History of Lollapalooza in Timeline

Lollapalooza is a major four-day American music festival held annually in Grant Park, Chicago. Originating in 1991 as a touring event, it found its permanent home in Chicago in 2005. The festival showcases a diverse range of genres, including alternative rock, heavy metal, hip hop, and electronic dance music. Beyond music, Lollapalooza incorporates visual arts, nonprofit organizations, and political organizations. Attracting around 400,000 attendees each year, it consistently sells out, establishing itself as one of the world's largest and longest-running music festivals in the United States.

1990: Festival 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.

July 18, 1991: Inaugural Lollapalooza Premiere

On July 18, 1991, the inaugural Lollapalooza premiered in Phoenix, Arizona. MTV covered the event, with journalist Dave Kendall predicting it could be the tour of the summer.

August 1991: Lollapalooza Tour

In August 1991, Lollapalooza toured across the United States and Canada from mid-July until late August, featuring a diverse lineup including alternative rock, industrial music and rap artists.

August 28, 1991: Tour Ends in Enumclaw, Washington

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

1991: Touring Across the US and Canada

After 1991, the festival included a second stage for up-and-coming bands or local acts.

1991: Lollapalooza Started as a Touring Event

In 1991, Lollapalooza began as a touring music festival.

1991: Lollapalooza Conceived as Farewell Tour

In 1991, Lollapalooza was conceived and created by Perry Farrell as a farewell tour for his band Jane's Addiction. It featured a diverse collection of bands and was a commercial success, stopping in more than twenty cities in North America.

1991: Inaugural Edition a Massive Success

The inaugural edition of Lollapalooza in 1991 was a massive success, helping to change mentalities in the music industry and ushering the alternative era into the mainstream.

August 29, 1992: Event at Alpine Valley

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

1993: Steve Albini Criticizes Lollapalooza

In 1993, Steve Albini criticized Lollapalooza for its corporatization of popularized "alternative" music.

1993: Grunge and Alternative Acts

The 1993 festival leaned heavily on grunge and alternative acts and featured an additional rap artist.

April 7, 1994: Nirvana Officially Drops Out of Lollapalooza

On April 7, 1994, Nirvana officially dropped out of Lollapalooza after Kurt Cobain turned down the headlining offer.

1995: Return to Great Woods

In 1995, the Lollapalooza tour returned to Great Woods in Mansfield, Massachusetts, after relocating its New England stop to the naval yard at Quonset Point for two years.

1996: Booking of Country Superstar

In 1996, Lollapalooza booked eclectic acts such as country superstar Waylon Jennings to revive its relevance.

1996: Farrell Focuses on ENIT and Metallica Controversy

In 1996, Perry Farrell focused on his new festival project, ENIT, and did not participate in producing Lollapalooza. Metallica's inclusion was controversial, and Farrell quit the tour in protest.

1996: Addition of Third Stage

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

1997: Final Tour from Initial Series

1997 proved to be the final tour from the initial series of Lollapalooza events, with a heavy emphasis on electronica groups such as the Orb and the Prodigy.

1997: Annual Run Ends

Lollapalooza ran annually until 1997.

1998: Lollapalooza Cancellation

In 1998, Lollapalooza was canceled after failing to find a suitable headliner, signaling alternative rock's declining popularity.

1999: Farrell Performs at PurimPalooza

In 1999, Perry Farrell performed at PurimPalooza, hosted by Rabbi Josef Langer, at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco.

2003: Jane's Addiction Reconvenes for Lollapalooza Tour

In 2003, Perry Farrell reconvened Jane's Addiction and scheduled a new Lollapalooza tour, achieving only marginal success due to high ticket prices.

2003: Festival Revival

Lollapalooza was revived in 2003, continuing its tour across North America.

2004: Cancellation of Two-Day Festival

In 2004, a two-day Lollapalooza festival was canceled in June due to weak ticket sales across the country, despite a lineup with headliners like Morrissey and Sonic Youth.

2004: Tour Cancellation Due to Poor Ticket Sales

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

2005: Kidzapalooza Debut

In 2005, Kidzapalooza, an idea conceived by Tor Hyams for a child-centered experience within Lollapalooza, first appeared in Chicago. It has been a consistent feature since its debut.

2005: Chicago Becomes Permanent Location

In 2005, Lollapalooza found a permanent home in Chicago, transitioning from a touring event to an annual festival held in Grant Park.

