Chicago Chicago’s long-running Riot Fest has made a surprise announcement of plans to move to Chicago’s Douglas Park, following a previously announced move to Seatgeek Stadium in the Chicago suburb of Bridgeview.
Riot Fest organizers announced the move in a statement on Wednesday:
Driven by the overwhelming support of the city of Chicago and our fans, we are excited to announce our return to Chicago and Douglas Park.
Without Chicago, there would be no Riot Fest.
As we continue our long-standing partnership with the City of Chicago, we remain focused on our shared vision of stability and growth for the communities we call home. We sincerely thank Mayor Johnson, Councilman Scott, the Chicago Park District, North Lawndale and the Little Village community for their support.
We don’t just go home, we come back stronger with greater purpose and redouble our commitment to Chicago, our fans and our community. Riot Fest was born and raised here; this is where we belong.
Just two months after festival co-founder Mike “Riot Mike” Petryshyn announced plans to move the festival to SeatGeek, the festival is moving back to downtown Chicago, citing concerns over obtaining the festival’s license from Chicago city officials difficulty.
“A few weeks ago, I had enough. I’m tired of Riot Fest being the low-hanging fruit all the time. I’m tired of playing their games. I’m tired of watching the things I love being used to constantly deflect from my own internal flaws. .This prevents us from providing you with the experience you deserve.
“So, it’s clear something needs to change. Riot Fest is leaving Douglas Park. And–allow me as clear as a mid-summer blue sky–we are leaving solely because of the Chicago Park District. Their lack of care for the community, you And we ended up being left with no choice.
Riot Fest 2024 will take place at Douglas Park in Chicago from September 20th to 22nd, with a lineup including Fall Out Boy, Beck, Pavement, Slayer, The Offspring, Public Enemy, and more.
