Lollapalooza, for its 25th anniversary, is bigger than ever—with four days of performances. That means there are more artists in town to play venues around the city, for those of us who didn't pony up for passes. We’ve collected the best of the bunch, from festival headliners LCD Soundsystem to local favorites like Towkio and Joey Purp of the Save Money crew.
(Click here for our list of the best after-parties and events.)
WEDNESDAY
Bastille
This dreamy UK band makes the sort of indie-rock that features heavily in TV commercials and film trailers, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t good. There’s a reason why their 2013 debut album Bad Blood went to No. 1 almost immediately. Check them (and their catchy hit “Pompeii”) at the Vic before they inevitably start performing at even larger venues. Find tickets on StubHub.
The Vic Theatre, 18+. 9 p.m.
Jane’s Addiction
If you can’t make it to Lollapalooza, check out the festival’s founder Perry Farrell with his perennial rock group Jane’s Addiction as they remind audiences what rock music used to sound like before banjos became standard on the stadium circuit. Find tickets on StubHub.
Metro, 18+. 8 p.m.
The Last Shadow Puppets
Silly name, seriously good music. Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner’s side project is a testament to rock genres of the past, from garage rock to post-punk. The latter is prominent on the group’s latest album, Everything You’ve Come to Expect, released earlier this year. Find tickets on StubHub.
House of Blues, 18+. 9 p.m.
AlunaGeorge
After years of releasing a collection of perfect pop songs, AlunaGeorge (the duo of vocalist and songwriter Aluna Francis and producer George Reid) finally dropped its debut album in 2014. Only recently did the group find footing in the U.S. on Top 40 radio, though its true moment in the much-deserved spotlight has yet to come.
Lincoln Hall, 18+. 9 p.m. $20
Yeasayer
Amen & Goodbye, the Brooklyn-based group’s fourth album, incorporates more of its signature touches—from springy synths to electric guitars to a myriad of “world” music influences. But this time, the group has pushed itself in two directions, looking far into the past (album opener "Daughters of Cain" sounds like a mini-tribute to the work of Queen and David Bowie) and to the future, with a mish-mash of influences that only they could execute well.
Concord Music Hall, 18+. 9 p.m. $20
Daughter
On their debut album, Not To Disappear, Daughter crafted an eerie collection of dream pop in The xx vein, full of piercing guitars and moments of silence and depth. Let their noisy wonders wash over you in a slower-paced alternative to the weekend’s party scenes.
Thalia Hall, 17+. 9 p.m. $25
THURSDAY
Major Lazer and Towkio
This one promises to be a raunchy dance party, and we wouldn’t want it any other way. Join Major Lazer (Diplo and Switch) for this bananas party featuring sweaty jams and even sweatier bodies. Save Money crew member and hometown dance-rap star Towkio will up the ante with his mix of house and trap rap singles, many of which stem from his latest mixtape. Find tickets on StubHub.
Aragon Ballroom, 17+. 10 p.m.
M83
M83 made something of a left turn on its latest release, Junk. The album received mixed reviews for its heavy use of synths and decidedly retro, groove-based rhythms. Still, there are pop gems throughout that are worthy of your attention and this show should promise a mix of the noisy old and the danceable new. Find tickets on StubHub.
The Vic Theatre, 18+. 11 p.m.
Miike Snow and Autolux
Pop masters Miike Snow and Autolux return with their latest collection of near-flawless jams on iii. Expect crowd sing-a-longs. We’ve yet to attend one of their shows without everyone in the room singing from the top of their lungs. Find tickets on StubHub.
Concord Music Hall, 18+. 11 p.m.
Foals
This UK group went from math rock to something more contemporary and interesting, without losing its frenetic energy and shouty, snappy vocals in the process. What Went Down, the latest album from 2015, is the group's smartest and best-reviewed album yet. Find tickets on StubHub.
House of Blues, 17+. 11 p.m.
Wavves
When Wavves first emerged in 2008, the solo project of frontman Nathan Williams was on the forefront of the short-lived garage rock revival in the industry music scene. Seven years and multiple albums later, Wavves is a fully-fleshed band, still releasing a surprisingly fresh collection of rock jams infused with the spirit of now-defunct Cali venues that promise all guitars and no nonsense. Find tickets on StubHub.
Subterranean, 17+. 11 p.m.
MØ
The brainchild of Karen Marie Ørsted, MØ has never been able to quite capture the promise of her solo music and collaborations (“Lean On” with Major Lazer was inescapable last year). Still, this year might be her moment to break out from the emerging pop girl pack. “Final Song,” the first single from her second and upcoming album, was produced by British vocalist and certifiable musical genius MNEK.
Lincoln Hall, 18+. 11 p.m. $22.50
Frightened Rabbit
After more than a decade in the industry, Scottish indie rock band Frightened Rabbit continues to make accessible, deeply emotional music for the cool dads in your life. Find tickets on StubHub.
