Which Chicago Music Festival Should You Go To?
Which Chicago Music Festival Should You Go To?
In continuation of our series of city-by-city festival guides, we now move to the Midwest. Chicago has possibly the most diverse set of festivals around, and it's growing each year. If you can't decide between Pitchfork, Lolla or something else, let us guide the way.
In continuation of our series of city-by-city festival guides, we now move to the Midwest. Chicago has possibly the most diverse set of festivals around, and it's growing each year. If you can't decide between Pitchfork, Lolla or something else, let us guide the way.
You've just arrived on site. What's the first order of business?
Do you have, like, any money?
What's your go to festival fashion accessory?
Who is your dream festival headliner?
What's your festival drink of choice?
Festival hell is best described as:
Which of these (real) acts have you never heard of?
Who's coming with you?
Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza
The classic Chicago Festival, this year headlined by Radiohead, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, LCD Soundsystem and J Cole. It's as diverse as festivals get, and consistently has stacked line-ups, but watch out for 16-year-olds with flower headbands and Converse on. Unless you are a 16-year-old, in which case, have a blast! More info at www.lollapalooza.com.
Pitchfork
Pitchfork
The brainchild of Chicago (and perhaps the world's) most popular music blog, Pitchfork Festival consistently introduces stellar artists and reminds you of some that you forgot about. Somewhat affordable and perfect for twenty-somethings, you're bound to run into your local barista here, and will definitely get the Instagram of your dreams. Beach House, Sufjan Stevens, FKA Twigs and Miguel headline. More information at pitchforkmusicfestival.com.
Lakeshake Festival
Lakeshake Festival
Grab your boots and get ready to tailgate, because you're going to Lakeshake. The first festival in Chicago committed fully to country, Lakeshake is set to rebound from a rain plagued inaugural year. Lady Antebellum, Sam Hunt and Kacey Musgraves headline this weekend of drinking and dancing. More information at lakeshakefestival.com.
Taste of Randolph Street
Taste of Randolph Street
For just a suggested $10 daily donation to the West Loop Community Organization, you get access to a surprisingly good lineup and a long list of vendors and food trucks. Listen, we know it might not sound as exciting as Lollapalooza, but for a fraction of the price, we strongly recommend a visit. Plus, you're helping a good cause. Headliners include Atlas Genius, MS MR and Peter, Bjorn & John. More information at tasterandolph.com.
North Coast (or Spring Awakening)
North Coast (or Spring Awakening)
For our EDM-heads, we suggest North Coast. September means it will be slightly cooler, and the mix of EDM, hip hop and some other live acts will give you some variety. This year's lineup features Odesza, Bassnectar and Zedd as headliners, as well as Action Bronson, Ty Dolla $ign and Raury, and it's still growing. More information at northcoastfestival.com. And of course, we can't leave out Spring Awakening, which for the EDM purest arguably does have a stronger line up. Above and Beyond, Kaskade, Deadmau5 and more. www.springawakeningfestival.com for more info.
Mamby On The Beach
Mamby On The Beach
There is perhaps no cooler locale for a festival than a beach, and after a successful first year Mamby is back at it again. We don't know what the name means, but we're certain the killer lineup of Santigold, Chet Faker, Milky Chance and more will get you dancing. We rarely say this, but look into VIP also. It's surprisingly affordable, and has some pleasant perks. More at mambybeach.com.