What to Bring to Lollapalooza 2026: Packing List + Bag Policy

Lollapalooza 2026 Bag Policy: What You Can Actually Bring

Lollapalooza 2026 runs July 30 to August 2 in Grant Park, Chicago. Security searches every bag at the gate, so here are the official rules before you pack.

• Small bags, 6" x 9" or smaller: small clutch purses and fanny packs this size do not need to be clear, but they can have no more than one pocket.
• Anything larger than 6" x 9": must be clear and must be smaller than 12" x 6" x 12". Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC only.
• Hydration packs: allowed and they do not need to be clear, but they must be completely emptied of liquid and have no more than two total pockets, one for the reservoir plus one extra.
• Not allowed: backpacks with frames, bags with multiple pockets, and anything over the size limits. Confiscated items are not returned.
• Bring an empty reusable water bottle. There are free refill stations throughout the park.

The simplest way to skip the bag rules is to not bring a bag at all. A Keebos crossbody phone case carries your phone, your cards and your ID on an adjustable strap, so there is no clear tote to buy and nothing to unpack at the gate. Your hands stay free for all four days.

The Ultimate LOLLAPALOOZA Packing List 

If you want to be fully prepared for the whirlwind summer music festival that is Lollapalooza, you’ll need to plan to be outdoors during summer heat, cooler nights, and potential rain. 

You’ll want to bring the proper equipment and some vital hand sanitizer as well since Lollapalooza can see as many as 100,000 attendees every day. That said, there’s another important thing everyone should bring to the festival.

Read on to learn what to bring to Lollapalooza!

1. Keebos Crossbody Phone Cases

If you don’t have a Keebos crossbody phone case yet, you should get one! Our festival-going customers rave about what a lifesaver they are while they’re dancing to the amazing music: no worries that you’ll drop your phone or lose it somewhere, even if you are a bit tipsy by the end of the evening. It also makes it harder for thieves to steal your phone because it’s connected to you at all times. 

Keebos come in nearly every color and style so that you’ll look fabulous while you’re enjoying the sights and sounds! On the back of every Keebos phone case is a wallet that you can use for your credit cards or cash, making it a lot easier to pay for the yummy food and drinks you’re planning to enjoy. 

 

2. Water Bottle or Hydration Pack

As of right now, Lollapalooza prohibits backpacks and bags with multiple pockets. You can bring a hydration pack, but you need to bring it to the festival empty and have no more than two pockets in addition to the one that holds the water. (Don’t worry - there are plenty of water refill stations throughout the festival!)

Camelbaks and Hydro Flasks are great choices if you’re looking for a hydration pack or water bottle. 

3. Sun Protection (Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Hats)

The Chicago summer sun is intense, so you’ll need to wear plenty of sunscreen in addition to sunglasses and a chic sun hat. Don’t forget Keebos sunglass straps so you don’t lose your high-end sunglasses!

 

4. Clear Backpack or Fanny Pack

If you are bringing a bag, it has to follow the rules above. Anything bigger than 6" x 9" must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and under 12" x 6" x 12". Small clutches and fanny packs 6" x 9" or under can stay opaque, but only with a single pocket. Bags with several pockets get turned away at the gate, so check yours before you leave.

Honestly, the easiest move is to carry no bag at all. A Keebos crossbody phone case holds your phone, cards and ID on an adjustable strap, so there is no clear tote to buy and nothing to unpack in the security line.

5. Portable Phone Charger

Our love for Anker’s portable phone chargers is no secret! It’s a great way for you to restore your phone’s depleted battery when you’ve got an emergency situation or call for Uber at the end of the day. A charger will be a game-changer, the worst is when you run out of batteries too early. 

(Pro tip from Elle, a Lollapalooza expert: “Plan to leave the festival 30 minutes before it officially ends to avoid the crazy train crowds,” and if you’re planning to rideshare, “I’d recommend walking several blocks away from the park before calling… otherwise you’ll be waiting forever for a car or stuck in traffic for a long time.”)

6. Blanket or Tapestry to Sit On

Whether you decide to go the artistic route with a cool tapestry, or the straightforward and compact route with a waterproof blanket, you’ll want a way to keep your cute festival clothes from getting dirty!

7. Wipes and Hand Sanitizer

Speaking of getting dirty - there’s no such thing as running water at a music festival. Pack wipes and hand sanitizer so you can stay clean even if the festival hand sanitizer runs out. 

8. Earplugs For Ear Protection

If you’d like to enjoy great music for years to come, you’ll want to bring ear plugs to protect your hearing. Loop earplugs are pretty great at reducing noise without compromising the quality of what you’re hearing. Plus, they look fantastic and you can coordinate them with your Keebos!

9. Electrolyte Packets

You’re going to be out all day (and possibly into the night), so you’ll want to support your health as much as possible. Electrolyte packages should help you do that!

10. Something to Help You Cool Down

What can we say? We’re fans of fans. Whether you want to use a neck fan to cool off, a cooling towel, or both, just make sure you bring something to provide relief from the intense midday heat. 

 

11. Lightweight Long-Sleeved Shirt and Rain Protection

Some of us are never cold - whereas some of us get chilly as soon as the temperature drops. If you’re the latter, you’ll want a lightweight long-sleeved shirt or jacket to keep you warm.

You’ll also want rain protection - and this can come in the form of ponchos, umbrellas, raincoats, or whatever else you feel like bringing!

12. Comfortable Footwear (Your Feet Will Thank You)

As iconic as it would be to wear killer shoes to Lollapalooza, you don’t want that footwear to kill your feet! Instead, wear comfortable shoes that have already been broken in (and make sure they’re not shoes you’ll mind getting dirty).

 

13. Tickets or Wristbands

As excited as you are for Lollapalooza, you’re not going anywhere if you don’t have your tickets or wristband - so don’t forget to bring them!

Want to start shopping for Lollapalooza now so you’ll be packed and ready to go by the time the last week in July rolls around? Get started with a Keebos phone case!