Festivals
Our Top 10 Must-See Artists at Lollapalooza 2024
Lollapalooza 2024 is set to be an electrifying celebration of music, featuring an incredible lineup of artists from around the globe. This year’s event will be held from August 1-4, featuring over 170 bands across eight stages in Chicago’s Grand Park. From chart-topping acts to rising stars, this year’s festival promises unforgettable performances across a variety of genres. Here’s a preview of ten standout artists you won’t want to miss:
1. Stray Kids
Stray Kids, the powerhouse boy band from South Korea, has taken the global music scene by storm with their innovative sound and high-energy performances. Formed by JYP Entertainment, the group is known for its unique blend of hip-hop, electronic, and pop elements. Their discography, featuring hits like “God’s Menu,” “Back Door,” and “Miroh,” showcases their ability to seamlessly mix aggressive beats with melodic hooks. Stray Kids are also celebrated for their intricate choreography and powerful stage presence, making their live performances a visual and auditory spectacle. Expect a dynamic show filled with explosive energy and fan-favourite tracks. Head to our review of Stray Kids at BST Hyde Park for a preview of what to expect!
2. Future x Metro Boomin’
The dynamic duo of rapper Future and producer Metro Boomin’ promises a groundbreaking performance. Future, known for his distinctive voice and innovative approach to trap music, has collaborated with Metro Boomin’ on numerous chart-topping hits, including “Mask Off,” “Jumpman,” and “Wicked.” Metro Boomin’s masterful production skills, characterized by his dark, atmospheric beats, perfectly complement Future’s introspective and often raw lyrics. Their collaboration has produced some of the most influential tracks in modern hip-hop, and their live set is expected to be a powerful showcase of their combined talents, delivering an unforgettable experience for hip-hop fans.
3. Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion, the rapper from Houston, Texas, has become a cultural icon with her empowering lyrics, bold persona, and infectious energy. Known for hits like “Savage,” “Hot Girl Summer,” and “WAP,” Megan’s music celebrates confidence, independence, and unapologetic self-expression. Her dynamic stage presence and commanding performances have made her a standout act at festivals worldwide. Megan Thee Stallion’s appearance at Lollapalooza promises to be a high-energy, crowd-pleasing event, filled with her signature charisma and a setlist of chart-topping anthems that will have the audience dancing and singing along.
4. Benson Boone
Benson Boone, the talented pop artist who first gained attention on American Idol, has quickly established himself as a rising star with his soulful voice and heartfelt songwriting. His breakout single “Ghost Town” introduced audiences to his emotive style, characterized by poignant lyrics and compelling melodies. Boone’s music often explores themes of love, loss, and personal growth, resonating deeply with listeners. Benson Boone is set to deliver an intimate and captivating performance, showcasing his vocal prowess and ability to connect with the audience through his deeply personal and moving songs.
5. Lola Young
Lola Young, the British singer-songwriter, brings a fresh and authentic voice to the music scene with her soulful vocals and poignant lyrics. Her music, blending elements of soul, pop, and R&B, has earned her critical acclaim and a growing fanbase. Tracks like “Blind Love” and “None for You” highlight her raw talent and emotional depth, often exploring themes of love, identity, and self-discovery. Young’s performances are known for their intimacy and power, drawing the audience into her world with every note.
6. Ethel Cain
Ethel Cain, the enigmatic singer-songwriter, creates music that is both ethereal and haunting, drawing listeners into an immersive sonic experience. Her introspective lyrics and atmospheric soundscapes blend elements of dream pop, indie rock, and folk, creating a unique and captivating sound. Songs like “Crush” and “Michelle Pfeiffer” showcase her ability to craft deeply emotional and evocative music that resonates on a profound level. Ethel Cain’s live performances are known for their otherworldly quality, promising a mesmerizing and unforgettable experience, as she takes the audience on a journey through her evocative and haunting sound.
7. Conan Gray
Conan Gray, the pop sensation known for his relatable lyrics and catchy melodies, has quickly become a favourite in the music industry. His debut album Kid Krow produced hits like “Heather” and “Maniac,” which have earned him a dedicated fanbase. Gray’s music often explores themes of adolescence, heartbreak, and self-discovery, resonating deeply with his audience. His engaging stage presence and heartfelt performances make his live shows an emotional and memorable experience. Conan Gray is set to deliver a dynamic and captivating performance, filled with fan-favourite tracks and his signature charisma.
