CHICAGO (WLS) — Fans came from all over the country for four days of non-stop music.
The gate has just opened and Lollapalooza is on its way.
Y-Myah Tonge is from New York.
“Chicago is great so far,” Tong said. “I like it. I think it’s better here than in New York. Sorry New Yorkers.”
She is one of dozens of Billie Eilish fans who lined up at night to get as close to the stage as possible when the gates open.
What you need to know about street closures, public transportation in Chicago for Lollapalooza
Mae Gonzalez from Canada came up with a plan.
“My brother will come and help me run to the barricade because he is an athlete and I paid him to do it for me,” she said.
Ax and the Hatchetmen from Lake Villa to hit the Lollapalooza stage on Thursday
Nine stages with bands from all over the world, expected to bring over 400,000 fans to Grant Park.
Big headliners include Billie Eilish, Diplo, Lanie Wilson and Carly Rae Jepson.
Lollapalooza fans rush in after gates open
Fans will then see other big acts like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lana del Rey and Kendrick Lamar over the weekend.
Justin Fura from Detroit is here to see the K-Pop group. He’s ready with his see-through bag full of phone chargers and other essentials.
“As a K-Pop fan, I’m used to standing in line for 5 to 10 hours at a time,” Fura said. “I’m used to making sure I have water, I mean it’s just another weekend for me.”
City officials said appropriate security measures would be in place.
“Using all of our utilities, officers on bikes, you know, making sure there are permanent checkpoints so we can manage better, you know where people are flowing,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said. “This particular dynamic is clearly visible, of course increasing, because we expect more people. The next four days are going to be incredible.”
Meanwhile, this year Lollapalooza is partnering with an overdose prevention agency that will educate music lovers about the dangers of fentanyl and supply them with an opioid drug known as Narcan.
Dr. Steven Ax, Cook County Emergency Department physician, warns music lovers to stay hydrated in the heat.
“I think the first thing we would recommend to people at Lolla is to have fun, but if someone offers you drugs or pills, just don’t do it. There are many other ways you can really have fun and be aware that this is just a very dangerous potential offer right now.”
Allowed items include:
– Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″.
-Prams
-Binoculars
-Cameras (basic consumer grade cameras) without detachable lenses and other accessories (monopods, selfie sticks, tripods, GoPro mounts and other accessories are not allowed)
-Empty reusable water bottles and hydrators, as well as plastic or aluminum water bottles.
– Sunscreen is allowed in non-aerosol containers of 3.4 ounces or less.
Factory sealed naloxone/narcan kit
-All bags will be searched before entering.
– Small clutches and fanny packs that are 6″ x 9″ or smaller do not have to be see-through, but may have no more than one pocket.
– All other bags larger than 6″ x 9″ must be smaller than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ and be transparent.
– Hydration bags are allowed and do not have to be transparent, but they must be emptied of all liquid and have no more than two pockets in addition to the one containing the water tank.
Prohibited items include
-Blankets, sheets, towels
-frisbee
– Refrigerators of any kind, except for medical purposes
frame backpacks,
Professional audio recording and video equipment
Drones
-Hammocks
Glass containers
-Illegal and Illegal Substances
– Eating or drinking outside the home (including alcohol) of any kind
-Umbrellas
-Pets (except service animals)
– selfie sticks
– Skateboards, scooters, bicycles, vans, carts or any personal motorized vehicle
– Tents, canopies or awning structures of any type
– Totems or flagpoles.
– Unauthorized/unlicensed vendors are not allowed. No unauthorized offers and materials, including flyers, flyers, stickers, beach balls, gifts, samples, etc.
-Weapons or explosives of any kind
-Fireworks
-Large chains or spiked jewelry
– Bicycles on the territory of the festival (free parking near the entrance to the festival)
-Wagons of any type (including Red Wagons)
– any chairs
– All Chicago parks prohibit smoking of any kind, including vaping.
Requirements for prescription drugs:
– Anyone in need of prescription medication at the festival must present to our medical staff at each entrance a pharmacy-labeled container that lists the prescription, dosage, and patient’s name. Visitors are allowed to have an adequate supply of prescribed medicines for that day only.
– Medicines that must be inhaled or smoked are prohibited except in a prescribed inhaler.
– Over-the-counter drugs are allowed in sufficient quantities per day. The contents of the bottles will be checked by the medical staff at the entrance gate.