Lollapalooza Takes to Berlin for the Second Year With Foo Fighters, Mumford and Sons and The XX

Jordan Bailey

Lollapalooza is one of the most recognized festival names in the market, and last year the organizers made history with their Berlin version event. Lolla 2016 was huge, even by Berlin standards, bringing in over 70,000 fans each day. Taking place on Sept. 9 and 10 in the city’s Raceway Hoppegarten, Lolla Berlin’s lineup and amenities are once again ready to make history.

Topping the bill for 2017 are the Foo Fighters, an American rock n’ roll staple. It’s no secret that Europe has a love affair with these guys: simply check out the Rockin’ 1000’s video where a thousand guitarists, bassists, drummers and singers in Italy took to a field to play the band’s song “Learn to Fly” simultaneously. Mumford & Sons take a top spot as well. Their most recent studio album “Wilder Mind” transformed them from folk-heroes to pop-rock gods, making them the perfect choice as Berlin’s headliners. Brit indie band The XX should fit in nicely, riding a wave of popularity from their long-awaited recent release “I See You.” EDM star Hardwell will bring with him his Dutch-style electro and big-room house. Check out his recent Ultra Music Festival live set for a taste. Sticking with EDM, one of the most exciting up-and-comers on the scene is Marshmello, everyone’s favorite anonymous, marshmallow-dressed DJ. For some local flavor look to Beatsteaks, a 90s-era punk band out of Berlin. Marteria and Cro are both German acts who will take the stage, each with their own unique take on pop and hip-hop. More mainstream international acts like Two Door Cinema Club, London Grammar, George Ezra, Galantis, Rudimental, Metronomy, Oliver Heldon, Michael Kiwanuka, Django Django, The Head and The Heart and Phantogram will also play sets over the weekend.

Like all Lollapalooza festivals, Berlin will house countless fun activities for fans to enjoy, such as an open-air gallery with art installations, acrobats and street theater. You can of course expect culinary delights as well, alongside some great wine and beer selections.

Lollapalooza’s signature feature – aside from commandeering some world-class music for the masses – is that they’re always centrally located in an urban environment, making accommodations easy to find. As far as hotels go, Berlin could very well lead the world in impressive modern boutiques. One such place is the Casa Camper, where design takes a front seat. These contemporary suites will constantly remind you that you’re staying in one of the most creative cities on earth. H’Otello follows a similar vein, though slightly more understated and with a touch more class. The Mandala Hotel seems like a cross between the previous two, with its ample amenities like a full spa and golf course.

Lollapalooza Berlin will take place from Sept. 9-10 in Berlin, Germany. Passes are available here.