History of Lollapalooza in Timeline

Lollapalooza is an annual four-day music festival held in Grant Park, Chicago. Originating in 1991 as a touring event, it found its permanent home in Chicago in 2005. Showcasing a diverse range of genres like alternative rock, hip hop, and electronic dance music, the festival also incorporates visual arts, non-profit, and political organizations. Attracting around 400,000 attendees each year, Lollapalooza is a globally recognized music festival and one of the longest-running in the US, selling out annually.

1990: Lollapalooza Conceived as Farewell for Jane's Addiction

In 1990, Lollapalooza was conceived by Perry Farrell, Ted Gardner, Don Muller, and Marc Geiger as a farewell for Farrell's band Jane's Addiction, inspired by events such as Britain's Reading Festival.

July 18, 1991: Lollapalooza Premiere in Phoenix, Arizona

On July 18, 1991, the premiere of Lollapalooza in Phoenix, Arizona, was covered by MTV, with a report stating "Lollapalooza could be the tour of the summer".

August 1991: Lollapalooza Tour Across US and Canada

From mid-July until late August 1991, Lollapalooza toured across the United States and Canada.

August 28, 1991: Lollapalooza Tour Ends in Enumclaw, Washington

On August 28, 1991, the Lollapalooza tour ended at King County Fairgrounds in Enumclaw, Washington, near Seattle.

1991: Inaugural Lollapalooza

Following its launch in 1991, Lollapalooza began including a second stage for up-and-coming and local bands.

1991: Lollapalooza Started as a Touring Event

In 1991, Lollapalooza started as a touring event. It is an annual American four-day music festival.

1991: Lollapalooza Conceived as Farewell Tour

In 1991, Lollapalooza was conceived and created as a farewell tour by Perry Farrell of Jane's Addiction and had a diverse collection of bands.

1991: Inaugural Lollapalooza Edition a Success

In 1991, the inaugural edition of Lollapalooza was a massive success and helped change the mentalities in the music industry.

August 29, 1992: Lollapalooza in East Troy, Wisconsin

On August 29, 1992, Lollapalooza took place at the Alpine Valley festival in East Troy, Wisconsin.

1993: Lollapalooza Leans on Grunge and Alternative Acts

In 1993, Lollapalooza leaned heavily on grunge and alternative acts, and usually featured an additional rap artist. Crowd behaviors such as mosh pits and crowd surfing became regular parts of the shows.

1993: Steve Albini Criticizes Lollapalooza

In 1993, recording engineer, guitarist, and journalist Steve Albini criticized Lollapalooza for its corporatization of popularized "alternative" music.

April 7, 1994: Nirvana Drops Out of Lollapalooza

On April 7, 1994, Nirvana officially dropped out of Lollapalooza, where they were scheduled to headline.

1995: Lollapalooza Tour Returned to Great Woods

In 1995, the Lollapalooza tour returned to Great Woods after relocating to the naval yard at Quonset Point for two years.

1996: Farrell Did Not Participate in Lollapalooza

In 1996, Perry Farrell, who had been the soul of the festival, decided to focus his energy to produce his new festival project, ENIT, and did not participate in producing Lollapalooza.

1996: Waylon Jennings Booked for Lollapalooza

In 1996, responding to controversy, Lollapalooza booked acts such as country superstar Waylon Jennings.

1996: Lollapalooza Included Third Stage

In 1996, the Lollapalooza festival included a third stage for up-and-coming and local bands.

1997: Electronica Groups Emphasized

In 1997, Lollapalooza emphasized electronica groups such as The Orb and The Prodigy.

1997: Lollapalooza Ran Annually Until 1997

Lollapalooza ran annually until 1997, touring North America. It was later revived in 2003.

1998: Lollapalooza Canceled

In 1998, Lollapalooza failed to find a suitable headliner and therefore announced Lollapalooza's cancellation.

1999: Farrell Performs at PurimPalooza

In 1999, Perry Farrell performed at PurimPalooza, a celebration of Purim hosted by Rabbi Josef Langer, at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. PurimPalooza included traditional Purim practices, live music by Jewish artists, and drinking.

2003: Lollapalooza Revived

In 2003, Lollapalooza was revived after running annually until 1997. The festival toured North America.

2003: Jane's Addiction Reconvenes for Lollapalooza Tour

In 2003, Perry Farrell reconvened Jane's Addiction and scheduled a new Lollapalooza tour.

2004: Lollapalooza Canceled Due to Weak Ticket Sales

In 2004, a Lollapalooza tour was canceled in June due to weak ticket sales.

