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St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Chicago just got a little… sweeter, all thanks to Lollapalooza. The premier Chicago festival has created custom Lollipop Star lollipops, which will play short, edited clips from several artists on the 2026 lineup that only the person with the lollipop in their mouth can hear. And, lucky for us Chicagoans, these musical suckers will be distributed throughout the city this weekend—just days ahead of the fest’s official lineup announcement.
Ever heard a song with your teeth? We’re guessing (hoping?) the answer is no. Lollipop Star uses bone conduction to turn its stick into a private speaker. By simply biting or sucking the candy, vibrations travel through your jawbone directly to your inner ear—creating a personal audio experience that lives entirely inside your head.
Having been lucky enough to snag an early sample, I can confirm the “Perry Berry” flavor is a hit. The tech is remarkably seamless; I felt the bass-heavy electronic beats vibrating right through my molars, yet someone standing just a few feet away couldn't hear a thing. And as for the music the lollipops teasing, I can confirm that Chicago's lucky recipients of these are in for a real treat.
Lollapalooza will be distributing the lollipops at the Chicago River Dyeing and parade downtown, as well as River North, Gold Coast, Wrigleyville and Northalsted on Saturday, March 14. Distribution will move to the South Side Irish Parade, West Loop, Wicker Park and Lincoln Park on Sunday, March 15. While exact locations remain under wraps, stay alert for plastic Lollapalooza-branded envelopes marked "Taste the 2026 Lineup." Each one holds a red sucker that plays song clips from this year’s performers.
Lollapalooza will reveal its full 2026 lineup on Tuesday, March 17. Sign up for alerts regarding lineup updates, tickets and more here.