Before the gates open
Thursday 5 AugustMusic runs from the afternoon. Mornings are free: get out on the water or into town.
- Easy outingArt Institute of Chicago
- FreeLincoln Park Zoo.
Lollapalooza 2027: things to do nearby between sets
5 to 8 August 2027 · ExpectedChicago, United States
At Lollapalooza the music runs from the afternoon, so mornings and the day after are free. This guide covers the town around the site: boat trips, a real meal, a shower and a day out from Chicago.
Airport to Grant Park
O'Hare (ORD) has the CTA Blue Line to the Loop in 45 minutes; Midway (MDW) has the Orange Line in 25 minutes.
Downtown; CTA trains to Jackson or Harrison.
Public transport directions to Grant Park
Where to stay by budget
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | West Loop and South Loop | Near McCormick Place and the trains. |
| Mid-range | River North and the Loop | Walk to the river and Millennium Park. |
| Splurge | Magnificent Mile and Gold Coast | Grand hotels by the lake. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Hotel Chicago West Loop
- Mid-range: Hotel Julian Chicago
- Splurge: The Peninsula Chicago
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual festival weekend schedule for 5 to 8 August 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
A day off-site
Friday 6 AugustSkip the early acts and take a day trip. Be back for the headliners.
- Half-dayChicago Architecture Center river cruise
- EatPequod's
Campers: shower, food and a break
Day passes for pools and spas, and a real meal in town.
- Rain or heat backupSkydeck at Willis Tower
- EatLou Malnati's
Recovery day
Monday 9 AugustSlow outings only.
- Easy outingDeep-dish pizza and food tour
- EatPortillo's
Family-friendly picks
Half day · Low walking · Family
Chicago Architecture Center river cruise
The famous 90-minute river cruise.
- Field Museum.
- Shedd Aquarium.
- Museum of Science and Industry.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- River North and Wicker Park.
8 tours worth booking for Lollapalooza
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Art Institute of Chicago | Half day | Bad weather, Tired legs |
| Chicago Architecture Center river cruise | Half day | Tired legs, Families |
| Deep-dish pizza and food tour | Half day | Food lovers |
| Skydeck at Willis Tower | Half day | Families, Bad weather |
| Bike tour of the lakefront | Half day | Families |
| Blues club night | Evening | Night owls |
| Lake Michigan sunset cruise | Evening | Tired legs, Night owls |
| Gangsters and ghosts tour | Evening | Night owls |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- Art Institute.
- Field Museum.
Getting around on event days
- CTA L trains and buses take contactless. McCormick Place has a Metra station and the #3 bus.
Day trips from Chicago
- Milwaukee: 1.5 hours by train
- Indiana Dunes: 1 hour
Bringing a group?
Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Lollapalooza.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is Lollapalooza 2027?
The next edition is 5 to 8 August 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.
How do I get from the airport to Grant Park?
O'Hare (ORD) has the CTA Blue Line to the Loop in 45 minutes; Midway (MDW) has the Orange Line in 25 minutes. Downtown; CTA trains to Jackson or Harrison.
Where should I stay for Lollapalooza?
For most visitors the best base is River North and the Loop: Walk to the river and Millennium Park.
What else can we do around Lollapalooza?
Good short outings in Chicago include Chicago Architecture Center river cruise, Deep-dish pizza and food tour, Skydeck at Willis Tower. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near Lollapalooza?
Family-friendly picks: Chicago Architecture Center river cruise, Skydeck at Willis Tower, Bike tour of the lakefront. Field Museum.
How far is Grant Park from Chicago centre?
About 1 km in a straight line. Downtown; CTA trains to Jackson or Harrison.
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