Lollapalooza 2025 kicked-off on July 31 and fans from all over the world landed at Grant Park in Chicago to see a lineup packed with talented artists. Tyler, The Creator, Gracie Abrams, and Role Model were among the Thursday highlights as was the Chicago Made Showcase, Cage the Elephant, and Luke Combs.
Risha, Sivaani, and Siddhi, three friends originally from Bloomington, IL, came to Lollapalooza 2025 to see two artists above all others – Tyler, The Creator and Gracie Abrams.
Risha explained that she first fell in love with Tyler’s music through his 2019 album Igor. “Ever since then, I’ve like the style. Each of his albums has, like a comforting song, and then like a hype song, and then like a kind of rap song, and then a song that my parents disapprove of – he’s a creator. He’s very open-ended, I guess. He’s all encompassing.”
Sivaani added the the vibe for Tyler’s set was going to be something completely original, saying, “I’m expecting some heartbreak and then hype.” Siddhi also couldn’t wait to see Gracie, Tyler, and Role Model.
Role Model was also a must-see artist for Mackenzie, a St. Louis native who now lives in Chicago, who was inspired to pursue music in grad school because of the artist also known as Tucker Pillsbury.
“Watching him and his team, just seeing this young energy come alive and seeing how you really can be a part of it is inspiring. So I’m gonna go back to school next fall. I’m planning on starting up at Columbia here in Chicago, so I’m super excited. I’m gonna get back into the music industry. It’s in my blood, yes, I’m really excited about it,” Mackenzie said.
Amelia, Katelyn, Vanessa, and Gia came all the way from Los Angeles to enjoy Lollapalooza and to see Gracie Abrams and Role Model, “Because they’re so good, so authentic, and their music really reaches a broad audience. And they’re just genuinely so good.”
Kennedy also flew in from L.A., with her dad, because the Lolla lineup was just too good to miss.
“I really want to see Olivia Rodrigo. I want to see Doechii. I want to see Tyler, The Creator. There’s just so many people here that I want to see. This is also my very first festival I’ve ever been to,” said Kennedy, adding, “It’s really nice. I like it a lot.”
One of the most unique aspects of Lollapalooza is that the lineup not only features global superstars, but it also boasts several artist who are based in Chicago like Ratboys, Star Bandz, and Chicago Made – a collective highlighting local talent in music and dance.
Claire and Mariama – both from Chicago – were on hand to cheer as loud as they could for DJ Cash Era, Claire’s best friend and Mariama’s partner who was highlighted on stage during Chicago Made’s set and also helped to facilitate the program. They explained that DJ Cash Era manifested this moment and they couldn’t be more excited.
“We are beyond excited and so proud of her, yeah, so proud,” said Claire. “Last year, I was here with Cash Era, and she said, ‘I’m gonna tweet – Next year I’m going to be on a stage at Lollapalooza,’ and so here she is a year later, on a stage at Lollapalooza, which is just every Chicago kid’s dream.”
Check out photos of the real stars of Lollapalooza – the fans – below and stay tuned as more dreams come true throughout the weekend. More information about Lollapalooza can be found at Lollapalooza.com.
