Lollapalooza South America: Your Complete Guide to Brazil, Argentina and Chile

Jordan Bailey

While Chicago’s own Lollapalooza is regarded as one of the most dynamic and well put together music festivals in the country, one thing people may not know is that this giant U.S. festival is now known for taking its signature debauchery on the road. This year, Lollapalooza packs its bags once again for South America, allowing adventurous music fans everywhere to partake in South American style festivals of epic proportions.

Lollapalooza was conceived by Jane’s Addiction singer Perry Farrell as a farewell tour for the band in 1991. The event became the first ever touring music festival in the country and ran annually until ’97, touring the whole of North America in the process. Palooza introduced quite a few firsts when it hit the music scene in the 90s, including the now ever-present features of circus acts. The festival ran on the premise of exploring the “alternative nation” as Farrell put it, riding the train of the alt-rock explosion in the early 90s. Mosh pits, grunge sets, tattoo and piercing booths, even an area reserved exclusively for television smashing. In 1994, during the height of the grunge scene, Nirvana was scheduled to perform but officially dropped out of the lineup shortly before the event. The day after making the announcement, Kurt Cobain’s body was discovered in Seattle.

Over the years, Lollapalooza has seen its share of top-tier headliners, actually every year the event includes a lineup of heavy hitters as big as one can imagine. Some prime examples are Smashing Pumpkins, Beastie Boys, Nine Inch Nails, Coldplay, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam and The Cure. Since then, Lollapalooza has transformed into a mainstream giant, catering to the likes of all music fans, though never negating their roots as a rock fest even when heading off to South America. The Argentina, Brazil and Chile headliners this year include Eminem, Florence + the Machine, Mumford & Sons and Jack U. Digging deeper you’ll find favorites like Alabama Shakes, Tame Impala, Die Antwoord, Eagles of Death Metal, Halsey and Of Monsters and Men, blending all facets of musical styles into one conglomerate of joy. For those parents looking to take their little ones along for a South American Lollapalooza trip, each event below has its very own kid-friendly version of the fest adorably called Kidzapalooza. Here, youngsters can move to the sounds of The School of Rock and dance alongside the B-Boyz.

As lucky festival goers partake in what’s sure to be the musical journey of a lifetime, we at Entertainment Voice have taken it upon ourselves to put together everything you’ll need to know to seize every moment of Lollapalooza abroad at whichever destination you choose.

Lollapalooza Brazil
What better way to kick off this South American tour than with the country that’s made partying and dancing a way of life. Lollapalooza Brazil takes place in São Paulo on March 12-13 at the Interlagos Circuit, also known as one of the country’s great racetracks. This is the third year in a row Lolla Brazil will be held at Interlagos. The stages surrounded by hot asphalt that’s normally reserved for inebriated race fans along with the 600 square meters will once again be swapped for inebriated music fans. One thing to keep in mind while inhaling festival grub, save room for São Paulo’s culinary gold. For your inner gastronome, take heed of SP’s minimalist gem Restaurante Manioca in the Jardim district or explore a plethora of local ingredients meticulously crafted into contemporary gastronomic fare at D.O.M. Then take in São Paulo’s growing cocktail scene by way of the French-inspired La Maison for some mid-festival decadence or try NOH Bar for arguably the best mojito in the city. We recommend staying at one of Sao Paolo’s many gorgeous boutique style hotels such as the Royal Jardins Boutique Hotel or Emiliano. Both hotels offer their own versions of modern living in the heart of this great city.

Lollapalooza Argentina
Taking its cue straight from Brazil, Buenos Aires’ Lolla is also at a race course, though this track is meant for the original horsepower, that is, actual horses. From March 18-19, Argentina’s capital will host the aforementioned lineup alongside the not-so-usual festival delicacies such as Uruguayan goat and choripán, the local chorizo sandwich. After a long day of dancing, save some time for a night on the town with a genuine Argentinian Angus steak at La Cabrera or traditional asado at Adentro Dinner Club. What night is complete without cocktailing around the Argentinian cosmopolitan. To start, try the clandestine Frank’s Bar where entering through a phone booth and providing a password is just part of the excitement. Floreria Atlantico is another hot spot for craft cocktails in the city that celebrates the liquor swilling sailing ports of old Buenos Aires. After you fill up on local meat and a nice digestif, head back to the eco-friendly Vain Hotel for some R&R in an early 20th century Buenos Aires landmark; or, perhaps go with the luxurious MIO, voted best boutique hotel in the city in 2011.

Lollapalooza Chile
Capping off the Lollapalooza South American tour in 2016 is Santiago, the gorgeous South American city nestled in Chile’s central valley. Parque O’Higgins (or O’Higgins Park to English speakers) will host the event from March 19-20 in the center of the capital. While in Santiago be sure to check out La Vega Central Market downtown. Touted as the not-so-touristy market, La Vega boasts local specialties and produce that’ll surely bring your Chile trip full circle. Continue on your foodie adventure with a visit to Boragó, one of Santiago’s favorite gastro hotspots. Sarita Colonia is another haunt worth checking out boasting an uber modern flare where artists celebrate eccentricity with wild décor covered walls. For cocktails, everyone who visits Santiago talks about Bar The Clinic, the quirky bar with an intellectual edge. Or maybe you feel like a classic G&T at Ruca Bar. After all is said and done, rest your head at one of the city’s most creative and comfortable hotels. Altair Hotel provides contemporary Eastern philosophies as inspiration in their design concepts while the ever-popular W Hotel Santiago provides a central sanctuary with views of the snow-capped Andes mountains.

Lollapalooza Brazil, Argentina and Chile take place during the month of March. Ticketing information can be found on the respective links.