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9 Lollapalooza Tips for People with Disabilities

by Beth

This weekend hundreds of thousands of music fans will descend upon Grant Park in Chicago for the much anticipated four-day Lollapalooza music festival. Featuring top billed acts and emerging artists, a variety of local food vendors, and a beautiful view of the city skyline, the festival is sure to have something for everyone. For festival goers with disabilities accessibility is key.

When I got in touch with Lollapalooza’s ADA Access Program Manager Cari Wieland before the festival, she shared some tips to help people with disabilities make the most of their four days here:

  1. Use the accessible entrance closest to Buckingham Fountain;
  2. Start off the festival by checking in at the Access Center on Columbus at Congress in front of Buckingham Fountain;
  3. Ask at the Access Center for detailed information about viewing platforms available to anyone with mobility limitations. These are available on a first-come/first-served basis and are not limited to those who use wheelchairs;
  4. Music fans with mobility issues may also bring one companion to these viewing areas. Make sure you (and your companion, if you’re bringing someone along) pick up a wristband at the Access Center allowing access to these areas;
  5. Arrive early to the platforms, especially for any act you really want to see — they fill up quickly for the most popular acts;
  6. Companions and patrons who are able to step off the platform and into the enclosed area are asked to give priority to those who use mobility devices/wheelchairs when the platforms are crowded;
  7. Lollapalooza provides American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters at many of the stages, ask for details at the Access Center;
  8. The festival schedule will also be available at the Access Center in Braille as well as large print when requested;
  9. The Access Center also provides outlets to charge power wheelchairs when necessary.

Lollapalooza does not have ADA parking, but the festival does offer wheelchair accessible grounds and special designated festival entrances for people with disabilities.

You can read a full list of the festival’s accessibility accommodations at Lollapalooza’s web site.

Lollapalooza encourages any guest with a disability to contact access@lollapalooza.com with specific inquiries or requests.

Are you going to Lollapalooza or any other large music festival this summer? If so, share your experience and tips!


 

Comments may not reflect Easterseals' policies or positions.


  1. Julie Hazlett Says:

    August 4th, 2018 at 12:50 am

    The access staff is very helpful. However, as a ten year festival attendee with multiple sclerosis and significant spinal neurosurgery on top, I can say Lollapalooza’s entrance policies and security staff make it difficult to easily enter with needed medication and bags. The disability entrance is no different than any other with the first 200 feet filled with all, not just mobility challenged, patrons pushing their way through the packed crowd towards the entrance. I have nearly fallen from the pushing crowd and have had my cane knocked from my hand. Only one day supply of medication is allowed in original prescription bottle or you will be asked to return it to your vehicle. Even the service dog policy on their website says animals are not permitted on festival grounds and you have to email a service dog inquiry to them Over the years I have seen policy changes that make attending for disabled persons more difficult and some actions I’ve had to deal with were downright disregard and breaking ADA regulations. The ADA Access team are really good trying to make sure people with disabilities are taken care of, but most issues arise before you even enter and Access staff can only do so much when the Lollapalooza policies and setup are in place that hinder the disabled.