Chicago’s largest rock music festival, Riot Fest, is back this weekend at North Lawndale’s Douglass Park, following months of uncertainty and location changes. This year’s lineup features big name acts including Fall Out Boy, St. Vincent, Slayer, and The Offspring.
Bridgeview Move Sparks Outcry
Riot Fest underwent a major shakeup earlier this year after organizers announced the festival would relocate to SeatGeek Stadium in suburban Bridgeview after nine years in Douglass Park.
Organizers attributed the decision to an inability to obtain the necessary permits from the Chicago Park District. The move drew criticism from fans who expressed frustration over the inaccessibility of SeatGeek Stadium from Chicago and other factors.
Organizers Reverse Suburban Move
On August 14, organizers announced they had reversed their decision to move to the suburbs, after receiving a stamp of approval from city officials and considering feedback from festival-goers.
“Driven by the overwhelming support of the City of Chicago and our fans, we’re excited to announce that we are coming back home to Chicago and Douglass Park,” said organizers in a statement. “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.”
Riot Fest’s History at Douglass Park
Riot Fest has utilized the southeast corner of Douglass Park as its festival grounds since 2015. The park has served as an ideal location for the festival with its ample space, tree-covered areas, and proximity to public transit.
Riot Fest brings thousands to Chicago each year over its weekend-long run, but the festival has also drawn ire from some residents who see the festival as an unwelcome disruption. In previous years, North Lawndale residents have expressed frustration over the festival’s use of the park and its impact on local traffic throughout the weekend.
On the other hand, supporters of the festival note it occupies only a portion of the park while driving tourism and generating significant income for the local economy.
Shuttles and Ticket Discounts
Overall, the disruption to the Riot Fest schedule has thrown many festival-goers for a loop, but organizers are determined to win fans back. The festival is offering refunded parking passes and a shuttle to Douglass Park for those who reserved lodging in Bridgeview.
Fans can also take advantage of the fest’s “bring-a-friend-deal,” wherein attendees can get 20% off tickets for themselves and a friend. Weekend passes and single-day tickets for the festival are on sale now.