(Chicago, Illinois – By: Jenafur Schlangen)
If you have not yet heard of Chicago’s infamous Riot Fest, you (clearly) must be living under a rock. However, under-rock-living or not, you’re in luck because with the information below, you will have all you need to know about this enormous and iconic Chicago music festival, so you’ll be prepared to rock…next year. Also below is our own photo gallery with what we considered to be our favorite headliners and up and comers to watch for in the very near future.
Riot Fest is an annual music festival that features a diverse lineup of punk rock, alternative rock, and various other music genres. The festival is known for its focus on punk and punk-related genres, as well as its commitment to showcasing both well-established and emerging artists. Here are some key points about Riot Fest:
- History: Riot Fest was founded by Michael Petryshyn and Sean McKeough in Chicago, Illinois, in 2005. It originally started as a multi-venue festival with a primary focus on punk and punk-rock acts.
- Expanding to Other Cities: While Riot Fest’s roots are in Chicago, it has expanded to other cities, including Denver and Toronto. Each city’s edition of the festival typically takes place over a weekend, featuring a mix of local and international artists.
- Lineup Diversity: Riot Fest is known for its diverse lineup, which includes punk rock, alternative rock, metal, hip-hop, and other genres. The festival often features both iconic bands from the past and contemporary acts.
- Notable Performers: Over the years, Riot Fest has hosted performances by a wide range of artists, including The Misfits, The Cure, Nine Inch Nails, Blink-182, Weezer, Public Enemy, and many others.
- Carnival Atmosphere: Riot Fest often incorporates a carnival-like atmosphere into its festival experience, with attractions like carnival rides, games, food vendors, and sideshow acts. This adds to the festival’s unique character and appeal.
- Community and DIY Spirit: The festival maintains a strong connection to the punk and DIY (Do It Yourself) ethos, celebrating independent and underground music scenes. It often includes local and independent artists, and small labels in its lineup and activities.
- Focus on Chicago: The Chicago edition of Riot Fest has a special place in the festival’s history. It has taken place in various venues around the city, including Humboldt Park and Douglass Park. Riot Fest has also contributed to the local community by supporting local charities and causes.
- Genre Inclusivity: While Riot Fest has its roots in punk rock, it has expanded to include a wide variety of genres, making it appealing to a broader audience.
- Special Events: Riot Fest sometimes hosts special events or reunions of legendary bands that have been disbanded for many years, creating excitement among fans.
- Art and Visuals: The festival often incorporates visual art installations and street art, adding an artistic element to the overall experience.
Riot Fest has become a significant event for music enthusiasts who appreciate a diverse range of musical styles and a sense of community. It continues to evolve and adapt to the changing music landscape while staying true to its punk and DIY roots.
With that being said, check out our photo gallery of Riot Fest 2023 below:
Out of more than 90 artists playing the Riot Fest stages and local Chicago venues alike, here are a few of our favorites from Riot Fest 2023:
The Cure – (Crawley, West Sussex. England)
The Breeders – (Dayton, Ohio)
The Dresden Dolls – (Boston, Massachusetts)
AFI – (abbreviation for A Fire Inside) – (Ukiah, California)
Corey Feldman – (Los Angeles, California)
Head Automatica – (Brooklyn, New York)
L.S. Dunes – (Chicago, Illinois)
Flogging Molly – (Los Angeles, California)
Nothing Nowhere – (Burlington, Vermont)
Snapcase – (Buffalo, New York)
Viagra Boys – (Stockholm, Sweden)
T.S.O.L. – (Long Beach, California)
Enola Gay – (Belfast, United Kingdom)
The Used – (Orem, Utah)
Pool Kids – (Tallahassee, Florida)
Total Chaos – (Pomona, California)
Lastly, it should also be noted that another Riot Fest favorite is that of, “Riot Pop,” a (beyond) delicious infusion of low-carbonation seltzers that come in several flavors, containing electrolytes, CBD, and alcohol. It should also be noted that there are non-alcohol varieties as well. Visit https://drinkriotpop.com/ for more information on this delectable beverage! YUM!
See you next year, Riot Fest!
