How to Afford Lollapalooza on a College Budget

As festival season is in full swing, artists are playing sets across the globe to eager festival-goers. Luckily for the Midwest, one of the biggest music festivals in the world takes place right in Chicago. This year, Lollapalooza returns to Grant Park with names such as Bruno Mars, Vampire Weekend and Travis Scott. Though the 335-dollar ticket is well-worth the money, it may not be so easy on a college budget. Here are five tips to make the festival more affordable: 

1. Book a hotel room in advance: According to Trivago, hotels near Grant Park upcharge on average 55 percent. Though prices will still be higher no matter when you book, making reservations months in advance is a sure way to save some money.  
2. Split a room: Splitting a hotel room amongst your friends makes the shockingly-high rates a little more manageable. Many hotel rooms near the festival cost upwards of 200 dollars per night. Split between 5 people makes the stay around 40 dollars per night, which may be worth it if commuting to the city is too much stress. “Every time I attend Lolla, I split a hotel room with all my friends. It makes it cheap and especially convenient to not have to make plans to meet up with people,” commented UWM student Kayla Hohl.  
3. Consider an alternative stay: If a hotel room is out of your budget, rooms through AirBnb often cost a lot less than a traditional hotel room, and usually include more homey amenities such as a kitchen and living room. If you’re looking to save even more, try a local hostel such as HI Chicago, an accommodation where you often share a room with a stranger. Better yet, make plans to stay with a friend or family member who lives near the city. “i have stayed with my Uncle for the past three years during lollapalooza and I love it because it’s convenient, cost effective, and he loves the company,” said UWM student Chloe Wilkerson.  
4. Stay on the outskirts: Snagging a hotel located in one of Chicago’s many suburbs such as Downers Grove or Evanston is a sure way to save money on lodging. Luckily, Chicago’s public transportation system is convenient and cheap if you’re planning on commuting. A weekend Metra pass usually costs less than 20 dollars and heads right into downtown.  
5. Snag a last-minute resale ticket: Though resale can sometimes be risky, sellers will often drop prices well below face value close to the date of the festival. Luckily, Lollapalooza offers a verified resale service.