Chicago’s Grant Park came alive once again as the 34th annual Lollapalooza Music Festival drew over 115,000 attendees each day for four unforgettable days of music. With a genre-spanning lineup featuring Olivia Rodrigo’s debut, Korn’s long-awaited return, and Luke Combs making history as the festival’s first country closer, Lollapalooza 2025 proved its continued commitment to musical diversity. Beyond the eight stages and 170+ artists, the festival embraced its role as a citywide experience by offering family-friendly zones, numerous brand activations, and local food that showcased Chicago’s spirit. From rising stars like Wasia Project to global icons like Tyler, The Creator and Twice, Lollapalooza once again reminded us why it remains one of the world’s most iconic music festivals.
Check out our Lollapalooza Aftershow coverage of Fujii Kaze, and our interviews with Joey Valence & Brae, Jade LeMac, half•alive, and Caroline Kingsbury!
THURSDAY
LA-based wildcards ALEXSUCKS are the latest in a long lineage of future stars who’ve graced the BMI stage early in their careers, joining the ranks of Lady Gaga, Chance the Rapper, and Halsey, among others. Unpredictable and unapologetic, ALEXSUCKS is redefining modern rock with a sound that’s equal parts garage grit and dance-punk. Their lyrics are catchy, their energy infectious, and their aesthetic – pure chaos with a wink. The band, made up of frontman Alex Alvarez, guitarist John Luther, drummer Jonny Ransom, and bassist Garrett Orseno (aka DJ Topgun), exploded onto the LA scene in 2023 with their debut album The Gutter, of which the band performed the title track and their hit “6 Pack and Cigarettes.” Alvarez embraced his inner rockstar and commanded the stage with magnetic presence and relentless energy as the band played “Talk to You,” “What’re We Doing Here,” the fiery “Worm in the Sun,” and their newest single “Flowers & Dirt.”
American hardcore punk band Sunami delivered a high-energy, aggressive performance that stood out among a lineup of artists with vastly different sounds. Known for their raw intensity and roots in the San Jose hardcore punk/death metal scene, Sunami brought hard-hitting music and fierce vocals that energized the Lolla crowd. Originally formed in 2019 as a parody project, the group has since built a loyal fanbase online and across the hardcore community. Notable highlights from their set included moshing and massive circle pits forming during many of their tracks, crowd surfing, and frontman Josef Alfonso’s straightforward yet humorous commentary throughout. Acknowledging their unique presence at the festival, Josef expressed his gratitude: “It’s a pleasure to be here, to be a part of this [festival]. Lollapalooza is filled with artists that don’t sound anything like us, so thank you for coming to check us out. Thank you for your time!” Sunami’s performance was an explosion of energy that challenged the festival’s sonic norms and undoubtedly left a lasting impression on their large audience at The Grove stage.
Magdalena Bay, the Los Angeles-by-way-of-Miami electro-pop duo of Mica Tenenbaum and Matthew Lewin, have evolved from a high school prog rock band into one of alt-pop’s most captivating acts. The duo is currently on the Imaginal Mystery tour, of which their Lollapalooza performance is part of. Their set was a fully realized show blending ethereal visuals with retro-futuristic soundscapes, highlighted by Tenenbaum’s twinkling vocals and surreal costume changes – from a blue jumpsuit to a red planetary dress to angel wings. The band’s dreamy aesthetic was brought to life through their setlist that included the introspective “She Looked Like Me!” to the haunting “Vampire in the Corner,” and the euphoric “Love Is Everywhere” before closing with “The Ballad of Matt & Mica” and “The Beginning.”
Korean rock band Xdinary Heroes brought serious heat to Lollapalooza 2025, headlining The Grove stage on Thursday night with a dynamic performance that blended K-idol flair with fun, gritty rock. Known for their impressive instrumental skills as well as crafting their own music, the six-member group – composed of Gun-il, Jungsu, Gaon, O.de, Jun Han, and Jooyeon – delivered a performance that rocked harder than expected. The band attracted a sizable crowd of loyal fans, known as Villains, who arrived with lightsticks and posters in hand, ready to show support for the group’s first Lolla appearance. Xdinary Heroes treated festival attendees to a diverse selection of songs that spanned much of their discography, opening with the explosive “FIGHT ME,” and including fan favorites like “Freakin’ Bad” and “Good Enough.” Each song was complemented by striking graphics, fog effects, and vibrant lighting that matched their intense sound. With the recent release of their English-language single “<FiRE (My Sweet Misery)>” and currently in the middle of their <Beautiful Mind> World Tour, Xdinary Heroes’ Lolla debut showed exactly why they’re a standout in the K-rock scene.
