If you’re not among the more than 270,000 people planning to attend this weekend’s sold-out Lollapalooza, it's not a total loss. You can avoid the ruckus in Grant Park and still have an awesome weekend. We rounded up some stellar Lolla alternatives below.
Notapalooza: If a lack of funds was the reason you’re missing out on Lollapalooza this year, then Notapalooza is the weekend music event for you. Catch five great local bands, including Dash Cunning, The Ewing Theory and Supervisor, all for just $7 at U.S. Beer Company. Meanwhile, the bar will have specials on Lagunitas IPA drafts ($4) and Jameson drinks ($5).Fri., Aug. 5 at 8:30 p.m.; $7 admission1801 N. Clybourn Ave.; 773-871-7799
First Fridays at the MCA: Get your fix of DJ-spun tunes, drinks and eligible singles without having to sweat it out in the sun (or use Porta-Potties). Stop by the First Fridays event at the Museum of Contemporary Art this weekend, where guests will mix and mingle while admiring works of art, sipping classy cocktails and listening to local DJs. Don’t forget to stop by the museum’s exclusive iMac G5 digital dating bar while you’re there.Fri., Aug. 5 from 6 – 10 p.m.; $18 at the door or $13 in advance220 E. Chicago Ave.; 312-280-2660
Retro on Roscoe: For a more low-key outdoor fest with good music, head to Retro on Roscoe on Saturday and Sunday. Kids can enjoy face painting and crafts while the adults check out the antique car show and tables featuring local vintage merchants, antique dealers and artists. Plus, some of Chicago’s favorite bands will be performing throughout the day, including Maggie Speaks, 16 Candles and American English.Sat., Aug 6 – Sun., Aug. 7 from 12 – 10 p.m.; $6 donationRoscoe St. between Damen and Oakley; 773-665-4682
Lolla After-Parties: Many of the bands that are performing earlier in the day at Lollapalooza have shows scheduled for the weekend. A lot of these shows are already sold out (try Craigslist or Stub Hub for last-minute offers), but you can still nab tickets for White Lies and Rival Schools at Double Door and Dom and Typhoon at Subterranean. Dom and Typhoon at SubT: Sat., Aug 6 at 10 p.m.; $122011 W. North Ave.; 773-278-6600White Lies and Rival Schools at the Double Door: Sat., Aug. 6 at 10 p.m.; $17 - $201572 N. Milwaukee Ave.; 773-489-3160
Sade at The United Center: Maybe the music at Lolla isn’t really your scene. Smooth R&B more up your alley? You can still nab tickets to see Sade perform at the United Center this weekend. She will be performing nightly from Friday through Sunday, with none other than John Legend opening up the show – perfect for those who’d rather be swaying and grooving freely than mashed up against their fellow sweaty music fans.Fri., Aug 5 – Sun. Aug. 7 at 7:30 p.m.; $49.50 - $149.50 1901 W. Madison St.; 312-455-4500