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Lollapalooza is back in Grant Park, and Charli XCX is one of the biggest names on this year's bill. The British pop star is headlining Friday, July 31, bringing her famously chaotic, club-ready energy to Chicago as part of a lineup that also includes The Smashing Pumpkins, Freddie Gibbs, The Story So Far and Major Lazer.
Charli XCX has spent more than a decade turning the conventions of mainstream pop inside out, moving between underground club culture and the top of the charts with a talent for making songs that sound simultaneously futuristic, trashy, euphoric and incredibly expensive. She's beloved for her high-energy live performances, marking her as one of the must-see acts at Lolla.
Lollapalooza 2026 runs July 30 through August 2, with more than 170 artists performing across eight stages. Here's everything you need to know before you make your way to Grant Park and go "Von Dutch" with Charli.
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What day is Charli XCX performing at Lollapalooza?
Charli XCX is performing on Friday, July 31, the second day of Lollapalooza 2026. She's one of the day's headliners, sharing top billing with The Smashing Pumpkins. The Friday lineup also includes Freddie Gibbs, Major Lazer, The Story So Far and plenty of other acts across the festival's eight stages.
What time will Charli XCX play Lollapalooza?
Charli is scheduled to headline Friday night at Lollapalooza beginning at 8:40pm on the T-Mobile stage. Check the official festival schedule for the latest performance time and any last-minute changes. The festival gates open at 11am each day and close at 10pm.
What songs will Charli XCX play at Lollapalooza?
There's no official setlist yet, but fans can expect a career-spanning mix of brat favorites and older hits. That could mean "360," "Von Dutch," "Apple," "Girl, so confusing," "Club classics" and "365," alongside earlier fan favorites like "Boom Clap," "I Love It," "Vroom Vroom" and "Unlock It."
She'll likely have plenty of new material to work with, too, as Charli just released her album Music, Fashion, Film. Exactly how much of the new era makes its way into her Lolla set remains to be seen.
Who else is playing Lollapalooza on Friday?
Charli is part of a packed Friday lineup. The Smashing Pumpkins are also headlining, while other notable acts include Freddie Gibbs, Major Lazer, The Story So Far and more. With eight stages spread throughout Grant Park, there will be plenty of competition for your attention—and a good chance you'll have to make some difficult choices.
If you're planning to catch Charli's headlining set, it's probably wise to stake out your preferred viewing spot well before showtime. Lollapalooza crowds tend to become significantly less navigable once the headliners take the stage.
What else should I know about Lollapalooza 2026?
Lollapalooza takes place July 30 through August 2 in Grant Park, with more than 170 acts spread across eight stages. This year's headliners include Charli XCX, Lorde, Olivia Dean, Tate McRae, John Summit, Jennie, The Smashing Pumpkins and The xx. The festival entrances open at 11am each day and close at 10pm.
For the latest set times and any schedule changes, check the official Lollapalooza schedule before heading to Grant Park.