Lollapalooza Kicks Off With Hard-Hitting Female Lineup

DOWNTOWN — It was undeniable that Chappell Roan, dubbed the “Midwest Princess,” drew the largest crowd Thursday at Lollapalooza in Grant Park.

Before performing, Roan posted on Twitter, asking her fans to wear pink so she could spot them from the stage.

The fans delivered: A sea of fans in pink took over the T-Mobile stage area on the south end of the festival grounds for the 5 p.m. performance. Pink cowboy hats and glitzy outfits were seen everywhere. People held up rave fans with saying like “Sassy” and “Ur Hot.”

When Roan performed hits like “Hot To Go!,” “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl” and “Femininomenon,” the whole crowd could be seen dancing and singing along. Members of North Side gym Rockwell Barbell were recruited to lift weights as the pop star performed in a blue and pink wrestling outfit.

The first day of Lollapalooza continued to deliver with powerhouse female artists like Tyla and Kesha, closing out with Megan Thee Stallion.

Gracing the same stage before Roan was South African artist Tyla. The 22-year-old Grammy-winning artist has also exploded in popularity this year with her award-winning song, “Water.”

Tyla, wearing a cutout dress, knee-high boots and long braids, was joined by backup dancers who wowed the audience with their moves.

Meg Thee Stallion, headliner for the T-Mobile stage, came out performing hits from her 2024 Hot Girl Summer Tour. The Houston native wore a pink bedazzled two-piece and performed popular songs like “Hiss,” “Thot Shit” and “WAP.”

The rapper was fresh off a performance for presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris in Atlanta. Meg dedicated part of her set to “Hotties for Harris,” declaring Harris a true candidate for women.

“They was fake mad that I was popping it for Kamala, and I don’t think they heard what she said. Kamala said she wants a ceasefire. Kamala said she supports women’s rights,” Meg Thee Stallion told the crowd.

The rapper also got a surprise visit on stage from the Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese, who appeared after Megan did a special callout for all the “Chicago hotties.”

Get A Free Makeover And Free Crafts

Also getting a lot of hype Thursday was the Bonus Tracks stage, where festivalgoers could get free Chappell Roan-inspired makeovers, nail art and crafts.

The activation runs 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. daily.

Vendors include astrological nail art by Ameya Okamoto, custom airbrushing by Midwest Ink Airbrushing, bracelet-making with Mermaid Waves Craft Club, drag makeup by Nico and award-winning makeup artist Laila McQueen and more.

Chappell Roan fans can choose from four looks inspired by the artist: Saturn Eyez, Pink Pony Girl, Ultra Modern Queen and Raising Hell.

All activities are free, but festivalgoers are welcome to leave tips for the artists.

New Vegan Food Village

Also new to Lolla this year is a food section dedicated to vegan vendors. Dubbed the Plant Base, festivalgoers have 10 vegan food booths to choose from.

Various food options include vegan soul, Asian, Latin foods and more with prices ranging from $6-$30.

For local vegan vendor Banato, the chance to be at Lollapalooza’s first dedicated vegan food village is a dream come true. Owner and founder Jennifer Chan said they applied to be part of the festival but didn’t expect to get in.

Banato sells banana-based vegan, plant-based popsicles with all natural ingredients. Chan doesn’t have a physical location but can be found every weekend at the Logan Square Farmers Market.

“It’s really unreal to be here. I mean for me, I’ve come as an attendee for the past few years. I never really imagined that our tiny popsicle stand could be on the other side as a vendor,” Chan said.

Lollapalooza continues in Grant Park through Sunday.

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