Lollapalooza to Operate at Full Capacity in Chicago

Major gatherings such as music festivals were among the first casualties when the pandemic began. A large crowd of enthusiastic fans, many bare-chested, doesn’t quite fit well with general health and safety guidelines. Even as cases decrease and vaccinations rise, certain events, like the recently axed Burning Man, are still cautious about fully embracing festivities. Yet, other events are determined to push ahead, and one of those events is the iconic music festival, Lollapalooza.

As stated by Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, the Lollapalooza music festival is not only scheduled to go ahead this summer, but it will happen without restrictions. No distancing, no face coverings, just music, and they’ve already secured an impressive lineup of artists: Foo Fighters, Post Malone, Tyler, the Creator, and Miley Cyrus.

“In Chicago, the name ‘Lollapalooza’ has always been synonymous with summer, exceptional music, and four days of unforgettable enjoyment – which is what made the decision to postpone it last year even more challenging,” Lightfoot expressed in a statement. “Now, less than twelve months later and armed with a safe, effective, and widely available vaccine, we are bringing back one of our city’s most iconic summer music festivals.”

It’s official. @Lollapalooza is back.

In accordance with our public health directives, this world-class festival is making a return to the city later this summer. However, full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result will be mandatory to partake in the festivities.

Get vaccinated. #OpenChicago pic.twitter.com/yQCSyYJQiz

— Mayor Lori Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) May 18, 2021

It should be noted, however, that while the event will retain its high-energy atmosphere and carefree spirit, there is one non-negotiable requirement from the organizers: vaccination. Anyone wishing to attend the festival must be fully vaccinated or provide solid evidence of a recent negative COVID-19 test. Without proof of compliance, entry will be denied, without exception.

“Hey Chicago! I’ll be joining you this summer with my buddies, the Foo Fighters,” frontman Dave Grohl exclaimed in a promotional video for the festival.

Lollapalooza 2021 is scheduled to take place from July 29 to August 1. If you somehow still needed motivation to get vaccinated (besides, well, the obvious one), I can’t think of a better reason.