Thursday starts the biggest four days music has to offer in downtown Chicago. Heading to Lollapalooza? Here is everything you need to know:

On a normal day, the city of Chicago can be tricky to navigate, especially if you aren't familiar with their public transportation system. I promise not to bore you with my tales of getting lost.

Thursday, July 28 through Sunday, July 31 will be the dates for Lollapalooza 2016. If you are heading to the city here are some helpful tips and tricks to make your travel and experience as simple and enjoyable as possible.

Getting to the Festival

Location and Parking

First of all, Lollapalooza is taking place in Grant Park. It's very close to The Art Institute of Chicago. I'm quite familiar with the area, as I used to go to school right across the street in the Fine Arts Building.

If you plan on driving to the festival, there are plenty of parking options. Keep in mind, the garages will probably be very full but the most convenient parking options are as follows:

• The Millennium Park Garage on Columbus between Monroe and Randolph
• East Monroe Street Underground Garage at Monroe and Columbus
• Grant Park Underground Garage (my personal favorite) with entrances at Michigan and Madison and Michigan and Randolph.
• Soldier Field's North Garage

You can also reserve discounted parking in advance by visiting SpotHero's Lollapalooza Parking Page HERE.

Public Transportation

Parking can be expensive and sitting through city traffic can also be a nightmare. Public transportation may be the way to go.

Taxis, bicycle parking, CTA, Metra and Pace are all available. There are also many ride sharing options available as well. You can visit the Lollapalooza.com info page HERE for more information on planning your trip.

Tickets and Entrance

If you will be picking up your tickets at the Festival Box Office, it is located at the corner of S. Michigan Ave and E. Van Buren Street. Make sure to bring a valid form of photo identification.

When entering the festival, if you are not bringing a bag, you can go through the Express Lane. If you do have a bag, you will have to go through the Bag Lane for inspection.

You are allowed to re-enter the festival 3 times per day after initial entry.  You will be scanned upon exit and entry.

What to Bring, What to Leave Home

What is Allowed

• Baby Strollers
• Standard school sized backpacks
• Binoculars
• Blankets, Sheets, Towels
• Cameras - non professional photo and video cameras
• Empty CamelBak water bottles and hydration packs, plastic and aluminum water bottles
• Umbrellas (hand held only and less than 42 inches when open)
• Water - two factory sealed bottles. Thankfully, with the heat expected this weekend, there will be free water filling stations that you can refill these bottles at.

What is NOT Allowed

• Aerosol containers
• Professional audio recording equipment or cameras or video equipment
• Drones or remote flying devices
• Coolers
• Hammocks
• Glass or metal containers
• Outside food or drink (except the water mentioned above)
• Illegal and illicit substances
• Pets
• Selfie Sticks
• Skateboards, scooters, bikes, wagons, carts
• Tents or canopies
• Weapons or explosives
• Large chains or spiked jewelry
• Chairs
• Inflatable furniture

Alright, you've made it!

You are in the festival. Now, go have a ton of fun. I'd be happy to run down where all the stages will be, who's on what stage and who I think you should go see, but then I'll take all the fun out of navigating the 2016 Festival.

If there are any other questions you may have about Lollapalooza 2016, you can find this information and more at Lollapalooza.com/information/.