The safety and well-being of our Lollapalooza fans, artists, guests, and staff is paramount. Organizers work year-round with Chicago Public Safety agencies as well as other state and federal stakeholders to continually evaluate our security measures, seen and unseen, to ensure the safety of everyone at the event. You will notice uniformed police, fire, and security personnel throughout the festival grounds. They are there to keep you safe so don’t hesitate to ask them for help if you need immediate assistance.
REMEMBER: You are the eyes and ears of the festival. IF YOU SEE SOMETHING SUSPICIOUS, SAY SOMETHING.
Entry protocols
For the safety of everyone entering the festival, all fans are subject to a full and complete airport-style search prior to entry. This may include a full body pat-down and magnetometer screening before entry. If you would like to be screened by security personnel of your same gender, please let security personnel know prior to the search process. Screening of children will always take place with the consent of a parent or guardian.
BAG POLICY
ALL bags will be searched before entry.
Small clutch purses and fanny packs that are 6" x 9" or smaller do not need to be clear but can have no more than one pocket.
All other bags larger than 6" x 9" must be smaller than 12" x 6" x 12" and clear.
Hydration packs are allowed and do not need to be clear but must be emptied of all liquid and with no more than two total pockets. One for the reservoir and one additional pocket.
Please review the Allowed & Prohibited items list for a stress-free entry process, visit our Help Centeror email info@lollapalooza.com if you have questions. While you can’t bring any liquids into the event, we do suggest you have some water with you while you wait in line to enter and bring an EMPTY refillable water bottle to fill at the free water filling stations across the venue.
Prohibited items will be confiscated and will not beheld for later pickup. Prescription medication must have the name that matches your ID printed on the packaging, and our medical team will clear it at the entry gate.
allowed & prohibited items
Guests and their belongings are subject to search upon entry or re-entry. You can help keep the lines moving quickly by leaving large bags at home. *This list is subject to change.
The following items are ALLOWED:
CLEAR bags made up of clear plastic, vinyl, or pvc, and no larger than 12" x 6" x 12". Small clutch purses and fanny packs with no more than 1 pocket. Clutch purses no larger than 6" x 9" (See Full Bag Policy Below)
Baby Strollers
Binoculars
Cameras (basic point and shoot consumer-grade cameras) without detachable lenses and other accessories (monopods, selfie sticks, tripods, GoPro mounts, and other attachments are not allowed)
EMPTY reusable water bottles and hydration packs, and plastic or aluminum water bottles
Sunscreen in non-aerosol containers is allowed in the size of 3.4 ounces or less
Factory-sealed Naloxone/Narcankit
Prescription Medicine Requirements:
Anyone needing prescription medicine at the festival must present the pharmacy-labeled container which states the prescription, dosage, and patient name to our medical staff at each entrance gate. Patrons are only allowed a sufficient supply of the prescribed medication for that day.
Medicines needing to be inhaled or smoked are prohibited unless in a prescribed inhaler.
Over the counter medications are allowed in a sufficient supply for the day. Bottle contents will be verified by medical personnel at the entry gates.
The following items are PROHIBITED:
Any bags that are NOT CLEAR bags made up of clear plastic, vinyl, or pvc, and are larger than 12" x 6" x 12". Any Small clutch purses and fanny packs with more than 1 pocket. Clutch purses that are larger than 6" x 9" (See Full Bag Policy Below)
Aerosol containers, including sunscreen and personal beauty products. NOTE: Sunscreen in non-aerosol containers is allowed in the size of 3.4 ounces or less
Blankets, Sheets & Towels
Frisbees
Coolers of any kind. (Exceptions may be made for medical use)
Framed backpacks, multiple pocket backpacks and any pack that is not aligned with the allowed backpacks above. (See Full Bag Policy Below)
Any and all professional audio recording equipment
Professional cameras and professional recording (photo, video, audio) equipment (NO large professional detachable zoom lenses, stands, monopods, tripods, attachment sticks (selfie sticks) or other commercial equipment.
Any and all professional video equipment. No video recording will be allowed.
Drones or any other remote flying device
Hammocks
Glass containers of any kind
Illegal and Illicit substances of any kind
Outside food or beverage (including alcohol) of any kind
Umbrellas
Pets (except service animals)
Selfie sticks
Skateboards, scooters, bicycles, wagons, carts or any personal motorized vehicles
Tents, canopies, or shade structures of any kind
Totems or flag poles.
Unauthorized/unlicensed vendors are not allowed. No unauthorized solicitation and materials including handbills, flyers, stickers, beach balls, giveaways, samples, etc.
Weapons or explosives of any kind
Fireworks
Large chains or spiked jewelry
Bicycles inside festival grounds (free parking is available near festival entrance)
Carts of any kind (including Red Wagons)
Chairs of any kind
All Chicago parks prohibit smoking of any kind, including vaping.
ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY
LOLLAPALOOZA HAS A ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY FOR HARASSMENT.
PLEASE LET OUR STAFF KNOW IF YOU FEEL HARASSED OR THREATENED IN ANYWAY. NO ALWAYS MEANS NO.
Lollapalooza wants every fan to feel safe at the fest. We will not tolerate any harassment based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, body size, appearance, age or national origin. If you feel like you’re being harassed, are the victim of non-consensual touching, or otherwise feel unsafe, please report it to the nearest staff or SAFEFEST Team member, any Medical Tent, or the OurMusicMyBody team at the Respite Lounge near the North entrance.
HOW TO GET HELP DURING THE FESTIVAL
If you find yourself needing help while at Lolla, here are some places that can assist you:
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES: If you or a friend need emergency assistance at the festival, go to one of our SIX medical tents, shown on the map below. Be honest with emergency personnel – they are here to help you; NOT get you in trouble. If you see someone who looks like they need help, look for any festival staff members or anyone with a radio to assist you.