FRIDAY
Under the warm afternoon sun, rising artist Zinadelphia lit up The Grove stage at Lollapalooza with her soulful, vintage-inspired set. Blending jazz, funk, and folk, the Philadelphia-based singer and guitarist featured a mix of new and older songs, including her latest single “The Seamstress,” tracks from her last EP, The Magazine, and earlier favorites like “Mirrorball” and “Cosmos.” Between songs, she reflected on the moment, telling fans, “Playing Lollapalooza was definitely bucket list,” and, “If this is as far as I’ll ever come, this would be enough. Thank you, Lolla!” The audience responded warmly, clearly moved by her sincerity. Notably, Zinadelphia performed three sets in one day – at The Grove stage, an intimate performance at the Bud Light Backyard, and finally a Lolla Aftershow at Lincoln Hall with Mark Ambor. She later referred to it as “the best day of her life” on social media. With her genre-blending sound, retro style, and fast-growing fanbase across social platforms, Zinadelphia’s Lollapalooza debut marked a powerful step in her rising career.
The Dare delivered one of Lollapalooza’s most electrifying performances with a high-energy set that felt more like an underground NYC party than a typical festival slot. Backed by a wall of pulsating strobe lights and an effortlessly cool stage presence, he performed several tracks from his debut album, What’s Wrong With New York?, along with a few singles, including his breakout hit, “Girls.” Blending indie sleaze, pop, rock, and electro, The Dare brought the chaotic glamour he’s known for in NYC’s DJ nightlife scene to the daytime festival crowd. His performance felt like a throwback to the grungy, genre-mashing spirit of the early 2000s indie scene, but with a sharp, modern vibe. Additionally, he created one of the weekend’s most memorable moments by making a surprising appearance as “Sally” for “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out” during ROLE MODEL’s Thursday afternoon set. His high-octane performance lit up The Grove stage and showcased why he’s quickly becoming one of indie-pop’s most exciting acts.
During golden hour at the largest Lollapalooza stage, Djo, the musical project of actor, producer, and songwriter Joe Keery (best known for his breakout role as Steve Harrington in Stranger Things), transformed the sprawling festival grounds into a celebration of his roots, his evolution, and his enduring connection to Chicago. A Massachusetts native and 2014 DePaul University alum, Keery began making music as a teenager and later joined the psych-rock band Post Animal during his college years in Chicago. Backed by a seven-piece band and a giant silver balloon behind them (shaped like the beloved Chicago “Cloud Gate” sculpture – fondly known as “the bean”); Keery blended psych-rock and introspective pop from his albums Twenty Twenty and DECIDE, with highlights like “Gloom,” “Charlie’s Garden” (featuring a pre-recorded message from co-star Charlie Heaton), and “End of Beginning” where a montage of self-shot footage from his formative Chicago years played behind him. The set closed with “Back on You,” featuring a live choral performance from Uniting Voices Chicago (formerly Chicago Children’s Choir).
At just 22, Olivia Rodrigo made her Lollapalooza debut as the second youngest headliner in the festival’s history – trailing only Billie Eilish, who claimed the title in 2023 at age 20. After starting her career on Disney Channel with roles in Bizaardvark and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Rodrigo became a global sensation with her 2021 debut single “drivers license,” followed by the critically acclaimed albums SOUR and GUTS. Her nearly hour-and-a-half set featured a dazzling silver two-piece ensemble, and hit after hit like “vampire,” “traitor,” and “jealousy, jealousy” backed by an all-female band. Rodrigo showed she is more than a singer/songwriter as she showcased her multi-instrumentalist talents on guitar and piano during several songs. Continuing her streak of on-stage surprise collaborations, alt-rock legends Weezer joined her onstage for their tracks “Buddy Holly” and “Say It Ain’t So,” adding to a festival season that’s already included appearances with David Byrne at Governor’s Ball and Robert Smith at Glastonbury. Rodrigo’s set showed raw emotion, musical versatility, and fearless star power, ending with a four-song encore of her biggest hits including “brutal” and “good 4 u.”
SATURDAY
Wasia Project delivered a concise yet dynamic set at Lollapalooza, captivating the crowd with smooth, emotive vocals and a strong sense of connection throughout the performance. Fans were especially excited to hear favorites like “ur so pretty” and “Somebody Come Through” live, while the final song, “impossible,” sparked a joyful moment as the duo led a fun crouch-and-jump sequence to close out the performance, further uniting the Lolla audience. The performance showcased the duo’s genre-blending artistry – merging indie pop, jazz, shoegaze, and disco influences with their classical training and a global musical perspective. The band, formed by siblings William Gao and Olivia Hardy, continues to carve their own path across the alt-pop landscape, bringing both the technical polish and emotional depth of their music to the stage. Wasia Project’s Lollapalooza performance marks another milestone in their rising trajectory, following sold-out tours and the 2024 release of their acclaimed EP, Isotope.
