The 2026 Lollapalooza lineup was released on Tuesday, featuring big-name headliners like Charli XCX, Lorde, Tate McRae and The Smashing Pumpkins. Some exciting new additions and nostalgic artists complete the weekend.
The festival will take place in Chicago at Grant Park from July 30 to April 2.
Consistent with nostalgic trends like bringing back 2016, the Lollapalooza lineup includes Major Lazer, the musical group behind 2015 hit “Lean On,” and Zara Larsson, who recently created another 2015 hit “Lush Life.” Another throwback artist on the lineup is Empire of the Sun.
Among the first-time Lollapalooza artists are rising stars Sombr, Leon Thomas, Audrey Hobert, K-pop group Aespa and DJ Trixie Mattel. Mattel makes her Lollapalooza debut after beginning her DJ career just six years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic. She will be bringing her “Super Disco” DJ set to the festival this year, following up on the “Solid Pink Disco” tour of 2025.
Many fans are excited to see these new faces on the Chicago stage, and some are anticipating grand performances to follow up last year’s acts.
“After twice and katseye in Chicago, I for one, would NOT want to be a group following those performances,” user N54TT said under a Reddit post about Aespa’s inclusion on the lineup. “Surely they'd be judged harshly against them. Both of those shows, in my opinion, were legendary. Aespa, of all groups, better figure out how to improve their stage presence.”
Despite concerns about Aespa’s stage presence, several fans have full confidence in the group.
“Being a Twice fan, I was happy that they rocked their stage,” user extremely-randomish said under the same post. “But every group doesn't have to be Twice or Blackpink to kill it. They just have to find their own way to own that stage and I believe they will.”
Other K-pop artists that will be rocking Lollapalooza are headliner JENNIE and groups i-dle and CORTIS. Filipino boy group SB19 will also be performing during the weekend, becoming the first all-Filipino group to be included in the festival’s lineup. The Instagram announcement for the lineup was flooded with fans supporting these acts.
“Jennie headlining Lollapalooza as a solo act proves she was always the one,” user jnkeffect said under the announcement. “So excited to see her perform too!”
This is JENNIE’s first major headliner following her first studio album, “Ruby,” produced solo from her group Blackpink.
To preview the festival, Lollapalooza handed out custom musical lollipops during the St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Chicago last weekend. These lollipops played edited musical clips of a few of the festival's performing artists, and the audio was only heard by the person with the lollipop in their mouth. This creative way to generate festival excitement had the internet buzzing at the thought of performers like 5 Seconds of Summer and Wet Leg. TikToker minamotomoto shared a video guessing the artists from the candy.
Lollapalooza lineups always receive mixed reviews, but many festival goers are thrilled to see this year’s list of performers. General admission four-day tickets start at $399, and ticket presale is open now. Those interested in attending the festival can visit Lollapalooza’s website for ticket sales and more information.
