The 2024 rendition of Lollapalooza once again proved why it remains one of the most anticipated music festivals in the North America.
Spanning four days in the heart of Chicago, this year's event was a masterclass in how to curate a lineup, create a vibrant atmosphere, and deliver unforgettable moments. From chart-topping headliners like Megan Thee Stallion to emerging artists such as Chappell Roan, Lollapalooza 2024 showcased a diverse mix of genres, proving that it truly has something for everyone.
Thursday Highlights:
Chappell Roan made a memorable impact at Lollapalooza 2024 with a performance that was both captivating and emotionally charged. Known for her unique blend of pop and introspective lyrics, she brought an authentic energy to the stage, connecting deeply with the audience. Her set, filled with powerful vocals and heartfelt storytelling, stood out as one of the festival's most intimate moments, leaving fans and newcomers alike in awe of her talent. Roan's rapid rise to mainstream success prompted many music festivals where she was already scheduled to perform to move her to larger stages to accommodate her growing fans, which proved to be a wise decision as she drew some of the largest crowds of the weekend.
Ke$ha delivered a high-energy performance on the IHG Stage, captivating the audience with her bold personality and infectious pop anthems. Her set was a vibrant mix of nostalgia and new hits, complete with glitter, confetti, and unapologetic fun. Fans were on their feet from start to finish, proving that Ke$ha’s star power remains as strong as ever, despite the legal turmoil the pop star has been wrapped up in during recent years.
Friday Highlights
Stray Kids brought their explosive energy and dynamic stage presence to Lollapalooza 2024, delivering a performance that left the crowd electrified. The K-pop group showcased their signature blend of powerful choreography, intense rap, and catchy hooks, captivating both longtime fans and new listeners. Their set was a thrilling ride from start to finish, highlighting their versatility (and dance moves).
Sexyy Red completely lit up the Bud Light stage with her bold, unapologetic style and infectious energy. Known for her raw lyrics and confident delivery, she commanded the crowd’s attention from the moment she stepped on stage. Despite the afternoon heat, fans packed in tight for her set.
PawPaw Rod brought a refreshing and soulful vibe to Lollapalooza as he opened up the T-Mobile stage on Friday, captivating the audience with his smooth vocals and laid-back charisma. Blending elements of funk, hip-hop, and indie, his performance was a unique experience that stood out amid the festival’s high-energy acts.
Saturday Highlights
Ethel Cain delivered a hauntingly beautiful performance with her ethereal vocals and deeply emotional presence. Her set was a mesmerizing journey through dark, atmospheric soundscapes, blending gothic Americana with dream-pop elements.
Quarters of Change brought their indie rock flair, delivering a dynamic performance that resonated with the crowd. With their catchy guitar riffs, tight rhythms, and emotive vocals, the band created an electrifying atmosphere that had fans nodding along and new listeners hooked. Their set was a perfect blend of raw energy and melodic hooks, showcasing their potential as one of the rising stars in the indie rock scene.
Deftones delivered a powerful and immersive performance, showcasing their signature blend of heavy riffs and atmospheric soundscapes. Their set was a masterclass in intensity, with frontman Chino Moreno’s haunting vocals and the band’s intricate instrumentation creating a gripping experience.
Sunday Highlights
Conan Gray took the stage this year with a captivating and heartfelt performance that showcased his poignant songwriting and charismatic stage presence. His set was a blend of emotional ballads and upbeat anthems, with Gray’s expressive vocals drawing the crowd into his world of personal stories and introspective lyrics.
Scarlet Demore brought an electrifying energy to the Bacardi stage, captivating the audience with their high-octane performance and genre-blending sound. Fusing elements of rock, electronic, and pop, the band delivered a set that was both sonically diverse and visually striking. With their dynamic stage presence and infectious tunes, Scarlet Demore engaged the crowd from start to finish, leaving a lasting impression.
Final Thoughts
With a focus on crowd management and efficient response teams, the festival created a secure and enjoyable experience for all, balancing the thrill of live music with a strong commitment to safety. Some lines at the free water stations could get brutal, especially as the afternoon heat took its toll, but loyal fans at the barricade were given as much water as they needed by attentive security and medics.
With initiatives such as Tag-a-Kid, which served to reunite lost children with their parents, and the presence of This Must Be The Place, a nonprofit that provides free Naloxone to music fans, it was easy to recognize the thought and care put into attendee safety.
For those who attended, Lollapalooza 2024 was more than just a series of concerts—it was a celebration of music, culture, and community. As the festival celebrated its 20th anniversary, it proved it's in great shape, still relevant amongst the seemingly never-ending sea of music festivals popping up all over. And for those who missed it, there’s no doubt that the stories and photos shared by those who were there will make Lollapalooza 2025 an event to mark on the calendar.
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