Riot Fest kicks off Friday in Chicago, bringing three jam-packed days of all things rock and roll to Douglass Park.
This year’s headliners include household names, like Fall Out Boy, St. Vincent, and The Offspring. But there’s more to Riot Fest than just big-name bands. These local Chicago artists are taking the stage this weekend, and you won’t want to miss it!
Action/Adventure
Chicago pop-punk rockers Action/Adventure kicked off the festival bright and early Friday, their second time gracing Riot Fest, according to the festival.
The group has gained a dedicated following with their classic pop-punk sound, reminiscent of genre-defining acts like Taking Back Sunday and Sum 41. The band first played Riot Fest in 2021 and has opened for pop-punk legends New Found Glory.
The Lawrence Arms
The Lawrence Arms have been rocking since 1999 and aren’t slowing down! The punk rock trio has recorded seven studio albums, according to Riot Fest, consistently pushing genre boundaries and taking punk to new heights.
The band will take the NOFX World Stage at 5:30 p.m. Friday. Be there or be square!
Dat_Boy_Zach
Dat_Boy_Zach is the youngest entertainer on this year’s Riot Fest lineup at just nine years old! The Chicago native is kicking off day two of the festival at 11:15 a.m. on Saturday.
Zach will perform a kid-friendly set alongside his mom, musician SableAlexis, featuring original hip-hop songs about succeeding in school and having fun.
Pixel Grip
Chicago’s own Pixel Grip is bringing their one-of-a-kind gothic electronica to Riot Fest for the first time.
The trio have amassed a dedicated local following in recent years with their high-intensity stage presence and genre-defying sound combining elements of darkwave, metal, and 80s synth beats.
With a fresh take on alternative music, Pixel Grip have positioned themself at the cutting edge of modern rock.
Catch them at noon on Saturday at the AAA Stage.
Sincere Engineer
Chicago-based pop-punk group Sincere Engineer are three-time veterans of Riot Fest, according to the festival.
At the helm is musician Deanna Belos, whose raspy vocals convey a deep well of emotion and fervor. Since bursting on the scene in 2017, the band has released three albums and toured with the likes of New Found Glory.
Be sure to catch the pop punk rockers at 4:10 p.m. on the Rise Stage.
Beach Bunny
A certified viral sensation, Beach Bunny has cemented themselves as local legends and indie pop heroes since forming in 2017.
Led by singer-songwriter Lili Trifilio, the band has gained a massive listener base thanks to their catchy melodies and introspective lyrics. Beach Bunny is a favorite on TikTok, helping them achieve over 7 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
Don’t miss their 5:30 p.m. set on Saturday at the Rise Stage.
VII
VII, pronounced “Seven”, is the project of North Lawndale rapper Gabriel Townsell. The local hip-hop star is one of several acts representing the surrounding neighborhood throughout the weekend.
“Representing North Lawndale means everything to me, as a person who was born and raised here…” Townsell told Riot Fest. “There’s so much beauty and history in our neighborhoods to be proud of.”
Catch VII on Sunday at noon on the Rise Stage.
ALENIA
Prog-metal act ALENIA are rounding out the final day of the festival with their heavy-hitting riffs and unique theatrical performance style.
ALENIA come from humble beginnings and understand the importance of independent artistic representation. “To represent our community means everything to (us),” the band told Riot Fest. “The independent artists, musicians, creators, and entertainers are the heartbeat of this city.”
Don’t miss ALENIA at 12:30 p.m. Sunday on the Radical Stage.
Get Ready to Rock
With tons of local acts and world-famous bands to rock out to, Riot Fest is the place to be this weekend in Chicago. Head to the Riot Fest site to snag last minute tickets, view the full lineup, and learn more information.