Every summer, thousands of music lovers flood Grant Park in Chicago for Lollapalooza, for one of the biggest and most iconic music festivals in the world. Featuring a diverse lineup of artists spanning across multiple genres, the four-day event promises unforgettable performances, Instagram-worthy moments, and an atmosphere of pure festival magic.

With the recent announcement of the 2025 Lollapalooza lineup, I wanted to talk about my experience going to Lolla and answer the question: Is Lollapalooza really worth it?

Lollapalooza’s lineup features major headliners alongside up-and-coming artists. Whether you’re a fan of hip-hop, rock, pop, or electronic music, there’s something for everyone. As someone with a diverse music taste, I found that they had a good range of artists for my liking.

Beyond the music, the atmosphere itself is electric. The energy of the crowd singing along to a favorite song, the excitement of discovering a new artist, and the stunning backdrop of the Chicago skyline make Lolla feel like more than just a concert—it’s a cultural event.

While Lollapalooza delivers an unforgettable experience, it also comes with significant downsides.

General admission tickets for all four days can cost upwards of $400, and that’s before considering travel, accommodations, and overpriced food and drinks. VIP passes offer perks like shaded lounges and better viewing areas, but they come with an even heftier price tag.

Then there’s the crowd factor. With over 100,000 attendees per day, navigating the festival grounds can feel overwhelming. Long lines for food, packed restroom areas, and the struggle to get a good view of a popular artist can dampen the experience.

Safety is another concern—large crowds bring an increased risk of pickpocketing, dehydration, and even medical emergencies.

If you don’t like crowds, I would not recommend going to Lolla. As someone who hates crowds and tight spaces, Lollapalooza was very anxiety inducing.

I also recommend investing in a hydro pack and a fanny pack. Hydro packs are a much better alternative to buying water at the festival and much more cost effective. A fanny pack is good for keeping your belongings close to you to help avoid pick-pocketers.

Ultimately, whether Lollapalooza is worth it depends on what you’re looking for. If you love live music, thrive in high-energy environments, and don’t mind shelling out some serious cash, Lolla can be an amazing experience.

But if you’re someone who dislikes large crowds, hates waiting in line, or prefers a more relaxed concert setting, you might be better off spending your money on individual concerts where you can get a closer, more personal experience with your favorite artists.

For many, Lollapalooza is a bucket-list event, an unforgettable weekend of music and memories. For others, it’s an overpriced, overcrowded headache.

As someone who has been to Lollapalooza, I think ultimately it depends on the lineup and how much you’re willing to spend. I hate large crowds of people and it can be extremely stressful but the experience is unforgettable.