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Lollapalooza is exactly a week away and in the face of Chicago's (and the nation's) rising COVID-19 case numbers, the Grant Park festival is moving forward at full capacity, welcoming as many as 100,000 attendees to the event every day. Over the course of the four-day fest, you'll be able to catch headlining sets from the likes of the Foo Fighters and Miley Cyrus, eat slices of Connie's Pizza in Chow Town and visit activations presented by brands like Bumble and Grubhub. But before you start roaming the park, you'll need to get through security at the gates—and that process has changed significantly this year, according to the latest Lollapalooza entry protocols.
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To comply with the City of Chicago's requirements, you'll need to be fully vaccinated or present results from a negative COVID-19 test (taken within 72 hours of entrance) in order to attend Lollapalooza this year. But while many recent events in the city have accepted a photo of your vaccination card, Lolla is requiring that you present a "printed copy of of your Vaccine Card, Vaccine Record, or Negative COVID-19 test." That photo on your phone you've been flashing isn't going to cut it—you should probably track down a photocopier, because taking your original vaccination card to Grant Park seems like a great way for it to end up drenched in Bud Light or lost in an especially enthusiastic mosh pit at Perry's stage. Of course, fake vaccine cards could definitely be used by unvaccinated people to gain entry, but there's really no other convenient way to confirm vaccination status at this time.
Anyone who isn't vaccinated (or is simply too young to be vaccinated) is being asked to wear a mask during their time in Grant Park, though there's absolutely no indication that this directive will be enforced.
Another element of the new entry procedure is voluntary adherence to the "Lolllapalooza Fan Health Pledge," which asks guests to stay home if any of the following conditions apply to anyone in their party:
- Within 14 days before attending the festival you have tested positive, or been exposed to someone who has tested positive for, COVID-19.
- Within 48 hours prior to attending the festival, you have experienced symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., a fever of 100.4F or higher, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking muscle pain/achiness, headache, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, nasal congestion, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue or any other symptoms associated with COVID-19 identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
- Within 14 days prior to attending the festival, you have travelled to any international territory identified by federal or applicable state or local governments as being subject to travel or quarantine advisories due to COVID-19.
Finally, if you're planning to carry a bag to the festival, you'll need to make sure it's a clear purse, tote or drawstring bag no larger than 12" x 12" x 6"—backpacks and bags with multiple pockets are not allowed. The only exceptions to the clear bag rule are small clutch purses and fanny packs that are 4.5" x 5.5" or smaller with a single pocket, and empty hydration packs (like a CamelBak) with no more than two pockets in addition to the one holding the water reservoir. Additionally, you're welcome to bring a water bottle, but it must be empty upon entry.
Got all that? It remains to be seen exactly how strictly these new entry protocols will be enforced at Lollapalooza, but it seems likely that you may be waiting in line a bit longer than usual at the gates this weekend—give yourself plenty of time if you're showing up for a specific Lollapalooza performance.