Two years ago, Lollapalooza attracted nearly 400,000 attendees from across the world. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic halted an in-person festival last summer and forced organizers to put together a virtual celebration. This summer, the coronavirus is still alive and well, but festival organizers are confident they can put together a safe and exciting event. As a result, Giveon, Tyler The Creator, Roddy Ricch, Megan Thee Stallion and Young Thug are all traveling to Grant Park for the return of Lollapalooza.
When the lineup was first announced, Lollapalooza informed concertgoers that they would to present proof of vaccination to enter. Those who did not wish to or were unable to receive a COVID-19 vaccine would need to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 24 hours of the event to enter. As the event neared, Lollapalooza loosened these restrictions. Attendees can now present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the event and still enter.
The COVID-19 pandemic has not slowed down this summer. In fact, John Hopkins University has reported that 48 states have experienced at least a 10% rise in new COVID-19 cases within the last week. Of those 48 states, 34 have experienced a rise of at least 50%.
As it pertains to music festivals, there is also a concern regarding COVID-19 cases. Following a performance at Rolling Loud, Dess Dior told fans that she had tested positive for the virus and instructed others to get tested as well.
Despite the rise in COVID-19 cases, public officials have remained confident in Lollapalooza to hold a safe event. Illinois Governor J.B. Prtizker went as far as to say that he’ll be in attendance.
“It’s outdoors,” Lightfoot told WTTW News.
“We’ve been having large-scale events all over the city since June without major problems or issues. The Lolla team has been phenomenal.”
Lollapalooza is expected to kick off on July 29 and run through August 1.
