CHICAGO — Here's everything you need to know before heading to Lollapalooza.
The big summer music festival, now in its 25th year, is returning to Grant Park on Thursday. Lolla is expanding to four days this year to celebrate, with headliners including Radiohead, LCD Soundsystem, Lana Del Rey, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
RELATED: Lollapalooza 2016 Lineup Revealed: Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers & More
Per usual, there will be a lot going on once the festivities begin. Here's how to navigate:
Reporter Dave Matthews reports from the opening hours of Lolla:
What are the hours?
Shows will last from noon to 10 p.m. Thursday through Sunday across eight stages in the spacious Downtown park.
Can I still get tickets?
General admission tickets are sold out, but VIP passes ranging from $650 a day to $2,200 all weekend are still available.
There will be plenty of scalpers out and about Downtown, too. Tickets are being resold on websites such as StubHub from $120 (face value) for Sunday to $315 for a four-day pass. Here's how to avoid getting scammed (no Craigslist, you guys).
Do you have a map?
You bet we have a map (thanks, Lolla).
Who's playing?
The festival has a nice, sortable lineup on its website.
How do I get in?
The masses will enter off Monroe Street or Congress Parkway, while VIPs can use Balbo Avenue.
There will be an express lane for people without bags, and festival goers can leave and re-enter Lolla up to three times after initial entry.
What can I bring?
• Baby Strollers
• Backpacks (Standard school sized. No frames or camping gear)
• Binoculars
• Blankets, Sheets, Towels
• "Non-professional" cameras without detachable lenses
• Empty CamelBak water bottles and hydration packs
• Handheld umbrellas that are less than 42 inches wide when open
• Up to two factory-sealed bottles of water
What can't I bring?
• Aerosol containers, including sunscreen and other products
• Any and all professional audio recording equipment
• Professional cameras and professional recording equipment
• No video recording will be allowed
• Drones
• Coolers
• Framed, camping backpacks
• Hammocks
• Glass and metal containers of any kind
• Illegal and Illicit substances of any kind
• Outside food or beverages
• Pets (except service animals)
• Professional radios or walkie-talkies
• Selfie sticks :(
• Skateboards, scooters, bicycles, wagons, carts or any personal motorized vehicles
• Tents, canopies, or "shade structures of any kind"
• Unauthorized/unlicensed vendors are not allowed
• Weapons, explosives
• Fireworks
• Large chains or spiked jewelry
• Bicycles inside festival grounds (free parking is available near festival entrance)
• Carts
• Chairs, inflatable furniture
Where can I park my car/bike?
Bicycle parking is available near the festival entrances (Michigan/Congress; Monroe/Columbus).
People can park their cars at any of the Grant or Millennium park garages for $35 a day. Parking apps including SpotHero and ParkWhiz are also offering specials.
Activate my wristband? Is this the future?
Activating your wristband will not only protect you from ticket theft, but also allow you to sign up for the Lolla Cashless service linking to your credit card at no extra charge.
What can I eat?
"Chow Town" markets at the north and south ends of the festival will feature local fare from Lou Malnati's, Rainbow Cone, and others. Here's the full list of participating restaurants.
For the first time, Lolla is also setting up "bodegas" with healthier options including fresh fruit and granola bars.
What else?
There will be an art market and various stands from corporate sponsors.
Will cell phone service be terrible?
Maybe. But AT&T will bring two "Cell-On-Wheels," or giant mobile antenna that the company says can handle up to 19 million social posts with pictures. Last year's data usage was more than double 2014 figures, and AT&T predicts things like Pokémon Go and Facebook Live will drive that figure further north.
Other cell providers could not be reached for comment.
The city has also set up special pole markers throughout the festival grounds to help people find lost friends.
Rain is in the forecast. What happens if it rains?
Run! To the nearest garage, where Lolla is setting up rain shelters. The festival will make stage announcements, post on social media, and send push notifications through its mobile app about inclement weather.
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