Lollapalooza Releases COVID-19 Guidelines, Asks For Honesty

CHICAGO — Lollapalooza is scheduled to return to downtown Chicago this weekend, complete with pre-pandemic favorites like food trucks, beer tents, live music and VIP lounges.

While Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the rising case numbers in the city may be enough to shut the event down, officials from the festival released detailed safety precautions and updates this week, planning for an all-clear.

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The event will take place in Grant Park from July 29 to Aug. 1. The festival campus will cover the area from Michigan Avenue to DuSable Lake Shore Drive, and from Monroe Street through the sports fields. Gates will open at 11 a.m., bands play from noon to 10 p.m. According to event planners, busiest entry times are 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

All attendees must meet City of Chicago requirements, which state concertgoers should have proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or present a negative COVID-19 test results from no longer than 72 hours prior to entry.

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Additionally, all people must sign the "Lollapalooza Fan Health Pledge" which asks for honesty from participants to give up their tickets if:

• Within 14 days before attending the festival, a person has tested positive, or been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19;
• Within 48 hours prior to attending the festival, a person has experienced symptoms of COVID-19;
• Within 14 days prior to attending the festival, a person has travelled to any international territory identified by federal, state or local governments as being subject to travel or quarantine advisories due to COVID-19. Find a full list of states on Chicago's travel advisory here.

The event will provide free masks and hand sanitizer to guests upon entry. Officials say they have increased cleaning crews in order to clean high-touch areas more frequently.

Other warnings from event planners include telling participants to consume less alcohol and be wary of fake vaccination cards, which could land the holder in federal trouble.

"At the event:

• Wear a mask if you are unvaccinated.
• If you are unvaccinated or at high risk for severe COVID-19, avoid crowded areas of the festival and stay at least 6 feet away from other groups.
• Activate your wristband and register for Cashless so that you can make purchases at the festival with your wristband.
• Avoid physical contact with people outside of your party.
• Limit consumption of substances. Consuming alcohol or substances may make you less likely to follow COVID-19 safety measures."

Another new allowance for this year's festivities include refunds for those who purchased tickets, but then later test positive for COVID-19 and cannot attend the festival.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he and his wife will be in attendance, stating that the outdoor setting makes the event much safer.