Reddit’s r/lollapalooza recently sparked a lively thread where festivalgoers shared their favorite Lollapalooza wristbands throughout the festival’s history. As many attendees have started receiving their 2025 wristbands in the mail, nostalgia for past designs flared up.
Key takeaways from the discussion:
- 2023 4-Day General Admission wristband got high marks for style and memory value.
- 2017 and 2018 grabbed attention with their larger RFID-enabled wristbands and distinctive blue designs.
- Several users reminisced about the 2019 wristband, a fan favorite for its unique palette.
- Others nostalgic for the simpler, pre-RFID bands from before 2014 — when wristbands were basic fabric or plastic strips.
- One user fondly recalled that back in 1995, wristbands didn’t exist at Lollapalooza at all.
- Many highlighted how wristbands aren’t just about access—they’re physical keepsakes reflecting personal milestones, like weddings or first festivals.
Wristband Evolution Highlights:
- Pre-2014: Simple fabric/plastic bands without RFID.
- 2014 Onward: RFID tech introduced to enable the “Lolla Cashless” system, streamlining purchases onsite while serving as a souvenir.
This conversation illuminates how integral the wristband has become to the Lollapalooza experience—melding technology, design, and personal stories into every year’s festival identity. As the community eagerly anticipates the 2025 wristband drop, these throwbacks remind fans why they treasure their past Lolla moments just as much as the upcoming ones.
Whether you prefer iconic older styles or new RFID-empowered wristbands, it’s clear these bands represent more than entry—they’re a badge of belonging for millions of Lolla fans worldwide.
Source: r/lollapalooza