Sustainability, Beats, and Epic Eats at Lolla

This summer, over 400,000 people were able to experience incredible music, taste the future of food, and experience meaningful sustainability activations.

Our team had the incredible opportunity to join the press at Lollapalooza in Chicago, covering sustainability activations, plant-based food, and artist perspectives on the intersection of music, culture, climate action, values-aligned careers, and food.

It was an unforgettable experience that showed us just how much the music festival industry can innovate, inspire, and positively influence culture

🌱 A Groundbreaking Sustainable Food Section

Lollapalooza debuted something we’d never seen before at a major music festival: an entire section called “Plant-Base.” This was more than just a few veggie burgers on the menu. From Asian, Mexican Fusion, to Soul Food, it was a dedicated, vibrant hub of innovative, exciting, and delicious, plant-powered food options.

What made it truly special? It wasn’t just vegans and vegetarians lining up. We spoke with several festival-goers from all walks of life who were loving having options.

The section was packed every time we visited, proving that plant-based options can draw crowds, win over taste buds, and shift perceptions on a massive scale.

We also spoke with food vendors who shared inspiring stories about why they sell plant-based food at festivals. Several cited improving health, environmental impacts, and the joy of introducing new flavors to curious eaters as core drivers of their excitement.

Phil and his sister Leslie started Lit Vegan Chicago and were excited to share their local menu with festival goers.

♻️ Sustainability in Action

Beyond its incredible plant based options, Lollapalooza truly impressed us with its various sustainability efforts. From comprehensive recycling programs to hydration stations that significantly reduced waste, they showed how large-scale events can prioritize the environment without compromising the experience.

One standout was Rewild Your Campus, a movement focused on transforming campus lawns into pollinator-friendly, climate-resilient spaces. We had a chance to chat with Co-Founder, Sheina Crystal, who shared how Grant Park, where Lollapalooza is held, is a pesticide-free park.

🎤 Artist Interviews: Sustainability in the Spotlight

We also had the privilege of interviewing 12 artists spanning genres, backgrounds, and lived experiences. We asked them about sustainability, plant-centered eating, and the role festivals can play in shaping a greener future. Every single artist agreed on the power and potential the music festival industry has to lead on sustainability and culture shifts.

Many artists highlighted plant-based food as a key step forward, regardless of whether  they personally were vegan or vegetarian.

Samantha interviewed one of her favorite DJs and music producer, Dr Fresch, who shared his thoughts on the power of sustainable food options:

🎶 Music, Connection, and Inspiration

More so than ever, we need spaces to celebrate life and build community and positive relationships. Food and music have such a unique way to bring people together. One of our favorite sets was Rufus du Sol, who delivered an electrifying set. We met incredible new friends and left feeling deeply inspired by the setup, organization, and world-class sound system.

Lollapalooza showed us that music festivals aren’t just about entertainment, they’re powerful cultural stages where ideas, values, and movements can take root and spread. By putting plant-based food and sustainability front and center, Lollapalooza is sparking conversations, shifting mindsets, and showing millions of people that living in alignment with the planet can be joyful, delicious, and fun.

If this is where the festival world is headed, we’re here for it, front row. This week, we’re joining the media team at Deep Tropics in Nashville, another trailblazing festival proving that you can throw an unforgettable event while making sustainability the headliner.

Follow along for re-caps from both Lollapalooza and Deep Tropics because when the music is loud and the message is fun and meets people where they’re at, culture change happens.

- Sam & Eric