2004: Lollapalooza Tour Canceled After Poor Ticket Sales

In 2004, the organizers expanded Lollapalooza to two days per city but canceled the tour after poor ticket sales.

2005: Chicago Becomes Permanent Location

In 2005, Chicago became the permanent location for Lollapalooza. It was originally a touring event.

2005: Kidzapalooza Debut in Chicago

In 2005, Kidzapalooza, a child-centered experience to the adult Lollapalooza, first appeared in Chicago. Conceived by Tor Hyams and presented to Perry Farrell, Kidzapalooza included games, design and art stations, musical instruments, raffles, and other amenities for children.

2005: Lollapalooza Resurrected as a Two-Day Destination Festival

In 2005, Lollapalooza was resurrected as a two-day destination festival in Chicago's Grant Park, with a greater variety of performers.

2005: Lollapalooza Re-tooled as Annual Festival in Chicago

In 2005, Perry Farrell partnered with Capital Sports Entertainment to retool Lollapalooza into its current format as an annual festival in Chicago.

October 25, 2006: Lollapalooza to Stay in Grant Park Until 2011

On October 25, 2006, the Chicago Park District and Capital Sports & Entertainment agreed to a five-year deal, keeping Lollapalooza at Grant Park in Chicago until 2011.

2006: Farrell Performs at PurimPalooza with Matisyahu and Chutzpah

In 2006, Perry Farrell performed again at PurimPalooza, hosted at the Ruby Skye in San Francisco, which featured artists such as Matisyahu and Chutzpah.

2007: Lollapalooza Held in Chicago

In 2007, Lollapalooza ran in Chicago.

2008: Kidzapalooza at the Hollywood Bowl

In 2008, Kidzapalooza sprouted to other venues, such as the Hollywood Bowl, hosting its own Kidzapalooza as a stand-alone event.

2008: Lollapalooza Held in Chicago

In 2008, Lollapalooza ran in Chicago, after which another deal was signed to keep it in Chicago through 2018.

2009: Lollapalooza Held in Chicago

In 2009, Lollapalooza ran in Chicago.

April 2010: Antitrust Investigation Launched into Lollapalooza

In April 2010, it was reported that Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan had launched an antitrust investigation into Lollapalooza for imposing radius clauses on acts.

2010: Lollapalooza Held in Chicago

In 2010, Lollapalooza ran in Chicago.

2010: Lollapalooza to Debut in South America

In 2010, it was announced that Lollapalooza would debut in South America, with a branch of the festival staged in Chile's capital Santiago.

2010: Lollapalooza to Remain in Chicago and Debut Outside the US

In 2010, it was announced that Lollapalooza would remain in Chicago, while also debuting outside the United States.

2011: Brazilian Version of Lollapalooza Confirmed

Following the success of the Chilean events, a Brazilian version of Lollapalooza was confirmed in 2011.

2011: Lollapalooza in Santiago, Chile

In 2011, Lollapalooza debuted in South America in Santiago, Chile on April 2–3.

2011: Lollapalooza Held in Chicago

In 2011, Lollapalooza ran in Chicago.

August 7, 2012: Lollapalooza Announced in Tel Aviv

On August 7, 2012, Perry Farrell announced that Lollapalooza would be debuting in Tel Aviv, Israel.

2012: Lollapalooza Held in Chicago

In 2012, Lollapalooza ran in Chicago.

2012: Brazilian Version of Lollapalooza Held in São Paulo

In 2012, the Brazilian version of Lollapalooza was held at the Jockey Club in São Paulo.

2012: Antitrust Investigation Closed

In 2012, the antitrust investigation into Lollapalooza, launched in April 2010, was closed with no action taken.

2012: Inaugural Edition of Lollapalooza in Brazil

In 2012, the inaugural edition of Lollapalooza Brazil was held at the Jockey Club in São Paulo on April 7–8.

September 10, 2013: Argentine Version of Lollapalooza Announced

On September 10, 2013, it was announced that the Argentine version of Lollapalooza would be held in Buenos Aires. Since then, Lollapalooza has had an annual edition at the Hipódromo de San Isidro, usually in the last week of March.

2013: Lollapalooza Held in Chicago

In 2013, Lollapalooza ran in Chicago.

2013: Lollapalooza Held Again at Jockey Club

In 2013, Lollapalooza was again held at Jockey Club during Holy Week, expanding to three days from March 29–31.

2013: Lollapalooza in Tel Aviv Postponed

Lollapalooza in Tel Aviv, originally scheduled for August 20–22, 2013, was postponed to an unspecified date due to financial challenges and the political situation in the Middle East.

