Bella Ink Designs' Friday Lollapalooza Picks

The Neighbourhood, San Cisco, Father John Misty; Band of Horses, Icona Pop, New Order; Imagine Dragons & The Killers

If ever there was a year to have a 3-day pass to Lollapalooza in Chicago, this is the one.  There are so many amazing bands that you're going to get worn out running between stages, catching most of one show and the end of another, just to say you saw all your favorites.

Whenever any of the Bella Ink gals get to Grant Park for the three-day music festival, we make a plan:

1. Pick your must-sees and build the rest of your day around them based on show start and end times.

2. Take a risk and see people you haven't listened to before.  If it doesn't work out, you can move on to another stage, or grab lunch.

3. Use your favorite music avenues (iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Etc.) to preview bands you aren't familiar with, but think you'd like to check out.  You can also ask friends, and cool siblings for advice.

4. Be sure to eat if you're drinking.  And be sure to drink plenty of water.  You don't want to ruin your day with heat stroke.

5. Look cute if you'd like, but be practical.  If it's hot, you're going to want your hair off your face.  You may even want to bring a hat.  Flip flops are great no matter the weather, especially if you're a jump in the puddles kind of gal.  Boots are better if you're a jump in the puddles, but stay clean kind of gal.  If it rains, no umbrella will help you.  Suck it up.

6. If it rains Friday, it will be muddy through Sunday.

7. You'll probably like the band before the band playing on the stage you intend to be at, at the end of the night.  We suggest sitting through them, no matter what, to ensure a place near the front when your favorite headliner takes the stage.  Although, we've met many inventive people who work their way through all the sardines just as the first chords are struck.

8. You don't necessarily have to be in the front row for a good view.  The stage at the south end of Grant Park, heading towards Soldier Field, has an ample embankment off to the left, which provide a less crowded, yet equally clear view of the stage.  On Saturday you'll see fireworks behind the stage courtesy of the Chicago Bears, who will be hosting Family Night.

Have a great time!

~Heather F.

Studio/Marketing Director