Lollapalooza 2021 came to a close on Sunday, August 1st—sending attendees off with a bang. Aftershows played long into the night, echoing the cries of Lolla fans dancing happily to the beat of their favorite live music. The festival seemingly went off without a hitch, their social media boasting of a sunny Chicago weekend spent in Grant Park.
Despite a problematic performer switch, artists and viewers alike have expressed nothing but appreciation for this iconic Chicago music festival. Young Thug took the stage over DaBaby as a result of his homophobic comments made on stage at Rolling Loud, “Lollapalooza was founded on diversity, inclusivity, respect, and love.” Lolla posted, “With that in mind, DaBaby will no longer be performing at Grant Park tonight.” There was a backlash, of course, but too bad so sad—no homophobia allowed.
We can all do better. Fellow Lollapalooza performer Miley Cyrus took to Instagram to point out the importance of knowledge, communication, and education—in place of cancellation. Take this opportunity to improve your own understanding of the LGBTQIA+ community, and continue to encourage love and acceptance as you step away from this article. No homophobia allowed, but no quick judgments allowed either.
After last year, and with fall festivals fast approaching, I’m looking to Lollapalooza to set the tone for live music and future gatherings of this size. On Saturday, Lolla announced the importance of wearing masks indoors, “#Lolla fans, don’t forget that masks must be worn in all indoor spaces at Grant Park starting today.” they said on Twitter, reminding fans to bring a mask along with their proof of vaccination/negative test result. This came as a result of Friday’s CDC guidelines recommending masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status.
“Based on the latest advice from the Chicago Department of Public Health, Lollapalooza will require masks in any indoor spaces at Grant Park beginning Saturday. We encourage all fans attending the festival to bring a mask as they attend the final two days of the festival.” –Lolla’s Twitter account
For virtual festival attendees, Lollapalooza partnered with Hulu to bring fans an opportunity to watch at home. All weekend long, anyone craving a concert ticket could tune in and stream Lollapalooza from their couch, bed, wherever. This is one pandemic-festival-feature that should certainly stick around for years to come. Last year’s virtual Lollapalooza brightened a live-music-lacking summer for concert goers everywhere; why get rid of it?
Even though the Hulu livestreams are over, those who missed the festival this year can still catch exclusive interviews and highlights via Lollapalooza Radio (through 8/4).
As September now approaches, events like Bonnaroo and Firefly Music Festival are on the horizon and taking steps to ensure a safe festival experience. Much like Lollapalooza imposing mask regulations in accordance with the CDC, these fall 2021 festivals are monitoring guidelines and updating ticket holders with the most current information. Lolla required proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test. Keep these types of safety measures in your mind as your chosen festival approaches. Get vaccinated, and bring plenty of masks (you don’t want to be sweating in the same face covering for four straight days).
Bonnaroo:
“As we approach Bonnaroo weekend (September 2-5, 2021), we will continue to update Bonnaroovians with the important information needed to plan your trip to The Farm, including any changes to policies and procedures you need to know before entering the festival and campgrounds… We have taken enhanced health and safety measures for you, our artists and employees. You must follow all posted instructions while attending Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival.” –Bonnaroo website
Bonnaroo has also experienced some scheduling issues as September 2nd creeps closer. Several artists have been removed from the lineup and replaced with others. Lana Del Rey, Janelle Monáe, and King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard will no longer be performing; however, Khruangbin and RÜFÜS DU SOL have already been added and will be joining roovians on The Farm. Keep an eye out for any more cancellations and schedule shuffles. This year still isn’t perfect (as if any year could be called “perfect” anyway), but tickets are sold out and fans are excited. Will I see you on The Farm?
Firefly Music Festival:
“It’s too early to tell exactly what precautions will be in place at the festival. However, your health and safety remain our top priority, and we continue to monitor the evolving health regulations and are working closely with state and health officials to develop COVID-19 protocols for the festival. We will follow all COVID-19 related mandates applicable to the festival and will provide more information as the festival approaches so you know what to expect.” –Firefly website
Firefly isn’t sold out yet. Click here to snag your tickets for the fall!
