Lollapalooza starts on July 30. Whether you’re planning to be in the throng or settled comfortably on your couch, the festival often taps aspiring acts that go on to bigger things.
The festival’s headliners are stacked this year, drawing thousands to Grant Park for Lorde, John Summit, Charli XCX, The Smashing Pumpkins, Olivia Dean, JENNIE, Tate McRae and The XX. But the big names are joined by more than 100 other artists, and it’s easy to get lost in the sea of text when checking out each day’s schedule.
Consider Vocalo’s 2026 Lollapalooza playlist your festival survival guide, narrowing down some of the artists from the staggering lineup. The aim is to introduce you to talent taking stage earlier in the day, including Latin soul and indie rock influenced singer 54 Ultra, pop-R&B artist Justine Skye, high school riot grrrl rock band Kim Theory, jazz-R&B musician Destin Conrad and Irish country singer CMAT.
Chicago talent also is featured on the stages and our playlist: Friday’s Chicago Made showcase includes viral “Top of Cars” rapper Lil M.U., R&B newcomer Sherrionn, rock band Free Joel and Grammy-winning artist-slash-producer Peter CottonTale, while local experimental rock duo Water From Your Eyes and alt-country band Case Oats are set to perform on Saturday.
Find the full schedule on Lollapalooza’s website, and follow along with Vocalo’s festival coverage on Instagram.