In an effort to connect local residents with seasonal employment and vendor opportunities, the renowned Lollapalooza and Sueños music festivals are hosting a job fair this week. This event is scheduled for Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Malcolm X College, located at 1900 W. Jackson St.
The job fair, organized in collaboration with Malcolm X College, will feature a recruitment fair where festival vendors will be present. Attendees can participate in workshops led by local festival organizers and community leaders, as well as a supplier roadshow designed to help Chicago-based businesses engage with festival staff and learn how to become vendors at these popular events.
Among the workshops, a notable panel will include Christopher “Classick” Inumerable, the founder of Classick Studios and Classicks Never Die. This session will focus on sustaining an independent brand within Chicago’s vibrant music scene. Another workshop will address the creation of culturally responsive events aimed at amplifying underrepresented voices, fostering civic engagement, and driving social change.
Job seekers can apply for a variety of positions, including roles in artist relations, marketing, hospitality, event security, stagehand work, and bar operations. Notable participating organizations include Soldier Field, Live Nation Entertainment, the Aragon Ballroom, the Park District, and Q101 radio. Applicants must be at least 18 years old to qualify.
Tim “Tuba” Smith, the executive producer of Lollapalooza and Sueños, emphasized the significant impact these festivals have on the local community. “Lollapalooza and Sueños generate thousands of opportunities for Chicagoans each year, from festival roles spanning virtually every facet of the industry to partnerships with local businesses that form the very foundation of our festivals,” he stated in a news release.
Additionally, local businesses interested in securing a vendor spot at the festivals can attend the Chicago Festivals Roadshow during the hiring fair. This initiative allows business owners to ask questions and build connections with festival decision-makers, paving the way for their involvement in Chicago’s live music sector. Smith also highlighted the importance of educating young people about the diverse career paths available in the live music industry, extending beyond the stage.
Sueños is set to take place on May 23-24, while Lollapalooza is typically held in the first week of August, although specific dates for this year have yet to be announced.