August in Chicago is going to be hot, right? Piping hot with lots of humidity. Last year’s fest was an infernal inferno. This year’s long-range forecast is promising more of the same, with temperatures in the 90s, and (of course) high humidity. But this is Chicago, and we know how reliable long-term forecasts are. In case they’re right, here’s a list of things to pack for surviving a day at Lollapalooza.
* A hat that covers your head and part of your neck (It’s not a style contest.)
* Real shoes, because sandal sunburn is bad, mmmkay.
* A refillable water bottle, unless you’re made of money (on-site water is a bit spendy).
* Earplugs, (duh) and more than one pair, since you will undoubtedly drop one.
* A compact, foldable poncho, in case a sudden August storm visits (maybe Saturday).
* A fanny pack to carry all this stuff. It looks dorky, but you already have the hat.
* Your own toilet paper. Do you trust the maintenance of portable toilets?
* Hand sanitizing gel. Imagine thousands upon thousands of people bearing millions upon millions of germs. Enough said.
* Sunblock, for your face, lips, head for you bald types, anywhere that burns.
* Water. You are allowed to bring in two one-liter bottles.
* Protein or energy bars, since you can also bring in a soft-sided cooler.
* Cash and lots of it, for when you run out of water and stuff to eat.
* A fully charged cell phone.
* Patience. There are lines for everything and crowds everywhere. So chill.
* A site map, such as the handy-dandy one in today’s On the Town.
