Riot Fest returns to Douglass Park with top headliners, new addition

Riot Fest rocks out in Douglass Park

Riot Fest has returned to Douglass Park on Chicago's West Side after plans to relocate were reversed.

CHICAGO - Thousands of punk rock fans are converging on Chicago's West Side for Riot Fest, which has returned to its roots in Douglass Park.

It was a rocky road getting there, as the festival nearly relocated to the suburbs, but after reversing course last month, organizers are welcoming festivalgoers back to their old stomping grounds.

Fall Out Boy, Beck, and Slayer are headlining the three-day festival, which runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20 through Sunday, Sept. 22.

"It’s always a different experience every time and it’s just something we look forward to every year," said Sophia Pray, a festivalgoer.

Each year, the festival draws attendees from across the nation, and this year is no different.

"We came in from Nashville," said Karyce Hiatt.

"Visiting from St. Louis," said Monique Levy.

"We came from Denver," said Alex McWilliams.

Established in 2005, this year’s lineup features more than 90 artists who will be performing across five stages.

"You meet the best people, you see the best bands," said Pray.

"I’m here to see Fall Out Boy as well as Beck," said Levy.

"NOFX all three nights," said John Mogan, another festivalgoer.

For some, the festival is a trip down memory lane.

"It reminds me a lot of the music I listened to in junior high and high school," said Sam Hiatt.

Known for booking reunions, Riot Fest remains one of the largest independently-owned music fests in the U.S.

"I’m mostly just looking forward to the crowd, the people, the music, and being here in Chicago—it’s beautiful here," said McWilliams.

Initially, community pushback centered around noise and park access threatened the festival’s future at its longtime location, prompting organizers to announce a move to Bridgeview in June.

The reversal came in response to a strong show of support from the North Lawndale community and local leadership, including Alderwoman Monique Scott (24th Ward), who worked with the Chicago Park District and the City of Chicago to bring the festival back.

"It belongs here," said Levy. "Riot is my happy place. There's no greater feeling than walking out here, seeing lots of fans, making new friends and just kind of letting go for the weekend."

This year, organizers are debuting Riot Land. It’s a new section of the park where you can ‘choose your own adventure.’ It features a skateboard ramp, a history exhibit, and even a wedding chapel.

"Two years ago, we got married here actually," said Karyce Hiatt.

Riot Land is ‘ruled’ by a massive statue of John Stamos—made to look like it was carved out of butter.

Riot Fest will run through Sunday, offering a weekend of music, food, and festivities for its dedicated fans.