Lollapalooza 2024 marked its 20th year in Chicago’s Grant Park with a celebration that highlighted the diversity of music and culture that has made it a staple in the festival circuit. Held from August 1-4, the four-day event was packed with standout performances, surprises, and a unique atmosphere that captured the city’s spirit and the festival’s storied history.
This year’s festival featured a dynamic lineup, with performances ranging from emerging artists to some of the biggest names in music today. Headliners like Megan Thee Stallion, Blink-182, The Killers, and SZA drew massive crowds, each adding flair to the Lollapalooza experience. Megan Thee Stallion, who replaced Tyler, the Creator on short notice, did not disappoint. She took the stage with her trademark confidence and a high-energy set that included fan favorites like “Hot Girl” and “Big Ole Freak,” ensuring her place as one of the most talked-about acts of the weekend.
SZA, one of Friday’s headliners, delivered a stunning performance that mixed her soulful vocals with an engaging stage presence. Opening with tracks from her critically acclaimed album, Ctrl, she captivated the audience with her powerful range and emotive storytelling. Meanwhile, Blink-182 brought a nostalgic vibe to the festival, delighting fans with a set that featured classics like “All the Small Things” and “I Miss You.” The Killers closed the festival on Sunday with a high-energy set, mixing their biggest hits with new material and proving that their dynamic rock sound still resonates deeply with audiences.
One of the standout moments of the festival came from Chappell Roan, a rising star in the pop music scene, whose debut performance at Lollapalooza attracted a record-breaking crowd of 90,000 people. Dubbed “The Midwest Princess,” she wowed attendees with a setlist filled with catchy pop tracks like “Pink Pony Club” and “Red Wine Supernova,” creating an emotional connection with fans that will not soon be forgotten. Victoria Monét, a Grammy-winning R&B artist, also shined, delivering a captivating set that combined sultry grooves with powerful choreography, further proving her status as a rising star in the music industry.
The festival was a showcase for international superstars and a celebration of Chicago’s vibrant music scene. Local acts like Worry Club, Slow Pulp, and Scarlet Demore brought a taste of the city’s unique musical culture to the festival’s main stages. Their performances were infused with the raw energy and emotional depth characteristic of Chicago’s indie-rock and DIY music community. Worry Club’s dreamy soundscapes, introspective lyrics, and Slow Pulp’s laid-back indie rock style perfectly contrast the festival’s more mainstream acts.
Lollapalooza 2024 also highlighted the festival’s commitment to inclusivity and cultural representation. Artists like Ethel Cain, who captivated the crowd with her haunting vocals and introspective storytelling, and Destroy Boys, a Sacramento punk band championing safe spaces for queer and trans attendees, brought a deeper level of social awareness to the event. Their performances not only entertained but also fostered a sense of community and understanding. Meanwhile, Hanabie, an all-female Japanese nu-metalcore band, added a global flair with their blend of heavy metal and Harajuku aesthetics, leaving a powerful impression on festival-goers and showcasing the festival’s international reach.
The festival wasn’t without its surprises. A surprise appearance by Chance the Rapper during Renee Rapp’s set added an extra level of excitement. Likewise, Raye’s collaboration with fellow jazz artist Laufey for a special cover with the Chicago Philharmonic created a genuinely unique Lollapalooza moment. Megan Thee Stallion’s call for justice and community upliftment resonated deeply, underscoring the festival’s ongoing relevance as a platform for both entertainment and meaningful dialogue, and inviting attendees to be part of these important conversations.
Overall, Lollapalooza 2024 was a powerful reminder of why this festival remains one of the most beloved events in music. It was a celebration of music’s profound power to connect and inspire, from breakout performances to historic headliners. Whether it was the dazzling lights of Zedd’s set, the raw energy of Deftones, or the intimate acoustic moments from Conan Gray, Lollapalooza 2024 delivered an unforgettable experience that left attendees feeling uplifted and eagerly anticipating next year’s return to Grant Park.