Thalia Hall, 17+. 11 p.m.
Bob Moses
You don’t need a laptop or a collection of synths to make great grooves. Just look at Bob Moses, a rock band that makes seriously slinky dance music that is as easy to bounce to as it is to play on repeat in the comfort of one’s bedroom. Groove to the latest album in this rare live performance at Spybar. Find tickets on StubHub.
Spybar, 21+. 11 p.m.
Joey Purp
It’s been a big year for Joey Purp. His latest mixtape–the infectious iiiDrops–received critical acclaim including a Best New Music nod from Pitchfork. Purp is the latest member of the Save Money crew to find success in the music world with his intelligent collection of hip-hop tracks that simultaneously shine a light on Chicago violence and give hope for a generation. Check out Purp in this relatively intimate concert before he inevitably blows up to bigger and better venues.
Reggies, 18+. 11 p.m. $12
FRIDAY
Disclosure
Some credit UK house and garage duo Disclosure with kicking off the EDM trend and all evidence suggests that might be true. But brothers Howard and Guy Lawrence are more than just repurposers of classic dance music genres. Discover more of their artistic influences in this sold-out DJ set. Find tickets on StubHub.
Spybar, 21+. 11 p.m.
The 1975
The 1975’s latest, long-titled sophomore album proves the band is not as easy to classify as earlier releases indicated. From retro pop to indie rock to ambient, the band dips between genres to showcase its formidable talents and wide array of influences. Find tickets on StubHub.
House of Blues, 17+. 11 p.m.
Flosstradamus
A lot has changed since Flosstradamus got its start DJing raunchy parties at Boystown’s Town Hall Pub. For one, the two DJs are producers in their own right after abandoning the mashup and bloghaus micro-trend and surprisingly riding the EDM wave. Experience their new sound for yourself at this show.
Aragon Ballroom, 17+. 10 p.m. $36
X Ambassadors
How many times can one write about “dreamy,” “catchy,” and fun indie rock? And yet X Ambassadors fit the bill. Thankfully, the group's music has more depth than its peers. See it for yourself. Find tickets on StubHub.
Bottom Lounge, 17+. 11 p.m.
St. Lucia
Fun, “tropical”-influenced indie rock defines St. Lucia’s unique sound. It’s a perfect match for the middle of summer and should tide you over if those summer vacation plans fell through this year. Find tickets on StubHub.
Park West, 18+. 11 p.m.
Cashmere Cat and Equator Club
Producer Cashmere Cat is more than just a go-to for the world’s premiere pop stars like Ariana Grande. He’s also a gifted craftsman in his own right, and this club set promises a deep glimpse into his glitchy, synth-driven mind. Local producer Equator Club makes house and dance music driven by his father’s famous, now-defunct nightlife venue. Find tickets on StubHub.
Primary Night Club, 21+. 11 p.m.
SATURDAY
Oliver Heldens
Soak in the rooftop views and listen to a rare local set from Olivier Heldens, ranked the #1 house music DJ from DJ magazine.
ROOF on theWit, theWit Hotel. 9 p.m.
Bloc Party
This UK rock band escaped the post-aughts indie rock fall-off to craft a fun and accessible brand of music that leans heavy on clean melodies and angular guitars.
House of Blues, 17+. 11 p.m. $32.50
Vince Staples
Staples is something of a voice for his generation. Just check out his totally woke Twitter page or listen to his poignant and hard-hitting lyrics. His Pitchfork set was canceled due to flight delays and with Lolla tickets sold out, this show will be your best chance to see him in action. Find tickets on StubHub.
Reggie’s, 18+. 11 p.m.
Snakehips
Snakehips started as a small project and has ballooned to include a number of different collaborators and largely British vocalists. It was one of the first to craft the now-ubiquitous world music-influenced brand of house and hip-hop. Find tickets on StubHub.
Primary Night Club, 21+. 11 p.m.
Jack Garratt
Garratt is part of the new wave of folk vocalists who sound more like R&B troubadours than your parents’ hippie folk singers. His velvety vocals will serve as a soothing balm from the intensity of Lolla weekend. Find tickets on StubHub.
Double Door, 17+. 11 p.m.
Chairlift
A Chairlift show is unlike any other, featuring a beautifully coordinated light show, pitch-perfect vocals, and enough energy to keep you moving as if it is a workout. Why the shows haven’t gotten bigger is a mystery to us. Find tickets on StubHub.
Empty Bottle, 21+. 11 p.m.
SUNDAY
Phantogram and Baio
Phantogram is back with a new single and a new record scheduled to drop later this year. Get a teaser of synth-driven pop at this sold-out show. Arrive early to taste the musical stylings of Baio (a member of Vampire Weekend), who crafts pop songs that are quirky and danceable. Find tickets on StubHub.
House of Blues, 17+. 11 p.m.