Lollapalooza 2008: The World’s Most Eclectic Music Festival Returns To Chicago

The Windy City of Chicago will once again host Lollapalooza, a three-day music festival that will take place August 1 to 3 in Grant Park. This year’s lineup will feature 130 musical acts on nine different stages, including:

Radiohead
Rage Against the Machine
Nine Inch Nails
Kanye West
Wilco
The Raconteurs
Love and Rockets
Gnarls Barkley
Bloc Party
The Black Keys
Lupe Fiasco
The National
G. Love & Special Sauce
Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings
Broken Social Scene
Flogging Molly
Mark Ronson
Cat Power
Explosions in the Sky
Brand New
Gogol Bordello
Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks
Dierks Bentley
Okkervil River
Amadou & Mariam
Blues Traveler
John Butler Trio

Passes for the three-day festival range in price from $175 to $205 and are available on a first-come, first serve basis at http://lollapalooza.com

The festival isn’t just for adult music lovers--there’s plenty of all-ages fun to be had at Kidzapalooza, which features a variety of activities to keep kids and teenagers entertained. In addition to family-friendly music acts, expect to find music workshops, a petting zoo, a dance floor, video game tournaments, and much more.

Lollapalooza is a general admission event, so get there early and claim your spot in the park. But if you’d prefer to be treated like a V.I.P., you have two options: first is to join the Lolla Lounge. As a member, you’ll receive drinks, buffet lunches and dinners, soothing mini-spa treatments, air-conditioned restrooms and comfortable lounge seating. Best of all, each lounge has an elevated platform for an unobstructed view of the stage. Three-day LollaLounge passes sell for $850 each.

You may also purchase your own private Lollapolooza cabana--it’s the ultimate way to experience the show! You’ll have your own exclusive platform, with personal servers and climate-controlled comfort stations. For more information, visit the Lollapalooza site.

Lollapalooza Detours

While you’re in town for the festival, why not enjoy the rest of what Grant Park and downtown Chicago has to offer? Add these destinations to your must-do list:

SHOP

Magnificent Mile

The Magnificent Mile, a long stretch of Michigan Avenue, is known by several names--Mag Mile and Miracle Mile among them. Famous for its shopping and its picturesque, wide sidewalks, Michigan Avenue is a shopper’s paradise. This is where you’ll find all of the major department stores (Nordstrom’s, Neiman Marcus, Saks) designer boutiques (Chanel, Louis Vuitton) and dozens of specialty stores. If you get the chance, look to stay in a Magnificent Mile hotel (Michigan Ave. Chicago Hotel)

Wicker Park/Bucktown

If you’re looking for fashion’s next big thing, head on over to this edgy neighborhood located where Milwaukee, Damen and North Avenues intersect for the latest creations by up-and-coming designers and smaller labels that are sure to help you stand out in a crowd. Not to be missed: Phoebe 45 for women’s clothing and Apartment Number 9 for Men.

STROLL

Navy Pier
600 E Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 595-7437

A fifty-acre park complex on a boardwalk extending into Lake Michigan, Navy Pier offers a wide variety of entertainment and dining options, including boat cruises fireworks every Wednesday night from Memorial Day through Labor Day. If you have the time, be sure ride the 150-foot tall Ferris Wheel and enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and city skyline.

Grant Park

Downtown Chicago, between Michigan Avenue and Lake Michigan

Beyond the Lollapalooza staging area lies a lovely stretch of waterfront paths and cultural attractions, including the Shedd Aquarium, The Museum of Science and Industry, and The Art Institute of Chicago. Don’t miss the breathtaking Buckingham Fountain and Cloud Gate, a large, reflective sculpture that is also known as “The Bean”.

DINE

David Burke’s Primehouse
616 North Rush at Ontario
Phone: 312.660.6000

Chicago is a city known for its steakhouses, and Primehouse is arguably one of the best. Conveniently located in a N. Rush St. downtown Chicago luxury hotel, the menu features a mouth-watering selection of meats that are dry-aged right on the premises. Save room for dessert--the Kickin Doughnuts and the Chocolate Cake and Fudge with Graham Chip Ice Cream are not to be missed!

Garrett’s Popcorn

670 N Michigan Ave and four other Chicago locations

These local institutions tend to have long lines out front--and when you get inside and taste their irresistible popcorn, you’ll know why! Founded in 1949, Garrett’s is known for their Caramel Crisp and Cheese Corn varieties. Can’t decide? Get the Downtown Mix and enjoy the best of everything.