How to Get In on the Action at Lollapalooza—No Matter Who You Are

Lollapalooza Music Festival is an indie music fans’ Mecca.

It attracts plenty of hipsters throughout the three days it runs, but the crowd at “Lolla” transcends the stereotypes associated with music festival crowds.

People attend Lolla regardless of their age, style or musical preferences, simply because anyone who gets themselves down to Grant Park the first weekend in August will find music that interests them.

Contrary to popular belief, Lollapalooza doesn’t only showcase indie and alternative bands; an assortment of rock, pop, rap, electronic, folk, and revived bands round out the lineup this year.

That being said, it’s hard to wade through the list of the 100+ bands playing on the eight stages at Lollapalooza if you don’t have ample time to research each artist in search of appealing music. Here’s a cross-section of the diverse Lollapalooza crowd, and a few bands that each demographic should enjoy.

Veteran hipsters: Skinny-jean clad music festival mainstays who are always on the hunt for undiscovered music, and own plenty of it—in vinyl.
Should go see: Wavves, the XX, The Dodos, Yeasayer, The National.

Aspiring indie fans: Former mainstreamers who see Lolla as a prime opportunity to expand their musical horizons. If only they knew where to start.
Should go see: The New Pornographers, Spoon, Phoenix, MGMT, Arcade Fire.

Parents with children: Parents who need to ensure their young ones have fun and stay safe.
Should go see: Any band playing at the Kidzapalooza stage.

Parents without children: Parents who want to have fun, but are a little unsure about the deluge of “new” bands.
Should go see: Devo, Jimmy Cliff, Blues Traveler, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes, Soundgarden.

Rockers: Rock fans who would never be caught dead at a DJ set.
Should go see: The Strokes, Gogol Bordello, Green Day, X Japan, Wolfmother.

Electronic aficionados: People who like beeps and bass.
Should go see: Any DJ spinning at the Perry’s stage.

Pop preteens: Tweens who always enjoy dancing to the latest radio hit.
Should go see: Hot Chip, Chromeo, Lady Gaga, Cut Copy, The Temper Trap.

For the full schedule, ticket prices and other festival info, head over to Lollapalooza.com.

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