Chicago, IL

Riot Fest

PUNK ROCK (& MORE) MUSIC FEST
Wednesday September 20, 2023 11am - 10pm
Thursday September 21, 2023 11am - 10pm
Friday September 22, 2023 11am - 10pm
 
Punk Rock (& more) Music Fest
Location
Chicago, IL Douglas Park

Founded in Chicago, Riot Fest is a multi-day music festival specializing in punk, rock, alternative, metal, and hip-hop. Carnival rides, amazing food vendors, incredible shopping, and more add to the atmosphere of this truly independent music fest.

Since 2005, Riot Fest strives to be the definitive touchstone for independent music and taste today in North America. With multiple stages, Riot Fest provides a platform for both established and emerging artists to connect with a passionate and diverse audience.

In addition to its musical offerings, Riot Fest has embraced a unique and rebellious spirit, fostering a sense of community among attendees who appreciate the festival’s commitment to celebrating independent and alternative music. The festival has also become known for its immersive and creatively designed environments, adding to the overall experience for festival-goers. Riot Fest endeavors to create a safe, positive, inclusive environment, where fans of all ages can affordably rock out, ride a Ferris Wheel, eat a turkey leg and most importantly, have fun!

One of the best music festivals I have ever attended. Fantastic lineup, well organized schedule with multiple stages, and truly incredible staff. Everyone I encountered working here was lovely and professional, from the bartenders to the security. I have never seen such efficient crowd control in my life-I was standing front row for upwards of 9 hours and never once was injured by the dozens of crowd surfers flying over my head. Easily accessible toilets, water re-full stations, and food/alcohol tents. Great selection of vegan food. $8 beer sold on the barrier every half hour if you don’t feel like walking to a tent and losing your spot. Surprisingly clean toilets with plenty of hand sanitizer. Non-stop entertainment.”

–  Alyssa F., FESTIVAL ATTENDEE

A festival in September in Chicago? When it’s not 100 degrees out? Who thought of that great idea? They deserve a million in prizes (because they’re worth it). Or at least a million thanks.”

–  Michael G., 2021 FESTIVAL ATTENDEE

WAY better line-up than Lollapalooza plus for way less than Lollapalooza!”

–  Brooke B., 2019 FESTIVAL ATTENDEE

This was my first time going to Riot Fest and I definitely wasn’t unimpressed. Stellar line-up. Mature crowd. Personal box wine. What more could I ask for?”

–  Candice G., 2018 FESTIVAL ATTENDEE

LAST YEAR'S LINEUP

SEPTEMBER 16 – 18, 2023

Foo Fighters, The Postal Service, Death Cab For Cutie (performing Transatlanticism), The Cure,

Queens of the Stone AgeTurnstile, The Mars Volta, Mr. Bungle, Tegan and Sara, 100 Gecs, The Gaslight Anthem, AFI, Death Grips, The Used, The Dresden Dolls, Say Anything, 070 Shake, The Breeders (performing Last Splash), Kim Gordon, Viagra Boys, Pup, Sleep Token, The Interrupters, Flogging Molly, Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls, Pennywise, Bayside, Ani DiFranco, Finch, Silverstein, Insane Clown Posse, Head Automatica, Parliament Funkadelic Ft. George Clinton, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, L.S. Dunes, Gorilla Biscuits (performing Start Today), Ride, Cults, Nothing,Nowhere., Code Orange, White Reaper, Balance and Composure, Fake Names, Eshu Tune, Quicksand (performing Slip), Enter Shikari, The Wrecks, Thursday, Hawthorne Heights, Bowling For Soup, Braid (performing Frame & Canvas), H20, Spitafield, Jehnny Beth, Drain, Snapcase, The Bronx, Microwave, Oso Oso, Origami Angel, The Exploited, Plosivs, Steve Ignorant Band / Crass, The Black Angels, Yard Act, Warpaint, Nothing, Screaming Females, High Vis, Rival Schools (performing United by Fate), Smoking Popes, Sludgeworth, Free Throw, Just Mustard, Hotline TNT, Quasi, Corey Feldman, Just Friends, Bearings, Pinkshift, Olivia Jean, Calva Louise, The Aquadolls, Enola Gay, Earth Crisis, Empire State Bastard, Cassyette, FEA, Fleshwater, The Bobby Lees, Pool Kids, Young Culture, Fade ‘Em All, CK Vassi, Total Chaos

APPLY TO BE A food VENDOR

TIMELINE

APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 23, 2024($50 Late Fee for late application)

ACCEPTANCE EMAILS:  July 30, 2024

LOAD IN DETAILS: August 30, 2024

*Please note: If you do not receive an email with the subject “Your application has been submitted,” double check that you wrote down the correct email address or contact us if you have any questions about the status of your application.

If emailing your application, please send as an attachment to: [email protected]

If mailing your application, please mail to:
StarEvents
1609 W Belmont Ave
Chicago, IL 60657

Apply Here

Douglas Park, Chicago

Note: StarEvents manages all the food vendors for the event.