Mayor Brandon Johnson Promotes Career Pathways in Live Entertainment at Lollapalooza and Sueños Career Fair

CHICAGO —



Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson attended the fourth annual career fair hosted by Lollapalooza and


Sueños at Malcolm X College, highlighting pathways to employment in the live entertainment and events industry for young Chicagoans. More than 150 jobseekers and City Colleges students attended the event, which featured booths run by festival organizations, talent management agencies, hospitality services, and local arts and culture organizations offering attendees the opportunity to learn about careers in the entertainment industry and apply for open positions.

“Efforts like this career fair ensure young Chicagoans are able to share in the benefits of the world-renowned cultural events and festivals which help power our city’s economy,” said



Mayor Brandon Johnson



. “Through our partnerships with City Colleges and industry leaders, we’re strengthening both our workforce and our economy while connecting students to real-world experience.”

The fair seeks to expose young Chicagoans to seasonal and career-track employment opportunities tied to Chicago’s vibrant summer festival economy. The event also featured




a skills workshop led by local festival and community organizers and a panel discussion bringing together industry leaders from record labels, music journalism, recording studios, live music production, and more.

"We're proud to partner with the City of Chicago and the Chicago Park District to bring Lollapalooza and Sueños to Grant Park each year. But our commitment to Chicago extends year-round," said



Tim "Tuba" Smith, Director of Festivals and Strategic Initiatives at C3 Presents, which produces Lollapalooza and Sueños



. "Through expanded arts programming at Chicago Public Schools, support for numerous local organizations and nonprofits, and hosting an annual career event, our focus is on giving back and that includes inspiring Chicago's youth to consider careers in the live entertainment industry."

The music festival industry offers access to entry-level positions, hands-on exposure to event production, and roles in hospitality and logistics, as well as opportunities to contract with vendors and small businesses—creating pathways to both immediate employment and long-term career growth.

The event was developed in collaboration with Malcolm X College and organized with City Colleges students in mind.

“Opening up the festivals to our students and communities through this unique job fair is an amazing opportunity because it introduces students to a world of exciting careers in event production and the music industry. It also connects employers with a skilled and able job force, that in turn, creates a win-win scenario for everyone involved,” said



Dr. David Sanders, president of Malcolm X College



.

The career fair builds upon the Johnson administration’s strategy to spur workforce development by leveraging Chicago’s anchor institutions and major events as avenues for economic mobility and community wealth-building.

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