Anyone who has been to Lollapalooza knows that the performances that take place in Grant Park are just one part of the larger celebration transpiring in Chicago throughout the four-day festival. The city's bars and restaurants pull out all the stops while Lolla is in town, hosting special performances (including some of the artists you'll see on the fest's branded stages), DJ sets, day parties and more. If you're looking for a spot to spend the hours that you're not walking from stage to stage, take a look at our guide to the best free parties in Chicago during Lollapalooza weekend.
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Aug 2: On the House Party at Broken Shaker
Venice Beach brewery House Beer is buying drinks for the first hour of this post-Lolla bash (beginning at 10pm), but you'll want to stick around to hear a DJ set from Chance the Rapper collaborator Peter CottonTale.
Free
Aug 2: Champagne Retro ’80s Dance Party at Beauty Bar
After a day of hearing your favorite contemporary acts in Grant Park, hop into Beauty Bar's audio time machine and enjoy the synths, reverb and drum machine at this ’80s dance party.
Free with RSVP before 10pm, $5 after
Aug 2: Post Animal + Rookie + Jude Shuma at Virgin Hotels Chicago
Local psych-rockers Post Animal headline this free gig on the 25th floor of the Virgin, joined by classic rock devotees Rookie and singer-songwriter Jude Shuma.
Free
Aug 3: Sing Your Shaker Off at Broken Shaker
Want to win a free night in Freehand Chicago’s spacious private penthouse suite? If you can conquer this karaoke competition, you'll be able to book the room and get a $100 gift card to Broken Shaker.
Free with RSVP
Aug 3: Walk the Moon DJ set at Headquarters River North
Play some arcade games, drink a beer and catch a DJ set from Lollapalooza performers Walk the Moon at this afterparty—doors open at 3pm, if you really want to make sure that you get a spot on the dance floor.
Free with RSVP before 10:30pm, $5 after
Aug 3: First Fridays with Dave Mata at Emporium Fulton Market
Local DJ booth mainstay Mata spins 45s beginning at 9:30pm, providing a soundtrack for your high score pursuits on the bar's arcade games and pinball machines.
Free
Aug 3, 4: Bed Head Hotel at Freehand Chicago
Nylon teams up with Bed Head by TIGI to take over the first floor of the Freehand, setting up a pop-up salon where you can have your hair done before you walk over to Lolla. Running from noon to 6pm each day, the event will also feature drinks and DJ sets from Dani Thorne, Caroline D’Amore, the Deux Twins, Skyler Madison, Alissa Jo and Jill Strange.
Free with RSVP
Aug 3–5: WarPigs Brewing Four Phantoms Pop-up at Emporium Popups
WarPigs USA, a collaboration between 3 Floyds and Mikkeller, celebrates its first year with a weekend-long party at Emporium Popups in Logan Square. On Friday, August 3, metal band the Atlas Moth will perform in the bar, but you can stop by throughout the weekend to enjoy exclusive WarPigs brews.
Free
Aug 4: FLOODFest Chicago at Chicago Athletic Association
After a set at Pitchfork Music Festival, indie-rockers Japanese Breakfast return to Chicago to headline this free party at Chicago Athletic Association, which also features a DJ set from Annie Clark (a.k.a. St. Vincent) and Just Loud. Deep Eddy Vodka is sponsoring the party, so expect a complimentary mixed drink or two.
Free with RSVP
Aug 4: Lucky Brand City Jam at SPiN
Head to River North ping-pong bar SPiN on Saturday at 10pm to see performances from local rapper Vic Mensa and California rockers Russo. The shindig runs until 2am and features drinks from Omission Brewing Co., Jack Daniel's and New Amsterdam Vodka.
Free with RSVP
Aug 5: Lollapaloozer Afternoon Market at The Native
Don't want to spend the afternoon in Grant Park? Pass the time at the Native in Logan Square, where you can shop for enamel pins, prints, stickers and occult goods from a variety of local vendors while enjoying specials from Great Lakes Brewing.
Free
Aug 5: Sunday Punch and Pie Club at East Room
Wind down after a long weekend in Grant Park at East Room's weekly punch and pizza party. Doors open at 9pm, the punch is $5, Ferrari shots are $3 and free pizzas arrive at midnight.
Free
Aug 5: Kali Uchis at Cerise
R&B singer-songwriter Kali Uchis closes out Lollapalooza weekend with an intimate set on Virgin Hotel's Chicago rooftop bar—doors open at 9pm.
Free