Ten years after her Lollapalooza debut, MARINA – formerly Marina and the Diamonds – returned with a powerful set centered around her sixth studio album, Princess of Power, released in June of this year. Known for her eclectic sound and sharp lyrics, the Welsh singer delivered a glittering dance party filled with introspective moments, irresistible hooks, and soaring vocals. The set was a celebration of self-confidence and vulnerability, with tracks like “I Am Not a Robot,” an ode to emotional honesty, and “Are You Satisfied?” a yearning cry for something more. She performed fan favorites like “Primadonna,” and “Bubblegum Bitch,” alongside new tracks like “EVERYBODY KNOWS I’M SAD” and the fiery anthem “CUNTISSIMO.” With commanding stage presence and a devoted crowd singing along, MARINA proved that while mainstream U.S. success may have eluded her, her reign as a cult-favorite pop queen is stronger than ever.
Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso, the Argentine duo made up of childhood friends Catriel Guerreiro and Ulises Guerriero, have become global trailblazers with their bold fusion of hip-hop, Latin pop, fusion jazz, and house rock. Their high energy Lollapalooza debut featured a live band and tracks from their album Baño María which catapulted them into international recognition, along with a viral NPR Tiny Desk Concert. The video screen projecting the live stage performance for fest-goers farther away featured subtitles for most tracks, making it easy for non-Spanish speakers to follow the song’s stories. Their setlist was a rollercoaster of moods and styles, from the swaggering “Baby Gangsta” to the satirical “#Tetas,” and the genre-hopping “Viuda negra / SHIPEA2,” while tracks “McFly,” and “Todo el día” showcased their individual artistry.
Damiano David’s journey from the streets of Rome to international stardom is nothing short of extraordinary. As the charismatic frontman of Måneskin, he led the first Italian band to break on a truly global scale, earning critical acclaim for his powerful vocals and electrifying stage presence. His debut as a solo artist, Funny Little Fears (released in May) finds the singer-songwriter stepping away from the roaring stadiums of Måneskin and into the intimate corridors of his own psyche. Fans cheered him on at The Grove stage where his setlist reflected his introspective spirit, featuring originals like “Zombie Lady,” “Solitude (No One Understands Me),” and “Born With a Broken Heart,” alongside emotionally charged covers of Mark Ronson’s “Nothing Breaks Like a Heart” and Hozier’s “Too Sweet.”
SUNDAY
California-based indie rock band Benches – formerly Ignant Benches – have emerged as one of the most compelling acts in the genre’s new wave. Formed in 2014 when lead singer Anson Kelley was still in middle school, the group has evolved through multiple iterations to become a polished quartet featuring Kelley (vocals/guitar), Ethan Bowers (drums), Evan Ojeda (lead guitar), and Charlie Baird (bass). Their sound blends the grandeur of ’90s Britpop with the raw edge of 2000s New York rock, culminating in a self-proclaimed sub-genre they call “Bench-Rock” – a fluid, ever-changing musical identity that reflects their refusal to be boxed in. Their performance on the BMI Stage at Lollapalooza marks a major milestone. Known as a launchpad for future stars, the BMI Stage has hosted early-career sets from artists like Lady Gaga, Cage the Elephant, Chance The Rapper, and Halsey. Benches now join that storied roster, signaling their potential to break into mainstream success. Their latest EP, Kill The Lights, released in May, features standout tracks like “Naive,” “Orchid,” and “Reach,” of which they performed for the crowd, as well as other tracks including “LA Friends,” “Queen Of Hearts,” “Violent,” and “Monodrama.”
Katseye delivered a show-stopping performance at Lollapalooza on Sunday, marking their first-ever major festival appearance. Performing in front of an estimated 85,000 fans, the six-member global pop group – consisting of Daniela, Lara, Manon, Megan, Sophia, and Yoonchae – brought the heat with an electrifying mid-afternoon set that quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the weekend. Fresh off the July release of their second EP, BEAUTIFUL CHAOS, and with their highly-anticipated headlining tour set for fall, Katseye had plenty to celebrate with the Lollapalooza crowd. Throughout the performance, each member shared heartfelt messages with the audience, highlighting the surreal moment they would all remember forever, and encouraging everyone to keep pursuing their dreams. Katseye’s setlist included several never performed live tracks, including “Gameboy,” “M.I.A,” and “Gabriela,” which featured a standout Latin-inspired dance break, further showcasing the group’s exceptional performance and choreography skills. Crowd favorite, “Gnarly,” closed out their explosive set, leaving fans feeling hyped under the hot afternoon sun. Overall, Katseye’s Lollapalooza debut wasn’t just a memorable festival experience – it was a defining moment in their musical careers.
