Backstage at Lollapalooza Chicago: VIP & Platinum Experience
For many artists, attending Lollapalooza is a bucket-list dream. For me, working behind the scenes in Chicago’s Grant Park working with the production team was not only a dream come true — it became one of the most inspiring experiences of my career.
In 2022, I joined the production crew as a Platinum and VIP Concierge, where I helped manage some of the most exclusive areas of the festival. It was a dynamic role that combined logistics, guest experience, and creative execution. My team was responsible for setting up and breaking down décor, maintaining maps and toiletries, managing ticket upgrades and wristbands, and ensuring sales and customer satisfaction across the VIP and Platinum zones.
While the workdays were long, every task brought me closer to understanding the heart of what makes Lollapalooza legendary. I helped escort talent, production teams, and essential supplies between stages, VIP decks, and artist areas, which gave me an insider’s look at just how much effort and coordination goes into running a world-class festival.
One of my proudest moments that weekend came when I sold out every available VIP-to-Platinum upgrade, using my communication skills and customer relations experience to help guests enhance their festival journey. It felt good to know that my efforts directly improved their experience — and that my professionalism contributed to the event’s success.
When I wasn’t on duty, I took full advantage of my access to film and capture content creator moments around the park. I created behind-the-scenes footage at the Lollapalooza fountain, filmed crowd reactions, and showcased the incredible brand activations that brought the park to life. From colorful sponsor lounges to fan experiences, every corner of Grant Park buzzed with creativity and energy.
In between shifts, I also had the rare chance to experience Artist Village, where I enjoyed breakfast, lunch, and dinner alongside production crews and talent. Hearing artists soundcheck in the distance while we ate gave me chills — a daily reminder that I was part of something bigger. Some of the headliners that year included Metallica, Dua Lipa, J. Cole, and Green Day, and hearing their teams work alongside ours made the experience even more surreal.
Creating Content and Capturing Brand Activations at Lollapalooza Chicago
Another unforgettable moment was connecting with Lollapalooza’s content creators, who were there capturing the festival for global audiences. It was exciting to meet creators I’d seen online and talk about how storytelling plays such a huge role in live events. As an artist and creator myself, seeing Lolla’s commitment to content creation made me feel seen — and gave me something new to aspire to.
Because Lollapalooza isn’t just in Chicago; Lolla hosts versions of the festival across the world — in Berlin, Stockholm, São Paulo, Paris, and beyond. Standing on the festival grounds, I realized that my dream isn’t only to attend or work behind the scenes again — it’s to one day perform on a Lollapalooza stage or even tour with the festival internationally.
lollapalooza brand activations
One thing I really appreciated about working at Lollapalooza Chicago was how the festival encouraged staff to enjoy the experience, too. Each team member was given time to schedule short breaks so we could catch our favorite sets and soak in the energy we were helping to create. I used those moments not only to unwind, but also to film my own content and connect with some of the festival’s brand activations. From the vibrant Dunkin’ Donuts booth, to the edgy Liquid Death installations, and even a premium liquor activation in the VIP area, every corner of the park was alive with creativity. Being able to engage with these brands firsthand gave me a deeper understanding of how partnerships and live events merge to elevate both the fan and creator experience.
Working behind the scenes gave me an appreciation for every person who helps make that dream possible. From the stagehands setting up sound and lights, to the teams managing food, sponsors, and hospitality, it truly takes an army to bring this vision to life. I learned to respect every moving part of production — and to see how every role, no matter how small, contributes to the magic.
Lollapalooza 2022 gave me more than just a job title — it gave me perspective. It showed me that being an artist isn’t only about performing on stage; it’s about understanding the rhythm that happens backstage too. That combination of creativity, collaboration, and hustle is what I’ll carry forward into every project I do.
So while I was there working as part of the production team, I also left feeling more inspired than ever — with new goals, new motivation, and a clearer vision of the stages I’ll one day call my own.
If you want to relive the experience or plan your own trip to Lollapalooza, check out the official festival site for lineups, tickets, and updates:
👉 Lollapalooza Chicago Official Website
You can see more of my press coverage, brand ambassador work, and event highlights on my Press Coverage page.
Watch my vlog to see the behind-the-scenes moments no one else captured!
Learn more about my journey as a Belizean artist and creator on my About page.
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