A Weekend to Remember: Lollapalooza Berlin Turns 10

Lollapalooza Berlin presented by Telekom celebrated its 10th anniversary, and what a celebration it was. Through pouring rain and blazing sunshine, nothing could stop the crowd from soaking in the unique magic of Lolla. This festival is a colourful, inclusive, and open space where everyone can find something to get excited about. From Kidzapalooza welcoming the youngest music lovers, to Fashionpalooza showcasing drag, fashion shows, queer comedy, and makeup classes, there was inspiration, laughter, and wonder at every corner. With cozy corners, brands offering freebies (Crocs, anyone?), makeup booths, tattoos, and pop-up shops, Lollapalooza Berlin felt like a playground for self-expression and creativity.

Day One: Rain, Energy, and Pop Anthems

Though the first day was drenched in rain, the vibe stayed amazing. Festival-goers braved the weather in their best raincoats, saving their standout outfits for day two. The day for us kicked off with Benjamin Ingrosso, whose charismatic stage presence and crowd interactions were the perfect way to set the tone. Mark Ambor followed with his signature guitar-driven sound and an emotional, energetic set, including singalong favourites like Use Somebody (Kings of Leon) and his hit Belong Together, which momentarily made us forget the rain. Magdalena Bay took over the main stage with their dreamy visuals and expressive performances. Their album Imaginal Disk came to life in a fairytale of outfit changes and surreal energy.

We left early to catch BUNT. at the Perry Stage inside the iconic Olympiastadion. Bright daylight contrasted with his usual clubby setting, but the vibes were electric. The crowd danced non-stop as live footage of them was projected on stage screens, turning the moment into an immersive celebration. BUNT.’s smiley, approachable energy made everyone feel included. One of the biggest highlights of the day was The Last Dinner Party. With baroque outfits, mystical stage design, and an explosive band dynamic, every member felt like a main character. Lead singer Abigail delivered powerhouse vocals while twirling across the stage with confidence and charisma, easily one of the most captivating acts of the day.

Then came Gracie Abrams. As the sun peeked through, Olympia Park echoed with voices singing her lyrics word for word. Her set felt like a shared experience of girlhood. With tender fan interactions and vulnerability, she delivered an emotional and powerful performance playing piano and guitar with strong vocals. A true pop star in the making and, personally, my highlight of the day. To close the night, Justin Timberlake hit the stage. With nostalgic bangers, powerful backup singers, and an R&B groove that had the Olympiapark dancing, he turned the rainy night into a euphoric singalong. Not even the downpour could stop the celebration. We danced, sang, and left with soaked shoes and full hearts; ready for day two.

Day Two: Sun, Sweat, and Sonic Highs

Day two began with Last Train, the French rock band, who set the tone on the Alternative Stage. Frontman Jean-Noël leapt into the crowd, opening a circle pit and shredding solos right in the middle, instantly drawing people in. Almost Monday followed with sunny indie-pop vibes, catchy hooks, and slick dance moves that made it impossible not to groove. With the sun finally out, it felt like we were in the middle of a summer dream.

Mother Mother kept the energy high at the main stage, their harmonies and rock anthems firing up the crowd. Their synergy on stage and distinct voices blended into a dynamic, feel-good sound that had everyone moving. Later, Wasia Project brought a moment of calm. With jazzy, soulful arrangements and a live ensemble of horns and drums, their set felt like time stood still, a beautiful, immersive dream. Then came Australian band Royel Otis, pulling us back into sunshine and dance. Tracks like Murder on the Dancefloor, Linger, and Oysters in My Pockets turned the stage into a feel-good dancefloor under blue skies.

And then, the moment we’d personally been waiting for: RAYE. The UK powerhouse delivered the most breathtaking set of the weekend. Her voice? Unreal. Her lyrics? Raw. Her energy? Soulful, emotional, and completely magnetic. She brought the crowd to tears and then got us dancing again, finishing with a euphoric club section that included a techno remix of Prada, perfectly tailored for the Berlin crowd. An unforgettable performance. As the evening set in, K-pop sensation J-Hope (BTS) took over the main stage for his long-awaited return. Fans had queued through the night for a chance to be close, and the energy was through the roof. His dance precision, charisma, and stage presence proved why he’s a global icon.

Closing Moments: Berlin Energy at Its Finest

For me, the perfect way to end Lolla was inside the Olympiastadion, dancing to the techno brilliance of Brutalismus 3000. The crowd was ecstatic, even security guards couldn’t help but dance along, strangers became friends, and the spirit of Berlin techno brought everyone together. With an Aperol in hand and one last nostalgic ride on the Ferris wheel, fireworks lit up the sky and Lollapalooza’s 10-year anniversary came to a close.

A Festival That Does It All

With sunshine and rain, pop and techno, international legends and rising stars, this year felt like a celebration of everything Lollapalooza has become. A decade of community, music, style, and freedom with each edition adding new layers to its legacy.

Lollapalloza Berlin knows how to do it all: Uniting genres, embracing diversity and celebrating collective joy. Through muddy boots, tears, glitter, and basslines, one thing stayed constant: our shared love for live music. And no weather could stop that.