Getting The Most Out Of Lollapalooza

By Tankboy in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 4, 2011 3:00PM

In the twenty years that has spanned Lollapalooza's existence we've seen almost every one.* So we know a thing or two about surviving a day (or a weekend) within it's sometimes euphoric and sometimes punishing confines. There are a bunch of helpful hints from the organizers about what is and isn't allowed and how to navigate the weekend, but we'll give you a couple pro tips to help you navigate the ever growing footprint the festival occupies downtown.

• Bring an empty water bottle. There are numerous water refilling stations around the fest sponsored by CamelBak this year and you should memorize where every one is. Hydration is THE #1 rule of the weekend.
• Pack a poncho. It might rain and nothing sucks more than wandering around in wet clothes once the rain stops and the steam starts rising from the mud underneath.
• Speaking of mud; avoid muddy expanses. If it does rain there is always some clan of kids running around who think they're at Woodstock trying to turn mud fields into a slip-n-slide and your legs into bowling pins.
• Be prepared to sample new bands. One of the best things about a festival like Lollapalooza is that the sheer amount of music means you have a more than decent chance of actually discovering something new. Look, everyone wants to see this headliner or that but during the day take some chances and wander around.
• Keep an ear out about what's happening at Kidzapalooza. Most mainstay performers usually stop by to sit in on a couple sets. Any time you see Perry Farrell is scheduled to perform there's a good chance someone like Slash of Jeff Tweedy isn't far behind.
• Don't forget to eat. This is easier than you would think.
• Download the iPhone or Android app to help plan your day.
• Speaking of your phone, don't depend on it to reach people since most cell service is useless within Grant park due to the cell traffic. Texts rarely get through and when they do get to you its usually in the form of a barrage of communications over the last 30-60 minutes. If you're going to meet someone, plan ahead of time. And internet? Forget about it. Luckily you don't have to be online to use the best features of the aforementioned apps.
• SUNBLOCK.
• Have fun. Keep your cool. Don't let anything stress you out.

So, if you're going we hope a few of those tips help you get more out of Lollapalooza. If you have any other questions you can leave them in the comments and we'll be happy to answer them!

*OK, we missed '96 and '97 because, seriously, the fest totally lost its way. And I took a pass at it's initial attempt at rebirth in 2003. But I've seen every other one.