It’s here: The one weekend a year when the top parties in the world aren’t taking place in Los Angeles, New York, Paris or Rio de Janeiro, but right in our very own backyard. Lollapalooza weekend is your opportunity to mingle with celebrities while watching artists from the three-day Grant Park festival’s roster take the stage in a smaller, more intimate setting.
Which are the most VIP parties taking place? Which are the parties non-VIPs can actually get into without having to know the doorman’s cousin’s girlfriend? Will Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis show up, seeing how they’re in Chicago filming “Jupiter Ascending”? I don’t know the answer to the latter, but this preview of the top Lolla parties will help you with the other two questions:
Studio Paris’ Lolla parties
When: 9 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday
Where: Studio Paris, 59 W. Hubbard St.
Who: Steve Aoki, Ellie Goulding, Lil Jon, Connor Cruise
What: You want to party alongside celebs this weekend? This is where they will be partying. Trust me. Tickets for Saturday and Sunday can be purchased at studioparis.wantickets.com.
Filter Magazine’s Lolla Kickoff Party
When: 9 p.m. Thursday
Where: Logan Square Auditorium, 2539 N Kedzie Blvd.
Who: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Edgar Wright, Smith Westerns
What: “Shaun of the Dead” co-stars Simon Pegg and Nick Frost will make appearances, but will they DJ like their “The World’s End” director Edgar Wright is scheduled to? You can find out by RSVPing at filtermagazine.com/lolla2013.
The Underground’s Lolla parties
When: 10 p.m. Thursday-Sunday
Where: The Underground, 56 W. Illinois St.
Who: Ryan Cabrera, Samantha Ronson, Danny Masterson
What: The former king of Chicago’s club scene officially re-opens to the public just in time for Lolla with a new look and back-room lounge. Expect plenty of stars this weekend. This is the same club that hosted Lindsay Lohan (“Mean Girls”), Bruno Mars, Nas and Cee Lo Green in one night during Lolla in 2011.
Lollapalooza Weekend at Roof
When: 12 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Roof in the Wit Hotel, 201 N. State St.
Who: Gabe Saporta of Cobra Starship, Sky Blu of LMFAO, Katarina Visnevska
What: You can never have too many Lolla rooftop parties. This one is located on the 27th floor of the Wit. And if past “Sunday Fundays” at Roof are any indication, Sunday’s party with Sky Blu should be a great way to end the weekend.
Hennessy V.S Presents — Never Stop. Never Settle
When: 10 p.m. Friday
Where: Untitled, 111 W. Kinzie Street
Who: Pusha T
What: The good news for hip-hops fans is that this party will feature a performance from Kanye West’s occasional collaborator, Pusha T. The bad news? It’s a private party.
ASOS Rocks! at the Hard Rock Hotel
When: 10 p.m. Friday-Sunday
Where: Hard Rock Hotel, 230 N. Michigan Ave.
Who: Danny Masterson, Emeli Sande, Angel Haze
What: There is a reason you always see a long line outside of the Hard Rock as you’re leaving Lolla, and it’s not just the free booze. OK, that’s a big part of it, but the performances and celeb sightings also make these private parties memorable.
CK One Music Lounge
When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday
Where: Hard Rock Hotel, 230 N. Michigan
Who: Eve, Rosco Bandana, The Mowgli’s
What: This VIP lounge will feature acoustic music performances, complimentary manicures and makeup, not to mention a ping pong and foosball table because, well, why not?
Hennessy & Belvedere’s Lollapalooza After Parties
When: 10 p.m. Friday-Sunday
Where: Public Chicago, 1301 N State Parkway
Who: Two Door Cinema Club, BAIO of Vampire Weekend, Alice Glass of Crystal Castles
What: The scheduled acts will be DJing at these parties. If you want to see them perform with a live band, go to Lolla. RSVP at librarybar@publichotels.com.
Hebru Brantley presents “Penny Candy”
When: Noon-8 p.m. Friday-Sunday
Where: 902 S. Wabash
Who: Hebru Brantley, Chance the Rapper, King Louie
What: This pop-up shop features merchandise such as hoodies and tote bags from Chicago artist Hebru Brantley — who calls Jay Z a customer and Lupe Fiasco a friend. Chance the Rapper is scheduled to perform Friday at 3 pm.
Rolling Stone Stage Chicago
When: Noon-5 p.m. Saturday
Where: Studio Paris, 59 W. Hubbard St.
Who: The Vaccines
What: What was once an exclusive, two-day brunch featuring performances by Lolla acts is now a one-day brunch and lunch featuring performances by Lolla acts (and yes, it’s still invite-only). Past guests have included David Arquette (“Scream”), Jessica Szohr (“Gossip Girl”) and Karmin.
Gilt City Chicago’s Better Than Backstage Rooftop Pool Party
When: Noon-3 p.m. Saturday
Where: EnV Chicago, 161 W. Kinzie St.
Who: MS MR
What: Christopher Mintz-Plasse (“Superbad”), Dave Franco (“21 Jump Street”) and Jenny McCarthy have all been on hand for one of, if not the only, Lolla pool party with a skyline view. Tickets for this event are sold out.
lgomez@tribune.com