Lollapalooza: More Inclusion And More Fun Times [Review]

Lollapalooza: More Inclusion And More Fun Times [Review]

By Jina Kelly – NewJeans by Roger Ho for Lollapalooza 2023

Lollapalooza returned to Chicago and returned in the best way possible! Never before has Lollapalooza featured such a wonderfully diverse lineup as this year and when you look at the crowds, it was evident that this change was well-received. Artists like Karol G and Tomorrow X Together became the first Latina and South Korean artists to headline at Lollapalooza. Additionally, there were many more nationalities and backgrounds represented this year as well.

As I walked around Grant Park on Thursday, there were two huge lines wrapped around Buckingham Fountain for Bunnyland, a new one-day pop-up that Lollapalooza introduced this year. Bunnyland was for the fans of NewJeans, a K-pop group that became famous primarily through TikTok. They have collaborated with brands like Coca-Cola, Powerpuff Girls, McDonald’s Korea, and many more. Then they performed on the T-Mobile stage with a large crowd, proving that Chicago loves K-Pop and clearly wants more. You can watch their full set right here!

Hendrick’s Gin Grand Garden Bar

I met with Liz and Emily of Hendricks Gin in their Grand Garden Bar, a beautifully designed space that immediately teleported festivalgoers into their world of delicious gin. The space included their Hendrick’s Trunk Bar and provided comfortable garden seating to relax and take in the flavors of their cocktails.

Hendrick’s Gin has been at Lollapalooza for several years, and they enjoy being part of it. They love sharing their specialty drinks and making new connections with their customers.

Hendricks Gin launched in 1999 by Master Distiller, Lesley Gracie. She made Hendricks Gins unique by infusing Bulgarian Rose Damascena and specially selected cucumbers.

The three signature drinks they offered for Lollapalooza fans were:

Cucumber Lemonade: Hendrick’s Gin, Fresh Lemon Juice, Fresh Cucumber Juice, Simple Syrup, Soda Water

Skylight Delight: Hendrick’s Gin, Fresh Lemon Juice, Blue Curaçao, Simple Syrup, Soda Water

Strawberry Sundance: Hendrick’s Flora Adora Gin, Fresh Lemon Juice, Strawberry & Vanilla Infused Syrup, Soda Water

I tried Strawberry Sundance, which was sweet and absolutely delicious! Along with their drink experience, they had surprise giveaways, a photo op, and gave a lovely Hendrick’s Gin towel to those who visited.

To learn more about Hendrick’s Gin, please visit their site at: https://www.hendricksgin.com/us/

Beyond The Music

The next several days, I enjoyed the many different things that Lollapalooza had to offer, including as many great live sets as I could catch. The Toyota Music Den returned again this year with more great music than you can shake a stick at (where did that saying come from anyway?).

Some great artists on their intimate stage were Umi, Usted Señalemelo, Rosa Linn, Sarah Kinsley, and Junior Mesa, who we interviewed, and you can listen to the interview here.

Another thing that the Toyota Music Den might be known for is always having great Lollapalooza bandanas. This year, they outdid themselves with their best-looking bandana yet!

Those who visited got shoe charms, bucket hats, and an awesome personalized pin with their photo.

Hulu had a two-story tiny house with the first floor for a photo op and interactive clue game to go upstairs to the lounge. The upstairs lounge has a silly mirror, a large tic-tac-toe game, and a big gumball machine that gave out prizes, disposable cameras, or sunglasses.

Halsey’s makeup line returned this year, the About-Face Beauty Stop. She had her makeup mini-building where Lollapalooza patrons sampled her makeup and get their makeup professionally applied. They had to scan a QR Code to receive a 15% off coupon to buy her makeup at retail stores, but it was well worth it.

Coca-Cola had a place where fans could make their own music, called Coke Studio. Their mini-building was behind Chowtown and the Bacardi stage. Some of the activities they offered included transforming patrons into musicians, allowing them to create album artwork and music videos, and so much more!

Dessert Island, new to Lollapalooza this year, was located behind Coca-Cola’s mini-two-story building, in a single row with a field of picnic tables to eat one of the delicious desserts available. It was perfect for Thursday and Friday with the hot temperatures.

Liquid Death Country Club returned, and this year they brought a tarot card reader with their future fun readings. With the hot temperatures on Thursday and Friday, patrons had a cool-down lounge where they could sell their soul and become a member.

Dunkin Donut Den offered Lollapalooza patrons Blueberry, Vietnamese, and Pecan drinks with a couple of donut holes. Fans relaxed on their deck area that overlooked Buckingham Fountain with the Chicago skyline in the background. On the first floor, they had a makeup/hair area, a picture area, and a dance area, where you can win sunglasses or Dunkin clear fanny packs.

All the live performances I saw were incredible and I love that Lollapalooza continues to open more doors for artists and fans alike. This was the best Lollapalooza yet and it is only going to keep getting better!

Read more reviews here!

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