2005: Resurrection as a Destination Festival in Chicago

In 2005, Perry Farrell partnered with Capital Sports & Entertainment to resurrect Lollapalooza as a two-day destination festival in Chicago's Grant Park.

2005: Retooled as Annual Festival in Chicago

In 2005, Perry Farrell partnered with Capital Sports Entertainment (now C3 Presents) to retool Lollapalooza into an annual festival in Chicago.

October 25, 2006: Agreement to Keep Lollapalooza in Chicago Until 2011

On October 25, 2006, the Chicago Park District and Capital Sports & Entertainment agreed to a five-year, $5 million deal to keep Lollapalooza at Grant Park in Chicago until 2011.

2006: Farrell Performs at PurimPalooza Again

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

2007: Lollapalooza in Chicago

Lollapalooza ran August 3–5 in 2007, in Chicago.

2008: Kidzapalooza at the Hollywood Bowl

In 2008, Kidzapalooza expanded to other venues, with the Hollywood Bowl hosting its own stand-alone Kidzapalooza event.

2008: Lollapalooza in Chicago

Lollapalooza ran August 1–3 in 2008, in Chicago.

2009: Lollapalooza in Chicago

Lollapalooza ran August 7–9 in 2009, in Chicago.

April 2010: Antitrust Investigation Launched

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

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

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

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 in Chicago

Lollapalooza ran August 6–8 in 2010, in Chicago.

2011: Festival Staged in Santiago, Chile

In 2011, Lollapalooza was staged outside the United States for the first time, in Santiago, Chile, partnering with Lotus.

2011: Brazilian Version Confirmed

In 2011, a Brazilian version of Lollapalooza was confirmed after the success of the Chilean events.

2011: Lollapalooza in Chicago

Lollapalooza ran August 5–7 in 2011, in Chicago.

August 7, 2012: Lollapalooza to Debut in Tel Aviv

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

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 was closed with no action taken.

2012: Lollapalooza in Chicago

Lollapalooza ran August 3–5 in 2012, in Chicago.

2012: Inaugural Edition in São Paulo

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

September 10, 2013: Argentine Version Announced

On September 10, 2013, it was announced that the Argentine version of Lollapalooza would be held in Buenos Aires.

2013: Lollapalooza Held During Holy Week

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

2013: Lollapalooza in Chicago

Lollapalooza ran August 2–4 in 2013, in Chicago.

2013: Lollapalooza Tel Aviv Postponed

The Lollapalooza event scheduled for August 20–22, 2013, in Tel Aviv, Israel was postponed to an unspecified date.

April 2014: Argentine Version of Lollapalooza Starts

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.

2014: Live Nation Entertainment Buys Controlling Interest

In 2014, Live Nation Entertainment bought a controlling interest in C3 Presents.

2014: Festival Moved to Autódromo José Carlos Pace

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

2014: Lollapalooza in Chicago

Lollapalooza ran August 1–3 in 2014, in Chicago.

2015: Inaugural Lollapalooza Germany

In 2015, the inaugural Lollapalooza Germany was scheduled for September 12–13 at Berlin-Tempelhof.

2015: Pass Prices for Lollapalooza

Lollapalooza 2015 passes were $275.

2015: Lollapalooza held on March 28–29

On March 28–29, 2015, Lollapalooza was held at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace in São Paulo.

October 12, 2016: Lollapalooza Paris Announced

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

2016: Increased Pass Prices

Comparing the weekend passes for Lollapalooza 2016, which cost $335.

2016: Four-Day General Passes Sold Out Quickly

For the 2016 event, the four-day general passes sold out in about one day after the sale began, and the one-day passes sold out in less than three hours.

2016: Four-Day Event for 25th Anniversary

In 2016, the event was four days long, from July 28 to 31, to celebrate Lollapalooza's 25th anniversary.

2016: Lollapalooza held on March 12–13

On March 12–13, 2016, Lollapalooza was held at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace in São Paulo.

2016: Lollapalooza Germany at Treptower Park

The 2016 edition of Lollapalooza Germany took place in the Treptower Park in Berlin, on September 10–11, drawing 70,000 visitors each day.

January 17, 2017: Lollapalooza Paris 2017 Lineup Announced

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 held on March 25–26

On March 25–26, 2017, Lollapalooza was held at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace in São Paulo.

2018: Deal Signed to Keep Lollapalooza in Chicago Through 2018

After a successful 2008 festival, another deal was signed to keep Lollapalooza in Chicago through 2018, guaranteeing the city $13 million.

