Perry Farrell's pioneering mobile music festival settled down in Chicago's lakeside Grant Park in 2005. It's bigger (some 75,000 fans), but the deep, eclectic lineup is now some 120 bands strong. Check out the Kidzapalooza stage, where headliners often play surprise jam sessions.
Don't Miss Kings of Leon, Depeche Mode, Tool, and Delta Spirit, a southern-blues-flavored alternative band. Three

Hot Ticket: Lollapalooza: Arctic Monkeys

The latest saviors of rock and roll, according to the UK press. You can hear the Clash and Libertines in there, but the Monkeys are their own animal: great post-punk rawk with an infectious swagger.

days, $190; lollapalooza.com.
Intermission Take a 90-minute train out to Beverly Shores ($7.50; nictd.com) and hike the singing sands of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore (nps.gov/indu).
Crash The modernist Hard Rock Hotel (where else?), around the corner on Michigan Avenue, hosts after-hours parties in its ball­room (hotel/pass/after-party packages from $775; hardrockhotelchicago.com).
Also This Month All Points West, Jersey City, New Jersey (July 31–August 2).