CHICAGO (WLS) – Lollapalooza draws hundreds of thousands of people to downtown Chicago, and when they’re not at the festival, they’re spending money.
“When you go on vacation, you’re spending money, right?” said Emily Koprowski.
“We went to Chicago Waffles for brunch this morning, we were blown away with the menu, the amazing menu and a little shop just for the things you need to travel,” said Stephanie Sulis.
The annual best friends trip for these two Michigan women took them to Chicago for Lolla. While they’re here, expect to spend hundreds of dollars each outside of the four-day music festival.
“There are definitely some after-shows, so there are different clubs and rooftop bars, there is a rooftop bar in our hotel, so we will probably go there after that,” said Koprowski.
On the South Loop, Reggie’s is hosting an after party that is giving business a much-needed boost after last year.
“Reggie’s is one of the closest places to Lolla, we have a bus that takes people back and forth,” said owner Robby Glick. “It’s great for us, of course, great for the city.”
The existing contract for Lollapalooza, which will generate millions in revenue for the city of Chicago, is expiring but can be extended if both parties agree.
The City’s Park District spokeswoman released a statement partially stating, “The City of Chicago has had a great experience with C3 every year they produce the Lollapalooza Festival. We look forward to our continued partnership and improved improvements for Grant Park. “
Momentum Coffee has also seen the dynamism of the lolla business. Owner Nikki Bravo, a small independent store that opened during the pandemic, is hoping attractions like Lollapalooza will continue.
“We appreciate events like Lollapalooza or something like that because it brings new attention and some other people from the city who also try us out who may not have done it yet,” she said.
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