Joey Valence & Brae lit up The Grove stage during their explosive afternoon set at Lollapalooza, turning the festival grounds into a full-blown party. From the first beat, the duo had the crowd jumping, dancing, and even running in circles – literally, with a huge circle pit so infectious that even the cameraman joined in. Delivering their signature mix of high-energy, alternative hip-hop infused sound, JVB fed off the audience’s energy with a relentless setlist. They teased new tracks from their upcoming album, HYPERYOUTH, and received an enormous reaction to their latest single “WASSUP,” a bold collaboration with JPEGMAFIA. Their blend of punk, drum and bass, and nostalgic 90s/2000s hip-hop kept bodies moving and spirits high. Between tracks, JVB reminded the crowd why they came: “Don’t be afraid to dance, that’s the number one thing. Be your fucking self when you come here; nobody’s judging you. And if they are, fuck ‘em. They literally don’t matter at all!” Their authenticity during these moments seemed to resonate with the audience just as much as their beats did. The set concluded with the jungle bass-infused track “Napalm,” capped off by a final chant of “JVB suckas!” blasting through the speakers, leaving fans reeling from the duo’s unwavering energy and positive vibes. Now veterans of the Lolla stage, Joey Valence & Brae have shown that their DIY beginnings and genre-blending sound have evolved into something even bolder. With HYPERYOUTH on the way, fans can keep the party going well beyond the festival weekend.
The Marías, a psychedelic-soul band from Los Angeles, delivered an unforgettable performance on Sunday, mesmerizing a massive crowd at the Bud Light stage with the stunning Chicago sunset as their backdrop. Supported by a full band – including brass instruments, which added another layer to their already unique sound – the group played a variety of songs from across their discography, such as “Real Life,” “Hush,” “Nobody New,” “Cariño,” and “Back to Me.” Each track showcased their distinct blend of indie pop, creating a enchanting atmosphere that had the crowd in a state of reverie. Frontwoman María Zardoya, known for her compelling stage presence, captivated the audience with her hypnotic voice as she seemingly floated around the stage in a flowing white ensemble. Between songs she addressed fans in Spanish, encouraged everyone to dance, and even treated festival attendees to a cover of The Cardigans’ “Lovefool.” As the set neared its end, Zardoya descended from the stage to greet fans at the barrier, holding out the mic for a few to sing along before she closed out the night with a heartfelt thank-you. For many, The Marías’ performance was a highlight of the weekend, leaving fans awestruck by the emotional depth and intimacy of the show. Their blend of sultry rhythms, dreamy vocals, and ethereal soundscapes has earned the band a devoted following; with their recent festival appearances and current submarine tour (extended), The Marías are quickly solidifying their place as one of the most alluring acts in contemporary indie music.
FINAL THOUGHTS
For one week, Chicago doesn’t just host Lollapalooza – it becomes Lollapalooza. The festival’s wristband isn’t just your ticket to the park; it’s your passport to the city. Museums offer special deals, local coffee shops whip up Olivia Rodrigo–inspired purple drinks, and Aftershows spill into venues all across town. Inside the festival gates, the activations are as much a draw as the headliners. American Apparel offers exclusive merch and customization stations, Coca-Cola’s Roller Ring serves up cold sodas and retro vibes, and Liquid I.V. keeps the crowd hydrated with DJs and free electrolytes.
While the main stages are full of energy, hidden gems like the Bud Light Backyard, Bonus Tracks, and Toyota Music Den offer intimate performances that feel personal and raw. And when hunger strikes, Lolla delivers: from local and global cuisine to the whimsical Dessert Island, where every imaginable treat awaits, the food scene is a festival in itself.
This year’s weather was nothing short of perfect – sunny skies, highs in the low 80s, and not a drop of rain. But the beauty came with a caveat; smoke from Canadian wildfires drifted into the city, prompting officials to issue an air quality alert and advise attendees to “take it easy” all weekend. On Thursday, Chicago’s air quality was unfortunately rated the worst in the world, however, this did nothing to deter the crowds.
Lollapalooza is proof that a music festival can be more than a lineup. It can be a citywide celebration, a platform for discovery, and a canvas for creativity. It’s no longer just about who’s playing – it’s about how the experience plays out across every corner of Chicago. And with no shortage of things to do, see, eat, and feel, Lolla continues to redefine what it means to gather, celebrate, and connect through music.
Check out more festival portraits below:
Photo credits in captions // Portraits by Ann Storlie
Words by Ann Storlie and Sarah Peter
Keep Up With Lollapalooza: Website // Instagram // Facebook // YouTube
