In the most unexpected news for a 2nd time this year, Riot Fest has moved locations again. From the news breaking announcement that Riot Fest would be leaving its home of Chicago and Douglass Park to move to Seatgeek Stadium in Bridgeview, IL, they’ve now announced they are moving back to Douglass Park and Chicago.
The festival which takes place September 20-22nd and sees the return of Slayer, NOFX playing 3 days, Fall Out Boy, Beck, the return of Public Enemy, and more has also dropped their daily schedule for the festival.
“If there was no Chicago, there’d be no Riot Fest” Said Michael “Riot Mike” Petryshyn, founder of Riot Fest. “It grew out of an independent music community where one would be able to see Naked Raygun, Smashing Pumpkins, or Rise Against on a random Saturday night, and you’d still have enough time to go catch a late-night set at Legends and if lucky enough, maybe Buddy (Guy) would be there performing at his venue.
We’re not just coming home—we’re coming back passionately, with an even greater purpose and doubling down on our commitment to Chicago, our fans, and our community. Riot Fest was born and bred here; it’s where we belong.To the management of SeatGeek Stadium and the officials in Bridgeview, IL, we have nothing but love and thanks for their generous offer to take us in. They opened their arms to us and we can’t wait to work with them in the future.”
To celebrate the return to Douglass Park, fans who already snagged a ticket (or are about to) can use their Tixr Rewards link to refer a friend, who’ll get 20% off their ticket, as will the original ticket holder.
This offer is available until August 31st and rewards will be processed 3-5 days after the festival concludes. Redemption is limited to one time 20% off for the original purchaser and one friend. Offer does not compound with multiple redemptions. Reward is capped at $100 per person.
A Statement From The Riot Fest Team:
To Our Riot Fam,
Driven by the overwhelming support of the North Lawndale community, the City of Chicago and our fans, we’re excited to announce that we are coming back home to Chicago and Douglass Park. As the largest independent music festival in the U.S., for the past 19 years we have honored our roots by fostering a culture where everyone feels they belong. This is who we are: deeply connected, inclusive, and unwavering in our commitment to community.
As we continue to build a long-term partnership with the City of Chicago, we remain focused on our shared vision of stability and growth in the neighborhood we call home. We deeply appreciate the support from Mayor Johnson, Alderwoman Scott, the Chicago Park District, and The North Lawndale and Little Village communities.
We’re not just coming home–we’re coming back stronger, with an even greater purpose and doubling down on our commitment to Chicago, our fans, and our community. Riot Fest was born and bred here; it’s where we belong.
Riot Fest remains committed to our Beyond the Fest program, which has never been done by another music festival. Not only has Riot Fest continued its community bands initiative, and hosting/sponsoring many events in and around the Douglass Park area including park cleanups, community job fairs, community ticket registration, and many more events listed below.
Community Hiring – 5pm, August 17 @ Douglass Blvd
Community Ticket Registration #1
When: Saturday, August 17, 2024 during Boxing Out Negativity’s Street Love Ride
Where: Boulevard across from St. Agatha Catholic Church (3147 West Douglas Boulevard Chicago, IL 60623)
What: Community Ticket Registration from 5pm – 8pm
Community Ticket Registration #2
When: Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Where: Douglass Park Fieldhouse (need to get permission)
What: Community Ticket Registration: 4:30pm – 7:30pm
12th Street Picnic 50th Anniversary – August 17 @ 12st & California
Community Band Contest Winners Announcement – August 22nd
Community Vendor Workshop – 12pm, August 31 @ TBD
Virtual Community Meeting – 7pm, Sept 13 @ Online
Community Corner – Sept 20 – 22 @ The Fest
Virtual Community Festival Recap – 7pm, Oct 4 @ Online
Details regarding changes to shuttling, parking and ticketing will be answered in the FAQ link above, with more information to come in the coming weeks as we shore up our plans to make this year’s Riot Fest our best ever. Thanks for being awesome. We love you.
Yours,
Riot Fest
www.riotfest.org