8. The Last Dinner Party
The Last Dinner Party, an emerging indie rock band, brings a fresh and eclectic sound to the Lollapalooza lineup. Known for their innovative music and dynamic performances, the band’s unique blend of rock, pop, and experimental elements sets them apart in the music scene. Their debut EP and singles have garnered attention for their bold themes and infectious energy. The Last Dinner Party’s live shows are a whirlwind of energy and creativity, promising an unforgettable experience for festival-goers (check out our recap of their tour date in Vancouver here). At Lollapalooza 2024, they are set to make a lasting impression with their eclectic sound and vibrant stage presence.
9. Hozier
Irish singer-songwriter Hozier, known for his soulful voice and evocative songwriting, returns to the stage with a powerful set at Lollapalooza. His breakout hit “Take Me to Church” catapulted him to international fame, followed by critically acclaimed tracks like “Movement” and “Too Sweet.” Hozier’s music often explores themes of love, spirituality, and social justice, delivered with a blend of folk, soul, and rock influences. His live performances are marked by their emotional intensity and powerful vocals, creating a deeply moving experience for the audience. Hozier’s headlining set a promises to be a highlight of the festival.
10. Boywithuke
Boywithuke, the enigmatic artist known for his unique blend of ukulele-driven pop and heartfelt lyrics, has quickly gained popularity with his charming and intimate music. Songs like “Toxic” and “Two Moons” showcase his ability to craft catchy melodies and relatable lyrics that resonate with listeners. Boywithuke’s performances are characterized by their authenticity and simplicity, creating a personal connection with the audience. His set promises to be a delightful and engaging experience, bringing his unique sound and heartfelt performances to the festival stage.
Festivals
Osheaga 2026 Reveals Daily Schedule
The annual ritual every Osheaga fan both loves and dreads has arrived. The festival has officially unveiled its daily schedule for the 2026 edition, giving attendees their first look at who will be playing when across Parc Jean-Drapeau from July 31 to August 2.
As always, the release of set times brings excitement, anticipation, and plenty of scheduling headaches. With major headliners, breakout stars, indie favourites, and hometown talent spread across six stages, fans will once again be forced to make some difficult decisions throughout the weekend.
Here’s a closer look at some of the biggest moments and potential conflicts from each day.
Friday, July 31
Friday eases festival-goers into the weekend before building toward a stacked evening lineup led by Twenty One Pilots, The XX, and The Neighbourhood on the Bell River Stage.
The day begins with performances from Super Plage, Wunderhorse, Wet Leg, and Moses Belanger before momentum picks up in the afternoon. One of the first notable clashes arrives when Kehlani takes the Mountain Stage while Amber Mark performs on the Forest Stage and Billie Marten appears on the Valley Stage.
The evening presents some particularly difficult choices. Fans of alternative rock will have to decide between The XX and rising Japanese sensation YOASOBI, whose set overlaps with portions of the night.
Another major conflict comes later when Brutalismus 3000 and JID perform simultaneously. Those looking for a high-energy electronic experience may head toward the Coca-Cola Stage, while hip-hop fans will likely be making a run toward the Valley Stage.
The festival’s opening night closes with Twenty One Pilots on the main stage, while Geese and Amelie Lens provide compelling alternatives elsewhere across the site.
Friday Highlights
- Twenty One Pilots
- The XX
- The Neighbourhood
- Kehlani
- YOASOBI
- JID
- Amelie Lens
- Wet Leg
- Wunderhorse
- Geese
Saturday, August 1
Saturday may feature the weekend’s most relentless run of performances from top to bottom.
The day starts with sets from Baby Nova, Wolf Parade, Stella Lefty, Laura Scavo, and Fanclubwallet before quickly transitioning into a packed afternoon. Fans of indie and alternative music will have several choices throughout the day, including Villager, Kingfishr, and AJ Tracey.
