Okay, but can we talk about how Lollapalooza just confirmed what I’ve always believed: summer is totally made for music festivals! 🌞 After my whirlwind trip to Coachella and an unforgettable weekend at NYC’s Governors Ball, I thought I’d take a breather. But nope! I found myself diving headfirst into Lollapalooza at Chicago’s Grant Park, and let me tell you, it was SO worth it. This festival has been a staple since 2005, and after attending, I totally get why. From iconic performances to a lineup that left me starstruck, this was an experience I’ll never forget.
My first Lollapalooza experience: the excitement is real!
This was my first time at Lolla, and let me just say—it was nothing short of magical. Picture this: a lineup featuring legends like Lady Gaga, who once rocked the stage with “Summerboy,” and Tomorrow X Together, who made history as the first K-pop group to headline in 2023. Who else was buzzing with anticipation to see who would steal the show this year? With acts like Clairo, Olivia Rodrigo, and Gracie Abrams on the bill, I knew I was in for a treat. 🎤
I spent two whole days at the festival, racing between stages and trying to catch as many performances as possible. Sure, I missed a few acts I had my heart set on, but that didn’t stop me from ranking my top five favorites. Fair warning: I’m focusing on the non-headliners because, let’s be real, comparing them to headliner productions isn’t quite fair, right?
Top performances from Lollapalooza 2023
First up, Djo—aka Joe Keery from Stranger Things—had a seriously nostalgic vibe going on. He paid tribute to Chicago by unveiling a replica of the iconic bean, and the energy was just electric! 🎉 His set was filled with amazing moments, including a surprise cameo from Charlie Heaton. And can we talk about how he had the crowd singing along to “End of Beginning”? It was such a heartwarming, hometown hero moment!
Next, I made it a point to catch MARINA. I had seen her at Coachella earlier this year, but her set at Lolla was something special. This was her first performance back in Chicago since 2015, and wow, she didn’t disappoint. From hits like “I Am Not a Robot” to her fresh tracks from PRINCESS OF POWER, she owned that stage in her stunning pink corset and sequined shorts. The moment she debuted “Everybody Knows I’m Sad” was pure magic—it felt like the whole crowd connected in that moment. ✨
And then there was Remi Wolf. Let me just say, she deserves a bigger stage! Her Bud Light set was a psychedelic dream, as she bounced around in camo and polka dots, belting out hits like “Cinderella.” Her vocal prowess is unmatched, and she had us all joining in for a warm-up routine straight out of the Freddie Mercury playbook. Every moment was captivating, and I can’t help but feel she’s on the verge of a major breakthrough.
KATSEYE brought the house down too! I had caught them briefly at an event before, but this was my first full set. They kicked off strong with “Gameboy,” and their choreography was on point. The energy was contagious, especially when they performed their new single “Gabriela.” The crowd was massive, and watching everyone sing along was a cinematic experience I won’t forget. 🎶❤️
And how could I forget Doechii? She absolutely owned that stage! With her unique flair and undeniable talent, she delivered a masterclass in hip-hop. The crowd was totally into it, and when she brought out surprise guest JT, the energy hit the roof! From her early hits to her latest bangers, Doechii’s performance was a highlight of the weekend.
Final thoughts on Lollapalooza
So, there you have it! My Lollapalooza experience was nothing short of epic. Each set was a reminder of why I love music festivals so much—the energy, the community, and those unforgettable moments. Who else thinks Lolla should be a summer tradition? 💖🎉 Let’s chat about your favorite festival memories or who you’re excited to see next year!
