Megan Dougherty | Writer
March 20, 2026
Chicago is famous for several reasons: its incredible skyline, deep-dish pizza, outstanding sports teams, the Bean– you name it. While the city’s culture is very distinct and beloved, it is also home to one of the most popular music festivals in the nation: Lollapalooza.
Lollapalooza takes place every year during late July, spanning 4 days. Each day includes two headliners along with many other artists and bands that perform beforehand. The lineup for Lollapalooza 2026 was released this past Tuesday and music lovers around the world are thrilled.
This July, Chicago is hosting trending pop stars such as Lorde, Charli XCX, and Tate McRae. “The Big 3,” as SCHS sophomore Mikayla Kint referred to them, are extremely “appealing to the Gen Z audience like [her]self.” As each of their individual fame continues to skyrocket, their combined star-power is sure to entice fans from all over.
Additionally, Lollapalooza welcomes one of the most famous current DJs, John Summit. With the rise of clubbing culture, house music has served as a defining genre for newer generations. Because of this, John Summit has become somewhat of a household name for the younger crowds. His appearance at Lollapalooza makes the lineup “absolutely stacked,” according to senior at SCHS Mikaela Benumof.
The 2026 lineup showcases a fun juxtaposition between the old and the new. The legendary Smashing Pumpkins are headlining alongside rising star and Grammy-awarded “Best New Artist” Olivia Dean. This range of performers widens the demographic spectrum for those attending. The artists’ presence gives a nod to both the past and the future.
Aside from the big names, each day is packed with tons of other popular artists, including Sombr, Zara Larsson, the Chainsmokers, Leon Thomas, and so many more. SCHS junior Ryan Cuenca shared her excitement for Ethel Cain’s appearance, hoping she’ll “be able to travel and see one of [her] favorite singers live.”
The reactions to the 2026 Lollapalooza lineup have been overwhelmingly positive. By the looks of it, this year’s festival is shaping up to be one of the best in its history.
Leave a Reply