written by Daniela Cortes
Lollapalooza 2024 was nothing short of an unforgettable experience. especially getting to see Stray Kids headline the Chicago festival with VIP tickets. After seeing New Jeans perform last year with a General Admission (GA) ticket, the upgrade to VIP for 2024 was a total game changer! The exclusive lounge areas, air-conditioned bathrooms, and overall comfort were on another level. In this post, I’ll break down how my VIP experience compared to last year’s GA, share essential festival tips, and give you a glimpse into my Stray Kids concert adventure. Check out my full vlog on YouTube for all the behind-the-scenes moments!
VIP vs. GA: The Ultimate Upgrade
Our VIP bracelets at the Lollapalooza Festival in Chicago.
Last year at Lollapalooza, when I saw New Jeans, even though we had GA tickets, we still had a great time and made tons of friends in the crowd. The thing about K-pop fans is that we always know how to have fun, even if it means waiting 8 hours in the heat for our favorite group to perform. This year’s Lollapalooza, waiting for Stray Kids was a totally different and much more comfortable experience with VIP perks. While both experiences were fun in their own way, having access to the VIP lounge and air-conditioned bathrooms were lifesavers. Plus, the VIP entrance line saved so much time compared to last year’s GA line.
Festival vs. Concert: A Different Vibe
Seeing Stray Kids at a festival versus their own concert also brought a totally different vibe. There was so much energy from both the artists and the fans. Even though not everyone there was a hardcore K-pop fan, the atmosphere was still electric, like you could feel the excitement buzzing in the air. What really stood out to me was how the K-pop community brought so much positivity and fun to the event. I ended up meeting a ton of new friends while waiting in the crowd, which made the long day fly by so quickly. Being around such a supportive fan base really took the excitement to the next level. And the fireworks at the end of the night? Absolutely beautiful. It was the perfect way to close out an unforgettable performance.
My friends and I enjoying Lollapalooza together.
Festival Essentials: Must-Have Items
If you're heading to a festival, especially in the summer, packing smart is key. Here’s a list of my must-have essentials I always make sure to bring with me:
- Water bottle or water backpack: Staying hydrated is crucial.
- Sunscreen: Trust me, you'll regret it if you don’t.
- Portable charger: You’ll want to capture those festival memories, and your phone won’t last all day.
- Fan: It gets unbearably hot waiting all day.
- Comfortable shoes: You’re going to be on your feet for hours, so make sure your shoes are comfy and ready for some dirt.
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Nachimbong (Stray Kids Lightstick): Don’t forget to bring this to show your support and be part of the fan light ocean!
My tiny Nachimbong (Stray Kids Light-stick)
Preparing for the Festival
Hydration starts before the festival—make sure you’re drinking water in the days leading up to the event. We saw quite a few people fainting due to dehydration, so staying hydrated is no joke. As for outfits, while K-pop concert looks are all about being stylish, festival outfits should be comfortable but still show off your fandom. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with unique makeup. I highly recommend cute face or body art like temporary tattoos. I wore Skzoo tattoos from a small fan business, and they were a huge hit.
Unforgettable Interactions
Being in VIP also made it easier to get some nice interactions with the boys! At one point, Lee Know even waved hi to me, which was a total highlight of the night. Those little moments make the experience even more special. Overall, the night was unforgettable, with Stray Kids bringing their signature energy and the fans matching it every step of the way. You can catch more of these moments on my YouTube vlog, where I captured some of the best parts of the night!
Watch My Experience on YouTube
Want to see more from my Lollapalooza adventure? Check out my YouTube video where I share footage from the festival, including Stray Kids’ performance, fun crowd moments, and tips for surviving a K-pop festival!
Picture of the ‘Lollapalooza’ sign at the entrance.
Whether you’re going GA or VIP, seeing Stray Kids at Lollapalooza was a thrilling experience. If you can splurge on VIP tickets, it’s definitely worth it. Just make sure to pack smart, stay hydrated, and have fun representing your fandom with fun makeup and fan gear. The energy, the fireworks, and the unforgettable moments with the boys made it a night to remember!