April 2014: Argentine Version of Lollapalooza Started in Buenos Aires

In April 2014, the Argentine version of Lollapalooza started in Buenos Aires.

November 4, 2014: First European Lollapalooza Announced

On November 4, 2014, it was announced that the first European Lollapalooza would be held in Berlin, Germany, scheduled for September 12–13, 2015.

November 2014: First European Lollapalooza Announced for Berlin

In November 2014, the first European Lollapalooza was announced and was held at the former Berlin Tempelhof Airport.

2014: Live Nation Entertainment Buys Controlling Interest in C3 Presents

In 2014, Live Nation Entertainment bought a controlling interest in C3 Presents, who had partnered with Perry Farrell to produce Lollapalooza since 2005.

2014: Lollapalooza Held in Chicago

In 2014, Lollapalooza ran in Chicago.

2014: Lollapalooza Moved to Autódromo José Carlos Pace

In 2014, the third edition of Lollapalooza Brazil was moved to the Autódromo José Carlos Pace in São Paulo's borough of Interlagos, happening on April 5 and 6.

2015: Lollapalooza at Interlagos

In 2015, Lollapalooza was held at Interlagos on March 28–29.

2015: First European Lollapalooza Held in Berlin

In 2015, the first European Lollapalooza was held in Berlin, Germany on September 12–13, with the proposed location being the historical airport grounds of Berlin-Tempelhof. Festival founder Perry Farrell stated that Berlin's energy is a mirror reflection of what Lollapalooza is all about.

2015: Weekend Passes for Lollapalooza Cost $275

In 2015, weekend passes for Lollapalooza cost $275.

October 12, 2016: Lollapalooza Announced in Paris

On October 12, 2016, Lollapalooza announced that they would be hosting a festival in Paris, France.

2016: Four-Day General Passes for Lollapalooza Sold Out Quickly

For the 2016 Lollapalooza event, the four-day general passes sold out in about one day after the sale began.

2016: Lollapalooza Germany Takes Place in Treptower Park

In 2016, Lollapalooza Germany took place in the Treptower Park in Berlin, on September 10–11. It drew 70,000 visitors each day.

2016: Lollapalooza Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Four-Day Event

In 2016, Lollapalooza celebrated its 25th anniversary with a four-day event, from July 28 to 31.

2016: Lollapalooza at Interlagos

In 2016, Lollapalooza was held at Interlagos on March 12–13.

2016: Weekend Passes for Lollapalooza Cost $335

In 2016, weekend passes for Lollapalooza cost $335.

January 17, 2017: Lineup Announced for Lollapalooza Paris 2017

On January 17, 2017, the lineup for Lollapalooza Paris 2017 was announced, and included Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Weeknd as headliners.

2017: Lollapalooza at Interlagos

In 2017, Lollapalooza was held at Interlagos on March 25–26.

2018: Price for Weekend Passes Remained the Same

From 2016 to 2018, the price for weekend passes for Lollapalooza remained the same.

2018: Lollapalooza Experienced Slower Sales, Lineup Released Earlier

In 2018, Lollapalooza experienced unusually slower ticket sales, so they released the lineup about eight hours earlier.

2018: Lollapalooza at Interlagos

In 2018, Lollapalooza was held at Interlagos on March 23–25.

2018: Deal Signed to Keep Lollapalooza in Chicago Through 2018

In 2018, a deal was signed to keep Lollapalooza in Chicago through 2018, guaranteeing the city $13 million.

2018: Festival Held at Olympiapark Berlin

Since 2018, the Lollapalooza festival has been held at the Olympiapark Berlin.

2019: Lollapalooza at Interlagos

In 2019, Lollapalooza was held at Interlagos on April 5–7.

2019: First Scandinavian Edition of Lollapalooza Held in Stockholm

In 2019, the first Scandinavian edition of Lollapalooza was held in Stockholm, Sweden, on June 28–30.

2020: Kidzapalooza Canceled Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 installation of Kidzapalooza was canceled.

2020: Lollapalooza Canceled Due to COVID-19, Livestreamed Event Offered

In 2020, Lollapalooza was officially canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a free YouTube livestreamed event offered as a substitute. The livestreamed version featured acts such as A$AP Rocky, Brockhampton, Lupe Fiasco, Outkast, and many more.

2020: Lollapalooza Rated Best Concert of the Last 35 Years

In 2020, Spin rated the first Lollapalooza as the best concert of the preceding 35 years.

