Lollapalooza Wraps Up with Epic Sunday Performances by Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lana Del Rey, and Chance The Rapper
GRANT PARK — The final day of Lollapalooza came to a wild and memorable close on Sunday as a sold-out crowd gathered to enjoy performances by music icons Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lana Del Rey, and Chance The Rapper. Despite the wet weather and muddy grounds, festival-goers didn’t let anything dampen their spirits.
The day kicked off with Brooklyn rapper Joey Bada$$ taking the stage and surprising the audience by bringing out Chicago’s very own Chance The Rapper. The crowd swelled even larger as hometown hero Chance joined Joey Bada$$ in an electrifying performance. The rapper expressed his love for Chicago, saying, “If you really from Chicago make some noise.”
The rainy weather from Saturday continued to be a factor on Sunday, with light rains persisting and keeping mud alive on the festival grounds. However, this didn’t deter fans, who embraced the muddy conditions and didn’t seem to care about their shoes and clothes getting caked in mud. In fact, some festival-goers took the opportunity to partake in a Lollapalooza tradition known as “Mud people.” Gabriel Sanchez-Burks, an 18-year-old from Ann Arbor, excitedly joined in, saying, “Lolla is a slip and slide. I’ve been going to Lolla since my parents did it, and now it’s my turn.”
Lana Del Rey mesmerized the crowd with her performance, dressed in an all-white summer dress and accompanied by ballerinas in all-black. The massive crowd crooned along with her hit song “Young and Beautiful.” Del Rey even ventured into the front stands wearing heart-shaped red sunglasses, taking selfies with fans and accepting flowers.
Meanwhile, Red Hot Chili Peppers took over the T Mobile stage as the headliner for the night. Drawing on their legacy as a rock band, the Los Angeles group delivered an unforgettable performance that attracted a diverse crowd from across the country. This marked their first Lollapalooza appearance since 1992, and they didn’t disappoint with a set that included hits from their extensive discography.
Throughout the festival, colorful outfits, Michael Jordan jerseys, and medics rushing stretchers were a common sight. Max Waldman, a fan from Canada, proudly wore his No. 23 Michael Jordan jersey, expressing his admiration for the city of Chicago, calling it a “metropolitan utopia.”
For many attendees, catching the Red Hot Chili Peppers was the highlight of their Lollapalooza experience. Lisa Marie Chagas, a Chicagoan attending the festival for the first time, said she had to be a part of it at least once before she died. She praised the politeness and organization of the crowd, saying that even if someone accidentally stepped on her foot, they would apologize.
As Lollapalooza 2023 came to an end, it was clear that the festival had once again left an indelible mark on music lovers. With unforgettable performances, enthusiastic crowds, and a strong sense of camaraderie, Lollapalooza proved why it remains one of the most anticipated music events of the year.
Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club ChicagoFestival goers traverse a big puddle and mud after rainfall during the third day of Lollapalooza in Grant Park on Aug. 5, 2023.