Home / Arts and Entertainment / Lollapalooza Chicago: Rain Delays Fest, Olivia Dean Shines
Lollapalooza Chicago: Rain Delays Fest, Olivia Dean Shines
2 Aug
Summary
- Overnight rain delayed Lollapalooza Chicago by three hours on Saturday.
- Olivia Dean delivered a headlining performance despite schedule changes.
- Olivia Dean and Sam Fender set a new U.K. record for longest Number One song.
Rain that flooded Chicago overnight and continued falling Saturday caused a three-hour delay for Lollapalooza 2026. Doors opened at 3 p.m. in Grant Park, which was muddy but navigable. The delay led to canceled and shortened performances.
Despite the disruptions, headliner Olivia Dean delivered a powerful set. Dean, who performed on a smaller stage in 2024, expressed her disbelief at headlining, noting her rapid rise. This year has been remarkable for her, marked by a Grammy win for Best New Artist and a new U.K. record.
Dean and Sam Fender's song "Rein Me In" spent 19 weeks atop the U.K. singles chart, surpassing a 70-year-old record. Fender joined Dean onstage for a surprise performance of their hit during her set.
Earlier, rising star Sienna Spiro captivated fans with songs from her debut album. Both Dean and Spiro, fellow British singers, showcased timeless yet fresh sounds with orchestral arrangements on the festival's third day.
