A Guide to Lollapalooza 2012

August is quickly approaching and that means one thing in Chicago: Lollapalooza. The three day festival is filled with multi-stage sets, towering decorations, and beer tents as far as the eye can see. The event attracts tourists from around the world and tucks them neatly into Grant Park. Whether the 2012 festival is your first or 31st visit to the Windy City, Lollapalooza evolves from year to year. Planning on attending? Here are a few ideas from a long time attendee:

1) Walk everywhere

Ever been on the L during Lollapalooza? If you’re lucky enough to say, “No” don’t subject yourself to that kind of torture. Besides being completely jam packed, I assure you the late night smell will haunt your dreams. Create a strategy to avoid public transportation at key times during Lolla. If the Black Keys or Red Hot Chili Peppers are taking the stage in two hours, you better be at the festival already.

2) Volunteer

Are you a rich socialite, hoping to rub elbows with music’s elite during the extravagant three day music fest? Yes? Then you’re not going to Lollapalooza. Lets face it, many of us who want to attend Lollapalooza are in no financial position to do so. Don’t let that stop you! Volunteering time blocks at music festivals usually earns you a free day pass. Help with recycling in the morning, listen to Jack White rock the stage at night. You’re earning your environmentalist stripes by going to a rocking show.

3) Keep hydrated… with water

Festival planners have struggled with dehydration in the past. August in Chicago is pretty unpleasant. Drink water for two reasons: 1) It’s water. Come on. 2) You can’t afford alcohol at Lollapalooza. Beer, in the alternate universe known as ‘entertainment venues’, is sacred and expensive. Think baseball games. You’re going to pay $10 for that tall PBR. Water is free.

4) Go to Perry’s

Think you don’t like DJ sets? You’re wrong. You love them. You just haven’t heard the right ones yet. Nowhere will you dance as much as you’ll dance at Perry’s. The DJ sets are amazing, the crowd is lively. If you bought tickets purely to see certain acts, spend at least an hour over at the Perry’s stage. You will not regret it.

5) Kidzapalooza

Lollapalooza has something to offer the whole family. Yes, I said “whole family.” Just because Black Sabbath and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are headlining, doesn’t mean the event is void of family fun. If you plan to take the little ones, head over to Kidzapalooza. In the past, very young musicians have taken the stage, out-rocking their adult counterparts. Your little ones can dance their hearts out while learning about music and art. Even if you don’t have children, Kidzapalooza is pretty cool.

If this is your first visit to Lolla, enjoy the sights, sounds, and energy! Take a few risks and listen to bands you’ve never heard. Most importantly, have a great time!