Lollapalooza Set To Celebrate 25th Anniversary

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Lollapalooza is back for its 25th anniversary, kicking off Thursday.

Around town, the road closures are in place and the city is full of new visitors, CBS 2's Charlie De Mar reports.

Lollapalooza will have more than 170 bands playing at the four-day music festival in Grant Park. Organizers added an extra day this year to celebrate the big anniversary.

"The lineup is really good this year," said Mason Reichenau-Kuhlmann of Mexico City

Yet, the event is striking the wrong chord for those stuck in Lolla traffic.

Columbus Drive is closed from Monroe to Roosevelt. Balboa and Jackson are closed from Michigan to Lake Shore Drive and Congress Parkway is shut down from Michigan to Columbus.

Massive barriers surround Grant Park, a move to keep fence jumpers out.

It is just one of many safety measures.

"If we need to respond to something, we will have all the assets available to us, and we can assist at a moment's notice," said Alicia Tate-Nadeau, executive director of the city's emergency management office.

If you're bringing a bag, expect longer lines, pat downs and checks.

The Illinois Poison Control Center is urging people at Lolla to stay away from synthetic drugs

Weather is always a concern.

If severe weather does roll through, there are several underground shelters available for fans.