From Aug. 2 to Aug. 5, thousands will flock to Grant Park for another edition of Chicago’s biggest music festival, Lollapalooza. The festival is in its 27th year (its third after expanding to four days in 2016), and has delivered yet another star-studded lineup. With a festival this big, it can be hard to work out a plan of who to see out of the 150-plus artists. Luckily, we here at The DePaulia have some suggestions for who you can see to make your weekend worthwhile.

The National

Fresh off the release of their Grammy-winning seventh studio album “Sleep Well Beast,” The National will return to Grant Park this summer for their fourth Lollapalooza appearance. These first-time headliners should not be underestimated; despite the quiet appearance they give off, they always deliver a fierce and passionate show. You can expect singer Matt Berninger to jump into the crowd, scream his head off and drink plenty of wine. The National might look like a band of unassuming English professors, but they sure can rock.

CHVRCHES

This synth-pop band out of Scotland had one of the best performances of Lollapalooza 2014, and this summer Chvrches will return on the heels of their third studio album, “Love Is Dead.” The singles on their upcoming album have seen the band delve more into the pop world and working with pop producer Greg Kurstin on certain tracks, but the songs still hold the spark that has helped the band stand out since their early days. The trio of Lauren Mayberry, Martin Doherty and Iain Cook are sure to liven up a late evening in Grant Park with a wonderful set of tunes.

St.Vincent

Believe it or not, there is a DePaul connection here – Annie Clark took her stage name from a Nick Cave song that references St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York, named after none other than St. Vincent DePaul. This is just one of many reasons you should not miss St. Vincent when she graces the stage at Lollapalooza for the very first time. Her new album “MASSEDUCTION” inspired a show for the ages, as she traveled across the country with a career-spanning show and wild production. Clark is sure to match that craziness this summer when she finally hits Grant Park.

Alex Lahey

Another great act from down under, Alex Lahey released her debut record, “I Love You Like A Brother,” last fall on Dead Oceans. The record is full of hooks that instantly get you singing and tapping your foot along. Lahey writes with such honesty and vulnerability that you can put yourself right in her shoes, whether she’s singing about familial bonds or taking care of yourself. Her music is perfect for playing in a small dive bar or basement show, but on a sunny day in Grant Park it’ll still sound pretty darn good.

LL Cool J

One of the joys of music festivals is that there is always a blast from the past that arrives completely unexpected. This year, LL Cool J takes that crown. The star of “NCIS: Los Angeles” and host of “Lip Sync Battle” will be at Grant Park to revisit the catalog that made him so legendary. He’ll be joined by his touring DJ since 2012, DJ Z-Trip, and is sure to draw a large crowd to whichever stage he plays. If you haven’t listened to “Mama Said Knock You Out” in a while, it’s the perfect time to dust those hits off.