2020: First Edition of Lollapalooza Rated Greatest US Tour in 35 Years

In 2020, Spin rated the first edition of Lollapalooza as the greatest US tour in 35 years, saying it changed the trajectory of the '90s and helped usher the alternative era into the mainstream.

2020: Slight Increase in Price of Weekend Passes

In 2020, a slight increase of five dollars was added to weekend passes, making them $340.

2020: 2020 Edition Canceled and Rescheduled Multiple Times Due to COVID-19

The 2020 edition of Lollapalooza was initially scheduled for April 3–5, with headliners Guns N' Roses, Travis Scott, and the Strokes, but it was canceled due to COVID-19 lockdowns a week before the planned dates. It was rescheduled to December 4–6 of the same year but was shut down again due to COVID.

May 18, 2021: Lollapalooza Announced to Return at Full Capacity

On May 18, 2021, it was announced that Lollapalooza would return at full capacity from July 29 to August 2, 2021.

August 2, 2021: Lollapalooza Returns at Full Capacity

Lollapalooza returned at full capacity on August 2, 2021, after being cancelled in 2020.

2021: 2020 Edition Rescheduled Again Due to Continued COVID Restrictions

The 2020 edition of Lollapalooza was rescheduled again to September 10–12, 2021, due to continued COVID restrictions, without confirming headliners or attractions.

March 2022: Lollapalooza Returned

After two years of expectations, Lollapalooza returned in March 2022 on the scheduled dates of March 25–27, with headliners the Strokes and Miley Cyrus. The Foo Fighters were supposed to close the festival on March 27, but their drummer, Taylor Hawkins, died two days before the event. The band was replaced with various Brazilian artists paying tribute to the musician.

May 2022: Hulu to Exclusively Stream Lollapalooza

In May 2022, it was announced that Hulu would exclusively stream Lollapalooza, alongside Austin City Limits and Bonnaroo.

July 27, 2022: Lollapalooza Announced in Mumbai, India

On July 27, 2022, Lollapalooza announced that they would be debuting at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse in Mumbai, India, on January 28–29, 2023.

October 2022: Lineup Announced for Next Year's Event

In October 2022, the lineup for the next year's Lollapalooza event was announced and included headliners Blink-182, Billie Eilish, Lil Nas X, Drake, Rosalía, and Tame Impala.

2022: Lollapalooza Returns to Stockholm

After being canceled for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lollapalooza returned to Stockholm on July 1–3, 2022. The event was attended by over 70,000 people, making it the biggest Swedish festival of all time.

2023: Inaugural Lollapalooza Event Held in Mumbai

In 2023, Lollapalooza's first event in Asia took place at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse in Mumbai, India, on January 28–29. The headliners of the two-day event were Imagine Dragons, the Strokes, and Diplo.

2023: Headliners Change for 2023 Brazilian Lollapalooza

The 2023 Brazilian version of Lollapalooza took place from March 24 to 26. Announced headliners Billie Eilish, Blink-182, and Drake. Blink-182 cancelled a few weeks before the event due to drummer Travis Barker injuring his hand and was replaced by Twenty One Pilots. Drake also cancelled his performance hours before he was scheduled to go onstage and was replaced by Skrillex.

August 2024: Headliners Announced for Following Year's Lineup

In August 2024, it was announced that Olivia Rodrigo, Rüfüs Du Sol, Justin Timberlake, Alanis Morissette, Tool, and Shawn Mendes would be the headliners of the following year's Lollapalooza lineup.

2024: Lollapalooza Paris Cancelled Due to Logistical Constraints

Lollapalooza Paris was cancelled in 2024 due to logistical, administrative, and security constraints.

2024: Lollapalooza Edition

The 2024 edition of Lollapalooza happened on March 22–24, with Blink-182, SZA, Kings of Leon, Sam Smith, Arcade Fire, Limp Bizkit, and Titãs headlining. Kings of Leon were replacements for Paramore, who canceled just two months before the festival.

2025: Lollapalooza India's edition

The 2025 edition of Lollapalooza India featured Green Day and Shawn Mendes as headliners and also featured international artists like Louis Tomlinson, Glass Animals, Aurora, Cory Wong, and Zedd and Indian musicians such as Hanumankind, Niladri Kumar, and DOT, among others.

2025: Lollapalooza edition scheduled

The 2025 edition of Lollapalooza is scheduled for March 28–30, headlined by Olivia Rodrigo, Rüfüs Du Sol, Shawn Mendes, Alanis Morissette, Justin Timberlake, and Tool.