One of the day’s biggest talking points will be the overlap between Little Simz, followed by Franz Ferdinand’s set. Both artists are expected to draw large crowds and appeal to different corners of the Osheaga audience.
As night falls, things only get tougher. Punk fans will likely gravitate toward Viagra Boys and Turnstile, while electronic fans may be tempted by Odd Mob and Kettama. Meanwhile, indie pop fans will be trying to squeeze in as much of Sombr as possible before heading to the main stage.
The evening culminates with Canadian pop superstar Tate McRae closing the Bell River Stage, while electronic powerhouse Empire of the Sun headlines the Forest Stage.
Saturday Highlights
- Tate McRae
- Empire of the Sun
- Turnstile
- Franz Ferdinand
- Little Simz
- Viagra Boys
- Wolf Parade
- AJ Tracey
- Sombr
- Kettama
Sunday, August 2
The festival’s final day delivers arguably the strongest collection of pop talent across the entire weekend.
Things begin with Valley, Amble, Between Friends, and Tia Wood before the afternoon ramps up with performances from Mother Mother, Paris Paloma, Billie du Page, and Of Monsters and Men.
One of the biggest scheduling dilemmas of the weekend arrives during the evening stretch. Fans hoping to catch Zara Larsson, SG Lewis, and Gunna will need to carefully plan their route through the grounds, as several of the performances overlap.
The night’s final run is packed with major draws. Lorde headlines the Bell River Stage while Major Lazer closes the Forest Stage. At the same time, electronic fans can head to Space 92’s special Popof-presented Turbo Recordings set, while alternative music fans may find themselves torn between Not For Radio, Horsegiirl, and Subtronics.
Sunday offers a fitting finale to what looks like one of Osheaga’s most diverse lineups in recent memory.
Sunday Highlights
- Lorde
- Major Lazer
- Zara Larsson
- Gunna
- SG Lewis
- Mother Mother
- Of Monsters and Men
- Paris Paloma
- Valley
- Horsegiirl
Start Planning Now
With the daily schedule now available, fans can finally begin mapping out their weekends and preparing for the inevitable conflicts that come with a lineup this deep.
Whether you’re heading to Parc Jean-Drapeau for the headliners, discovering your next favourite artist, or trying to sprint between stages to catch a little bit of everything, Osheaga 2026 is shaping up to deliver another unforgettable weekend in Montreal.
Tickets and additional festival information are available through the official Osheaga website.
Festivals
Riot Fest 2026 Brings Tool, Alanis Morissette, Morrissey, and Twenty One Pilots to Chicago
Chicago’s beloved punk and alternative festival, Riot Fest, is back with another stacked lineup for 2026. The three-day event returns to Douglass Park from September 18-20, bringing together more than 100 artists across punk, rock, indie, metal, and alternative music.
Leading this year’s lineup are Tool, Alanis Morissette, Morrissey, Twenty One Pilots, and Pierce the Veil. The festival continues its tradition of mixing legendary names with newer acts and cult favorites.
Other major artists on the bill include Patti Smith and her band, Elvis Costello & The Imposters, Santigold, Pixies, Rise Against, Bad Religion, Taking Back Sunday, Social Distortion, The All-American Rejects, and Bright Eyes.
Fans of heavier and more chaotic sets will have plenty to look forward to with appearances from GWAR, Chat Pile, Melt-Banana, and Insane Clown Posse. Riot Fest is also bringing together punk history with performances from Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter and Public Image Ltd.
The festival’s deep lineup stretches far beyond the headliners, with artists such as Pennywise, Descendents, Iggy Pop, Mom Jeans, The Format, Twin Peaks, Algernon Cadwallader, This Is Lorelei, and Jejune set to perform throughout the weekend.
Last year’s edition marked Riot Fest’s 20th anniversary, featuring returning favorites such as Green Day, Blink-182, and Weezer. This year’s lineup keeps that same mix of nostalgia, chaos, and genre-spanning energy that has made Riot Fest one of North America’s most recognizable alternative festivals.
Three-day passes are on sale now, including general admission, VIP, and deluxe ticket packages. Payment plan options are available for fans looking to spread out the cost of the weekend.
More information at riotfest.org.