Lollapalooza was hit with a series of delays, with severe flooding pushing back several artists’ sets for the 2026 edition.
READ MORE: Every Lollapalooza line-up poster since 1991
The Chicago event kicked off on July 30, with Olivia Dean, Charli XCX, Tate McRae, Lorde and The xx among those at the top of the bill, joined by John Summit, Jennie and The Smashing Pumpkins.
This year’s line-up spans multiple genres and eras, with some of the other big names including Geese, Wet Leg, Ethel Cain, Turnstile, Lil Uzi Vert, CMAT, Little Simz, Zara Larsson, Clipse, The Neighbourhood, Yungblud, Beabadoobee, Sombr, and Wolf Alice.
The latter band played last night (August 1), however festival organisers announced on the day that the festival had been pushed back from 12 pm to 3 pm CT, leading to the cancellation of most of the sets that were scheduled within that three-hour window, with a few exceptions.
K-pop group Cortis, who were moved to later on Saturday afternoon, performed for 40 minutes rather than their previously scheduled 50, while Wolf Alice’s initial hour-long set was also cut to 40 minutes.
Your updated Saturday schedule on Disney+ and Hulu Don’t miss out! https://t.co/RCnQlNoe39 pic.twitter.com/OHAeP8obfN
— Lollapalooza (@lollapalooza) August 1, 2026
The delays came following heavy rainfall overnight in Chicago, which saw several festivalgoers revelling in the swamp-like Hutchinson Field, prompting the festival to release a statement on their social media platforms yesterday, saying: “Due to current and overnight heavy rains, doors will be delayed until 2 p.m. Please continue to watch this space for further updates.”
A second statement was put out just hours later, and read: “Thank you for your patience. At this time, we are actively working on cleaning up areas of the grounds with an updated plan to open doors at 3 p.m, with the Box Office opening at 1 p.m. Please continue to watch this space for further updates.”
The festival has already seen a slew of surprise collaborations, with Sombr bringing out 5 Seconds of Summer for his set, Smashing Pumpkins reuniting with Melissa Auf der Maur, and Lorde bringing out Charli XCX for ‘Girl, So Confusing’.
As of 2pm South Grant Park is still flooded with crews working hard to pump the water out. North Bud Light stage is much better. Perry’s is muddy but not flooded. If you are attending tonight best of luck @lollapalooza pic.twitter.com/bq2oTxA3Z0
— Colin Hinkle (@hinklecolin) August 1, 2026
SOAKED @lollapalooza on the morning of day 3 pic.twitter.com/BqgA2bKiUq
— Colin Hinkle (@hinklecolin) August 1, 2026
In a five-star review of Lollapalooza 2023, NME shared: “But even in the midst of acts giving their best at the festival, there’s still an undercurrent of imperfection that makes it all approachable and real.
“Lollapalooza isn’t trying to be anything it’s not, and by returning each year with a new plan to prioritise diversity in sound as well as a steadfast dedication to highlighting fresh acts (like on its BMI stage, where up-and-coming acts like Annie DiRusso and Beauty School Dropout are met with fans who sing along to every single word) the festival proves its dedication to just putting the music first, and the fans Lollapalooza draws in mirror that effort.”
The post Lollapalooza shortens Wolf Alice and Cortis sets after severe flooding causes delays appeared first on NME.
