After years of being able to haul around a portable convenience store of sunscreen, sweatshirts, water bottles and ponchos at Lollapalooza, new restrictions will force attendees to carefully consider what they're bringing into the fest. This year, conventional backpacks are no longer welcome in Grant Park—yes, that includes the fancy new Fjallraven bag you just picked up.
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Any backpack or bag with multiple pockets that is larger than 14 inches by 11 inches by 5 inches will not be allowed inside of the festival this year, according to restrictions posted on Lollapalooza's website. The new policy is part of a larger security overhaul that was spurred in part by the tragic shooting at a country music festival in Las Vegas last summer.
If you must bring a bag to Lollapalooza, make sure that it's a single-pocket drawstring bag that conforms to the festival's size requirements. Attendees will also be able to bring in empty hydration packs as well as small purses and fanny packs. As usual, all bags will be screened and searched at the festival's gates—there will be a separate express line for anyone without a bag, which means you might get into Grant Park a bit faster if you're able to travel light (or willing to buy festival essentials like sunscreen and ponchos from Lolla's bodegas).
Take a look at Lollapalooza's official bag policy below and make sure to plan accordingly, unless you're willing to part ways with your trusty backpack.
Illustration: Courtesy Lollapalooza