July 18-20

August 1-3

41 acts playing three stages -- that’s $1.58 per band

120 acts playing seven stages -- that’s also $1.58 per band (Coincidence? We think not.)

Well, at least there’s no need to worry about bumping into tourists on your way to Union Park. You won’t bump into much else, though, aside from the standard panhandlers. Apart from some swanky West Loop spots, Cobra Lounge is the closest afterparty locale. Hoof it further north to Chicago Avenue for West Town clubs like High Dive or Darkroom to keep the party going after the fest.

With the Chicago skyline as a backdrop just steps away, it’s hard to find a more scenic atmosphere in any other urban location in the country. Without much to do in the Loop other than going back into the office, you’ll have to cab it (if you’re lucky) or join the throngs on a bus or train to get anywhere interesting afterward. But after a day spent among tens of thousands of fellow fans, enjoy the emptied park as long as they’ll let you.

Public Enemy, Mission of Burma (both performing classic albums as part of the "Don't Look Back"; presentation), Animal Collective, Vampire Weekend, Jay Reatard, Atlas Sound, Dinosaur Jr., Spiritualized, M. Ward, Cut Copy

Radiohead, Nine Inch Nails, Rage Against the Machine, Kanye West, Wilco, the Raconteurs, Gnarls Barkley, Bloc Party, the Black Keys, Broken Social Scene, the National, Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks, Okkervil River, Girl Talk, Battles, Yeasayer, Grizzly Bear, MGMT, Chromeo

Doubtful

Almost guaranteed