Lollapalooza’s second day unfolded under ideal weather conditions, drawing immense crowds to Chicago’s Grant Park for a full spectrum of musical experiences. Festgoers embraced the vibrant atmosphere, showcasing unique fashion trends from plastic flowers to bunched-up braids, all eager to immerse themselves in the city’s premier music festival. The diverse lineup ensured every stage, from Bud Light to T-Mobile, pulsed with energy, setting a high bar for the weekend.

Among the day’s standout acts was 17-year-old Chicago sensation Star Bandz, who commanded the BMI stage with remarkable confidence. Fresh from national tours and her “Estrella Deluxe” mixtape, the local artist, whose real name is Star Ana Flowers, captivated hundreds with her dynamic live performance. Her breakout hit “Yeah Yeah” propelled her to national stardom, and her set, featuring unreleased music and collaborations with fellow Chicago drill rapper Chuckyy and Sugarhill Ddot, exemplified her burgeoning talent and connection with the audience.

The afternoon also marked a triumphant return for Djo, the musical alias of actor Joe Keery, who drew a massive, welcoming crowd to the T-Mobile stage. The DePaul University alum honored his Chicago roots with his hit “End of Beginning,” incorporating a blow-up replica of The Bean into his stage design. Keery’s performance, switching seamlessly between piano and guitar, culminated in a spirited singalong and a moving collaboration with a children’s choir, underscoring his deep appreciation for his hometown fans at this major music festival.

Adding a charismatic twist to the festivities, rapper T-Pain delivered an engaging performance at the Bud Light stage, showcasing his innate ability to connect with the audience. His set, inspired by his “On Top of the Covers” release, featured a series of beloved cover songs, transforming the space into a joyful singalong. Classics like Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” and David Allen Coe’s “Tennessee Whiskey” resonated with the crowd, highlighting his unique artistry.

As evening approached, Lollapalooza offered a stark contrast in headlining acts: pop superstar Olivia Rodrigo on the T-Mobile stage and nu-metal pioneers Korn at Bud Light. Rodrigo, dazzling in a sequined two-piece, delivered a high-energy performance as one of the final stops on her GUTS World Tour. Her immense crowd spilled into surrounding streets, echoing her hits like “Vampire” and “Happier” with fervent enthusiasm.

A highlight of Olivia Rodrigo’s electrifying set was the surprise appearance by legendary band Weezer. Rodrigo, revealing Weezer was her first-ever concert, joined them onstage for spirited renditions of their iconic tracks “Buddy Holly” and “Say It Ain’t So,” creating an unforgettable moment that thrilled both new and longtime fans at the Chicago music festival.

Meanwhile, across the festival grounds, Korn offered a vastly different experience, marking their return to Lollapalooza after 28 years. While their crowd was comparatively smaller, the dedicated fans, some even sporting corn costumes, passionately engaged with Jonathan Davis, who expressed gratitude for the band’s longevity. Their performance of anthems like “Y’all Want a Single (F–k That)” resonated with the “OG” Korn fans, concluding a long, diverse day of live music.

The second day of Lollapalooza truly embodied the spirit of a diverse music festival, offering everything from emerging local stars to global icons, surprising collaborations, and nostalgic returns. Attendees left with memorable experiences, ready for the final day of sonic exploration in the heart of Chicago.