2018: Weekend Pass Price Remained the Same

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

2018: Unusually Slower Sales

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

2018: Lollapalooza held on March 23–25

On March 23–25, 2018, Lollapalooza was held at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace in São Paulo.

2018: Festival Held at Olympiapark Berlin

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

2018: Eighth Lollapalooza Edition

The eighth Lollapalooza edition was held on March 16–18, 2018, featuring Pearl Jam, Lana Del Rey, the Killers, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and LCD Soundsystem as headliners.

2019: Lollapalooza held on April 5–7

On April 5–7, 2019, Lollapalooza was held at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace in São Paulo.

2019: First Scandinavian Edition

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

2020: Kidzapalooza Cancellation

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

2020: Festival Canceled Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

In 2020, Lollapalooza was officially canceled on June 9 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A livestreamed event was offered instead, featuring acts performing on a free YouTube broadcast.

2020: Rated Best Concert of Preceding 35 Years

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

2020: First Edition Rated Greatest US Tour in 35 Years

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

2020: Slight Increase of Weekend Pass Prices

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

2020: Lollapalooza Paris Cancelled

Lollapalooza Paris did not take place in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: 2020 Edition Cancelled Due to COVID-19

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

May 18, 2021: Lollapalooza to Return at Full Capacity

On May 18, 2021, festival organizers and the City of Chicago announced that Lollapalooza would return at full capacity from July 29 to August 2, 2021.

August 2, 2021: Lollapalooza Return at Full Capacity

Lollapalooza would return at full capacity from July 29 to August 2, 2021.

2021: 2021 Edition Rescheduled Due to Continued COVID Restrictions

Due to continued COVID restrictions, the 2021 Lollapalooza edition was rescheduled to September 10–12, with no confirmation of headliners or other attractions.

March 2022: Lollapalooza Returns

In March 2022, after multiple reschedulings, Lollapalooza finally returned with The Strokes and Miley Cyrus as headliners. Foo Fighters were scheduled to close the festival on March 27, but their drummer, Taylor Hawkins, passed away two days prior. Various Brazilian artists paid tribute to Hawkins instead.

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 to Debut 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, including headliners Blink-182, Billie Eilish, Lil Nas X, Drake, Rosalía, and Tame Impala.

2022: Lollapalooza Returns to Stockholm

After being cancelled for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lollapalooza returned to Stockholm on July 1–3, 2022, drawing over 70,000 attendees.

2023: First Lollapalooza in Asia Held in Mumbai

In 2023, Lollapalooza's first event in Asia took place in Mumbai, India on January 28–29, headliners were Imagine Dragons, the Strokes, and Diplo.

2023: 2023 Brazilian Festival

The 2023 Brazilian version of Lollapalooza took place from March 24 to 26. Billie Eilish, Blink-182, and Drake were announced as headliners; however, Blink-182 cancelled due to Travis Barker's injury 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

In August 2024, the headliners for the following year's Lollapalooza lineup were announced, including Olivia Rodrigo, Rüfüs Du Sol, Justin Timberlake, Alanis Morissette, Tool, and Shawn Mendes.

2024: Lollapalooza Stockholm Cancellation and Hiatus

In 2024, Lollapalooza Stockholm announced a cancellation of that year's festival as well as an indefinite hiatus.

2024: Lollapalooza Paris Cancelled

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

2024: 2024 Edition Headliners

The 2024 edition of Lollapalooza took place from March 22–24, with Blink-182, SZA, Kings of Leon, Sam Smith, Arcade Fire, Limp Bizkit, and Titãs headlining. Kings of Leon replaced Paramore, who cancelled just two months prior to the festival.

2025: 2025 Edition of Lollapalooza India

In 2025, the Lollapalooza India edition saw Green Day and Shawn Mendes headline 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: 2025 Edition Headliners

The 2025 edition of Lollapalooza took place on March 28–30 and was headlined by Olivia Rodrigo, Rüfüs Du Sol, Shawn Mendes, Alanis Morissette, Justin Timberlake, and Tool.

2026: Lollapalooza India's 2026 Edition

The 2026 edition of Lollapalooza India had Playboi Carti and Linkin Park as headliners.

2026: 2026 Lollapalooza Lineup

The 2026 edition of Lollapalooza was held on March 20–22 at the Interlagos Circuit in São Paulo. It featured 71 acts, both national and international, with headliners including Sabrina Carpenter, Tyler, the Creator, Lorde, Chappell Roan, Deftones, the Warning and Skrillex.

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