POLE MARKERS: Use the pole marker signs on light poles to identify your location if you need to contact 9-1-1.
STAYING SOBER? We’ll have on-site support and a welcoming space for fans who are sober or just want a place away from the crowd. Visit the Soberside tent west of Columbus, in between Ida B Wells and Balbo.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT & MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES: If you think you’ve been the victim of sexual violence or harassment, please report it to the nearest staff member or go to a Medical Tent for help.
You can also visit Between Friends and Resilience for resources and information. Their collaborative campaign Our Music My Body will have a space at the Respite Lounge just inside the North entrance next to Guest Services and seeks to raise awareness about promoting consensual experiences for all in the music scene.
Hope For The Dayand The CornerStore will additionally be available to provide resources for those seeking information on mental health education and support.
Find resources below for immediate assistance: National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Remember: NO MEANS NO. No matter the situation, it is never ok without consent.
ADDITIONAL Resources
This Must Be The Place
We strive to continually update and evolve our safety and security protocols, which includes education and preventative measures to keep people safe. With this in mind, we are partnering with This Must Be The Place, an overdose prevention non-profit, who will educate music fans about the dangers of Fentanyl and supply them with the life-saving opioid reversal medicine, Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan. We encourage fans to stop by their booth near Buckingham Fountain at the festival to learn more.
SafeFest
Be on the lookout for our team of friendly guides in bright yellow vests or large yellow pillars. Whether you have questions, need help finding a medical or security location, or directional help leaving the park, this team is here to be your helpful resource.
COME PREPARED & LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER
Here are five easy ways to look out for yourself and those around you:
Watch out for your neighbors – if someone around you looks like they need help, check in with them. If someone is getting unruly, alert the nearest staff member. Keep an eye on your belongings.
Be considerate – this is a shared space, and we want everyone to enjoy themselves. Keep the vibes chill and your hands to yourself.
Use the buddy system – the Main Guest Services Tent at Ida B Wells and Columbus is the designated meeting point for lost or separated people. If one of your friends is in trouble, please alert festival staff – they will assist you, no questions asked.
Register for the Tag-A-Kid Program! If you’re planning to bring kids to Lolla, check out the external Guest Services tent on Michigan Avenue just south of Ida B Wells, the main Guest Services tent at Ida B Wells and Columbus or the Tag-A-Kid Tent near Kidzapalooza to sign up with the Tag-A-Kid program! Register each of your kids so in the event you get separated, we have a quick and easy way to reconnect you.
Keep yourself and your belongings safe – be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your personal items at all times. If you find something OR lose something, head to Guest Services for our Lost & Found. Keep your cell phone and wallet close – the Chicago Police Department will be on the lookout for theft.
Here are some helpful tips on how to prepare for the fest:
Have Emergency Contact Info on your person and your phone lock screen in case emergency personnel need to know (PRO-TIP: Make sure to register your wristbands where you will be asked to fill out an Emergency Contact).
Remember to stay hydrated and keep cool by visiting the Hydration Stations for free, cool, filtered water and cooling stations placed all around the venue. Remember to bring your own, EMPTY water bottle to refill and help Lolla be a green and sustainable event!
Protect yourself from the sun -take breaks and find shade. Sunscreen lotion, hats, and sunglasses are key. Forget your sunscreen? Head to a Lolla Bodega to purchase some. You can also catch some shade on our cooling buses by the Medical Tents on Balbo and Jackson.
Bring hearing protection - we get loud (PRO-TIP: If you forget your ear plugs, stop by Guest Services to grab a pair).
Bring a list of allergies and medications you take in case of a medical emergency.
Dress for the weather. We’re constantly monitoring the weather. Keep an eye on the radar before heading to Grant Park so you can dress accordingly (rain boots, ponchos, etc.) Forget your poncho? Head to the Lolla Bodega to purchase one.
Need help? Lost? Injured? Witness criminal activity? Contact any uniformed staff member or call 9-1-1 and give them the letter/number on the pole nearest your location. Pole Markers attached to the light poles around Grant Park will help first responders locate you quickly.
IN CASE OF EVACUATION
We work hard to make sure your festival experience is exceptional, and that includes having a plan in case of emergency. Read on for a few common questions we get when we have an evacuation and check out the emergency exit and shelter map below.
Q: Where are the evacuation shelters located?
GRANT PARK NORTH GARAGE 25 N.Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60602 Underground Parking Garage (between Monroe and Randolph) *Enter via vehicle entrance on Michigan Ave.
GRANT PARK SOUTH GARAGE 325 S.Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60604 Underground Parking Garage (between Jackson and Van Buren) *Enter via vehicle entrance on Michigan Ave.
MILLENIUM LAKESIDE GARAGE 5 S.Columbus Drive Chicago, IL 60603 Underground Parking Garage (Columbus between Monroe and Randolph) *Enter via vehicle entrance on Michigan
Q: If the park must be evacuated, is the festival canceled?
A: Not necessarily! In case of evacuation, check back on this page for updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @Lollapalooza, and be sure you have opted-in for push notifications from the Lolla Mobile App. We will send push notifications to keep you updated on the status of the festival, including any adjusted set times.
Q: When an evacuation ends and fans are allowed to re-enter the site, how do I find out if any set times have been adjusted?
A: Updated set times will be available in the Lolla Mobile App, on the Schedule page of the website and will be sent out on social media. Once you’re back in Grant Park you can also check out the video info tower near Buckingham Fountain for an updated schedule.
