Heading to Lollapalooza? Here are a few tips
For suburbanites mulling a trip downtown to see Lollapalooza, with the weather extra inviting this year, here are a few tips - some obvious, some unique to Chicago's top outdoor rock festival.
1) Do take public transportation. Whether taking Metra or the CTA from a stop with a car lot or via a Pace bus, as ever it's better than slogging through traffic and finding parking. If you do drive, remember that the east Monroe Street garage with an entrance on Columbus Drive is cheaper than the west garage, and will get you just as close to the festival grounds.
2) Wear sensible shoes. It's almost a mile and half from the Parkways stage at the south end near Roosevelt Road to the Budweiser stage at the north end near Monroe Street, so wear shoes that will stand up to walking. Last year, with the rain, polka-dot Wellingtons were all the rage, but this year a sturdy pair of flip-flops or sandals just might do. Sunscreen is essential too unless you're only seeing the headliners in the evening.
3) Bring a blanket. Seating is at a premium, and despite the improved weather the turf is still damp and the grass heavy from the rains earlier in the week.
4) Bring a plastic water bottle. You can refill it at water stations or Grant Park fountains.
5) Bring the kids. Kids 10 and under are free with a paying adult (although Lollapalooza retains the "discretion" to turn away busloads with just a few adults). I've found that if you start out taking your kids to the Spice Girls and Britney Spears, you end up accompanying them to PJ Harvey and the Gang of Four, but starting them with Lollapalooza cuts to the chase. The Kidz stage will wean them off the Wiggles.
6) Bring an appetite. This year's festival dining was chosen by Graham Elliot, and includes sandwiches from Buona Beef, burgers from Kuma's Corner and tostadas from Paul Kahan's Big Star. They might be too cool for Taste of Chicago, but they seem to have risen to the challenge of Lollapalooza.
p class="factboxheadblack">Lollapalooza
What: Dozens of bands and disc jockeys play across a number of stages. Saturday's headliners include Green Day at 7:45 p.m. on the Parkways stage.
Where: Grant Park, Chicago. Main festival entrance is on East Congress Plaza Drive off Michigan Avenue.
When: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, and Sunday, Aug. 8
Tickets: $90 a day at lollapalooza.com
Getting there: Parking is available beneath the park in underground garages, but your best bet is likely public transportation. Check metrarail.com for schedules.