After enduring one of the most chaotic experiences of my life, I genuinely believe I can do anything—any festival, anywhere. Well, maybe not anywhere. I am not a camper.

Over the weekend, I had an incredible time at Lollapalooza in Chicago, IL. This fantastic four-day festival showcases an eclectic mix of music genres and talented artists. The festival’s unique setup with eight stages offers diverse experiences, from performances by current top artists to up-and-coming talents, particularly in the EDM genre and beloved acts from the 2000s. Lollapalooza is an absolute must-visit if you love various music genres.

Since this was my first festival experience aside from ReSet, I decided to limit my attendance to just two days, focusing on making the most of Friday’s lineup.

Our group arrived at around 4 p.m. on the festival’s first day. The day had been busy with preparations for the event, ensuring that everything was set for the expected humid weather and large crowds. After taking care of the necessary tasks, we finally made our way to the GA+ tent, where we could grab dinner. The upgraded amenities, including the nicer bathrooms, spoiled us; it’s hard to imagine returning to the standard GA experience after this. Access to food and the private lounge offered a comfortable environment to relax and enjoy the shade, much appreciated after a long day of preparations.

When I arrived at Lolla, the first act I caught was Chappell Roan. Despite the vast crowd, I positioned myself toward the middle back and saw her on stage. Watching Chappell perform in that environment was incredible, especially considering I’ve been a fan of hers for years. Each song she performed was so captivating and kept the crowd completely engaged. Her wrestler outfit was a sight to behold, and it again solidified her spot as one of my favorite artists. After obsessing over her album last year, her music has returned to my regular rotation.

The next artist we were lucky enough to see was Hozier, whose live performance was electrifying. His vocals were so powerful and enchanting that I couldn’t help but be completely drawn in. After a day of navigating the festival crowds, it was a tremendous relief to unwind and be completely immersed in such an incredible show. As a long-time fan, hearing new songs alongside beloved classics was an absolute delight.

On the second day of the festival, I was filled with anticipation, knowing it would be a jam-packed day of music and excitement. I held onto a slight hope that I might get a close-up view of Stray Kids, but I soon realized that I didn’t need to spend the entire day vying for a prime spot near the stage.

As a huge fan of Stray Kids and having never seen them perform live, I was thrilled at the prospect of finally witnessing their electrifying performance. However, before their set, I had the pleasure of experiencing the charming sound of Wilderado, a sensational folk band whose music has always been a source of solace to me. While their music typically accompanies my forest hikes or leisurely hammock lounging, the scorching sun that day only left me with a painful sunburn.

After soaking up the sounds of Wilderado, I knew I couldn’t withstand the heat near the stage all day. My cousin and I sought refuge in the GA+ tent, where we could relax, cool down, and rehydrate. It was certainly a day of unforgettable music and memorable experiences, and I found myself drinking more water than I ever had before.

The gathering started with old friends, and after a few hours of chatting and catching up, the much-anticipated performances by Laufey and Stray Kids began. Laufey holds a special place in my heart as one of my favorite performers. I’ve followed her from intimate shows with just a hundred people to witnessing her command thousands at Lolla. It’s surreal to recall being just five feet away from her during those early performances. The highlight of the evening was when the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra accompanied Laufey.

The experience was nothing short of breathtaking. With each song, it felt as if I was being whisked away to a grand concert hall. Watching her skillfully play the cello alongside the orchestra was simply mesmerizing. She seamlessly blended in with a group of musicians who dedicate their lives to daily practice and honing their craft across instruments and vocals. Laufey’s ability to integrate herself into the orchestra is truly remarkable and serves as an inspiration to all.

Finally, Stray Kids…

As I anticipated the event, the size of the crowd was on my mind, but what transpired exceeded anything I could have imagined. Following the captivating performance by Laufey, the atmosphere swiftly transformed within the 30-minute break between sets. The once orderly crowd became a sea of commotion, and I found myself contemplating whether to navigate closer to the stage or risk being engulfed by the turmoil. The overwhelming nature of the experience left a lasting impression on me.

I had to take a moment to recall the sheer delusion that led me to this point. Perhaps that’s the only way I made it through: delusion and a little tequila.

The concert kicked off with an incredible burst of energy. It’s difficult to express just how hypnotizing Stray Kids’ performance was, as they truly belong on larger stages like festivals. Their commanding vocals and phenomenal production generated an electrifying atmosphere that united everyone in experiencing their music from South Korea.

The highlight of the concert was when they performed their first release amidst a spectacular fireworks display. It’s a moment I’ll treasure forever and undoubtedly, one of the most cherished memories from the concert.

After reflecting on my recent experience, I realized that perhaps festivals aren’t my cup of tea. While I thoroughly enjoyed the concert, I’ve understood that festivals are more about discovering new music and making lasting memories—some advice I will have to take into my next festival. If you’re not a fan of large crowds, festivals may not be the most suitable choice.

Nevertheless, the performers truly made the festival experience extraordinary. I am fortunate to have witnessed something I had only watched online for the past few years. Experiencing it firsthand was an unforgettable experience.

Goodbye, Lolla. Maybe next time, once I’ve managed to forget about the crowds and the humidity. (JK, I love you I already forgot after only three days)