take advantage (or don’t plan on showing up to the festival until late), stop by the Summertime Chi party. Featuring DJ sets and a performance from Chicago rapper Dreezy (who’s debut album came out this month), the party will be a welcome break from the heat and the crowds.
Hard Rock Hotel, 21+. 12 p.m.
Yummpops Social + Flower Crown Making
Get festival-ready at a DIY flower crown-making workshop. Then, cool off before venturing back into the heat with frozen treats from Yummpops.
Freehand Chicago. 2 p.m.
Virgin Hotel DJ sets
The Virgin Hotel Chicago’s Cerise has a weekend full of DJ sets. Friday night’s party includes sets from “super surprise guests.” Details are currently scant, but we know they’ll probably pull in some big hitters. One floor below, join resident DJs Bounce Castle and Lani Love for Love Castle.
Cerise, Virgin Hotel Chicago, 21+. 9 p.m.
Four Loko After Party
This two-night event caters to the younger crowds with a heavy emphasis on up-and-coming rappers and A-list DJs and producers. The first night features performances Lil Uzi Vert, O.T. Genasis, and Sean Mac. RSVP on Four Loko’s website.
1446 W Kinzie St. 9 p.m.
Exile Nights
Celebrate at this two-night event taking place at Nellcote and in partnership with Bulldog Gin. Friday night’s party features a DJ set by art-pop band Chairlift. Guests can sip on specialty cocktails from a menu featuring Bulldog Gin or get inked with a real tat from the folks at Logan Square Tattoo.
Nellcote. 9 p.m.
SATURDAY
Lolla Braid Bar + Pop-up Shop
Perfect your festival look with hair braiding from Solo Salon and “new” vintage pieces from eclectic vintage store Lost Girl Vintage.
Freehand Chicago. 11 a.m.
Virgin Hotel Chicago
The Virgin Hotel Chicago has a weekend full of DJ sets and parties. Saturday night’s Cerise events include featured performers include the Audiophile day party with DJs Ron Trent and Duane Powell and a DJ set at night with Dirty Talk. The special treat is a concert on their 25th floor upstairs area, with live performances from Panama Wedding and Tor Miller, plus a DJ set from Oh Wonder.
Virgin Hotel Chicago, 21+. 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Party in My Living Room: Chicago Edition
What originally began as an alternative to industry parties for young creatives during the Grammys has now turned into a roaming event sponsored by the likes of Red Bull. Their latest edition makes a stop in Chicago and includes a full bar, food provided by Output Lounge, and live art, body painting. Don’t worry! There’ll be music too, with DJ sets from Boi Jeanius, James & the Giant Trap Beat, and Housework as well as live performances from Femdot, Thurz, Swim Team, and the Ivorys. Expect surprise appearances and general post-festival debauchery. RSVP on Do312 for no cover.
Venue TBA, 21+. 10 p.m.
Four Loko After Party
This two-night event caters to the younger crowds with a heavy emphasis on up-and-coming rappers and A-list DJs and producers. The second night features performances A-Trak, Jillionaire of Major Lazer, Araabmuzik, and Rockcity. RSVP on Four Loko’s website.
1446 W Kinzie St. 9 p.m.
Exile Nights
Celebrate at this two-night event taking place at Nellcote and in partnership with Bulldog Gin. Saturday night’s party features a DJ set by local favorites Wild Belle. Guests can sip on specialty cocktails from a menu featuring Bulldog Gin or get inked with a real tat from the folks at Logan Square Tattoo.
Nellcote. 9 p.m.
FLOODfest
The second annual edition of Chicago’s FLOODfest from FLOOD magazine includes live sets by dreamy indie world pop/rock stars Local Natives and Baio as well as a DJ set from “tropical house” stalwarts Classixx. Admittance is based on a first-come, first-serve basis. RSVP on Do312 for free entry.
Venue TBA, 21+. 10 p.m.
SUNDAY
Cerise DJ sets
The Virgin Hotel Chicago’s Cerise has a weekend full of DJ sets. Sunday’s sets might be the best yet. The day starts with a set from Questlove followed by a rare set from Chicago’s Numero Group and capped off with sister trio HAIM.
Cerise, Virgin Hotel Chicago, 21+. 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Nancy Whang of LCD Soundsystem
Whang may best be known for being a member of DFA Records groups like LCD Soundsystem and the Juan Maclean, but she’s also made a name for herself as a DJ. Whang favors house and disco cuts, so expect lots from those genres in this final dance party after a long Lolla weekend. Local talents Bridget Marie, Phenom, and the Burly DJs will also spin. RSVP on Do312 for no cover before 10.
Beauty Bar, 21+. 9–2 a.m.
Questlove
It wouldn’t be Lollapalooza without a Questlove DJ set. If you missed his first one at the Virgin Hotel, stop by Studio Paris for a set from the ultimate selector.
Studio Paris, 21+. 9 p.m. $25