Chicago in August is usually a humid, beautiful mess of deep-dish pizza and echoing basslines. If you aren't physically standing in Grant Park this year, you’re probably looking for the next best thing: a screen and some air conditioning. For the fifth year running, Hulu is the exclusive streaming home for the festival.
Basically, you don't have to miss Olivia Rodrigo’s debut or Korn’s massive return to the Lolla stage just because you didn't snag a four-day pass. The lollapalooza 2025 hulu schedule is split across two channels, covering everything from K-pop icons TWICE to the festival's first-ever country closer, Luke Combs.
It kicks off Thursday, July 31, and runs straight through the finale on Sunday, August 3.
The Logistics of the Lollapalooza 2025 Hulu Schedule
Navigating a festival livestream is a bit like a digital scavenger hunt. Hulu typically starts the broadcast in the late afternoon. For 2025, the streams begin daily around 4:05 PM CT (5:05 PM ET).
You need an active Hulu subscription. It doesn't matter if you have the cheap ad-supported version or the ad-free tier; both get you into the "Lollapalooza Experience" hub. If you’re a new subscriber, there’s usually a 30-day free trial that covers the entire weekend perfectly.
💡 You might also like: Is Steven Weber Leaving Chicago Med? What Really Happened With Dean Archer
Just keep in mind that the livestream isn't a 1:1 carbon copy of the physical stage times. Some sets are broadcast live, while others are "live-to-tape" delays. This helps the production team bridge the gap between different stage changeovers so you aren't just staring at a "be right back" screen for 45 minutes.
Breaking Down the 4-Day Stream
The variety this year is honestly wild. Thursday leans heavy into rap and country crossovers, while Friday is a pop and nu-metal fever dream.
Thursday, July 31: The Kickoff
Thursday sets the tone with a weirdly perfect mix of Tyler, The Creator and Luke Combs.
- Channel 1 Highlights: You’ve got Durand Bernarr starting things off at 4:05 PM CT. Later, Gracie Abrams takes over at 7:00 PM, followed by the high-energy Cage The Elephant at 8:10 PM. The night ends with Tyler, The Creator at 9:15 PM.
- Channel 2 Highlights: This is where the indie and country fans should hang out. Sierra Ferrell plays at 4:50 PM, and Magdalena Bay brings their synth-pop vibes at 6:00 PM. Luke Combs closes this channel out at 9:05 PM.
Friday, August 1: Pop and Nostalgia
Friday is all about the "Drivers License" singer making her big Lolla splash.
📖 Related: Is Heroes and Villains Legit? What You Need to Know Before Buying
- Channel 1: Ravyn Lenae opens at 4:05 PM. T-Pain brings the hits at 5:15 PM, leading into Foster The People and Bleachers. The main event, Olivia Rodrigo, starts at 8:40 PM, followed by a late-night heavy set from Korn at 10:15 PM.
- Channel 2: If you want something different, catch Djo (yes, Joe Keery from Stranger Things) at 7:50 PM or the indie-rock favorites Wallows at 10:20 PM.
Saturday, August 2: Electronic and K-Pop
Saturday is notoriously the highest-energy day in Grant Park. The lollapalooza 2025 hulu schedule reflects that with some massive dance acts.
- Channel 1: Marina and Clairo dominate the evening slots before RÜFÜS DU SOL brings their hypnotic electronic live show at 10:45 PM.
- Channel 2: This is the big one for K-pop fans. TWICE is scheduled for 9:40 PM. Before them, you can catch Doechii at 6:55 PM and JPEGMAFIA at 8:30 PM.
Sunday, August 3: The Grand Finale
The last day is a sprint. Sabrina Carpenter is the name on everyone's lips this year.
- Channel 1: Watch for the breakout group Katseye at 5:50 PM. Sabrina Carpenter takes the spotlight at 9:00 PM, followed by a closing rap set from A$AP Rocky at 10:25 PM.
- Channel 2: Finneas (Billie Eilish’s brother and producer) plays at 6:00 PM. The night concludes with a massive EDM party courtesy of Martin Garrix at 10:30 PM.
How to Get the Best Stream Quality
Streaming a festival isn't just about turning on the TV. If you want to avoid the dreaded buffering during a headliner, use a hardwired ethernet connection if possible.
Hulu’s "Lollapalooza" hub usually features a "Live" tab where you can toggle between Channel 1 and Channel 2. If you are watching on a mobile device, make sure you are on Wi-Fi; a four-day festival stream will absolutely shred your data plan.
👉 See also: Jack Blocker American Idol Journey: What Most People Get Wrong
Also, check the "Extras" section. Hulu often uploads individual song performances or "Best Of" clips shortly after the sets air. If you missed a specific act because you were sleeping or working, those clips are your best bet for a quick catch-up.
Staying Updated on Schedule Changes
Festivals are living things. Rain in Chicago can delay sets, and artists sometimes have last-minute travel issues. The times listed above are the "official" broadcast starts, but they can shift by 15 or 20 minutes without much warning.
The best way to stay in the loop is to follow the official Lollapalooza and Hulu social media accounts. They usually post a "Daily Stream Schedule" graphic every morning that reflects any real-time adjustments made by the production team.
Make the Most of Your Home Festival Experience
- Check your login early: Don't wait until 8:59 PM to realize you forgot your Hulu password.
- Audio matters: If you have a soundbar or decent headphones, use them. Festival mixes are designed for big speakers, and laptop speakers won't do justice to RÜFÜS DU SOL's bass.
- Toggle between channels: Use the "picture-in-picture" mode if your device supports it so you can keep an eye on both headliners at once.
- Watch the replays: Hulu often runs the entire day's broadcast on a loop once the live music stops, which is perfect for west coast viewers or night owls.
Final tip: keep an eye on the "Toyota Music Den" or "BMI" smaller stage highlights if Hulu slides them into the broadcast. Those are usually where the "next big thing" artists play before they graduate to the main stages next year.
Enjoy the show from the comfort of your own home—no $15 water bottles required.
Next Steps for Your Stream:
Open the Hulu app and search for "Lollapalooza" to add the event to "My Stuff." This ensures you get a notification the second the live feed goes active on Thursday afternoon. Check your internet speed today to make sure you can handle a 1080p stream without lag during the headliner sets.