Riot Fest is gearing up for a monumental celebration as it announces its lineup for the festival's 20th anniversary, featuring an impressive array of headliners including Green Day, Blink-182, Weezer, and Jack White. Set to take place from September 19-21, 2025, at Douglass Park in Chicago, this year's event promises to deliver a diverse mix of rock, punk, metal, and alternative music.
In addition to the headliners, the festival will showcase over 90 bands, including iconic acts such as the Sex Pistols, Idles, Alkaline Trio, All Time Low, the reunited Rilo Kiley, The Beach Boys, Dropkick Murphys, and Bad Religion. "We didn’t plan on making it for twenty years," said festival founder Michael "Riot Mike" Petryshyn in a press release. "We planned on making it through one weekend. But here we are - still loud, still weird, still building something bigger than we ever meant to." This sentiment captures the spirit of a festival that has evolved significantly since its inception.
Riot Fest first kicked off in 2005 as a punk rock festival held at various venues throughout Chicago. It later found a permanent home at Douglass Park in 2015, following a stint at Humboldt Park. The festival has become a staple in the music scene, known for its eclectic lineups and memorable performances. The recent announcement of a multi-year agreement with the Chicago Park District ensures that Riot Fest will remain in Douglass Park through at least 2027, much to the delight of fans.
However, the festival's presence has not been without controversy. Some community advocates have expressed concerns regarding noise levels, potential park damage, and the impact on local residents' access to green spaces. Despite this, Riot Fest continues to draw significant crowds, with tickets for the three-day event currently on sale. General admission passes are priced at $300, while the Deluxe+ passes reach up to $1,500.
Fans can expect a rich lineup that spans multiple genres. Alongside the aforementioned headliners, the festival will feature performances from notable acts such as Frank Carter with the Sex Pistols, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Knocked Loose, Jawbreaker, and many more. The inclusion of a wide range of artists, from punk legends to pop icons, reflects Riot Fest's commitment to celebrating music in all its forms.
As Riot Fest approaches its 20th anniversary, the anticipation is palpable. "I just wanted to put a show together with all of my favorite bands," Petryshyn remarked, reflecting on the festival's humble beginnings. Over the years, Riot Fest has transformed into one of the largest independent music festivals in the country, known for high-profile reunions and unique experiences, such as the infamous butter sculpture tribute to actor John Stamos.
The excitement surrounding this year’s festival is further amplified by the variety of artists slated to perform. Fans can look forward to seeing acts like The Front Bottoms, James, Hanson, The Linda Lindas, Inhaler, Buzzcocks, and Marky Ramone. The festival's ability to attract both established and emerging talent speaks volumes about its reputation in the music industry.
In addition to the music, Riot Fest has carved out a niche for itself as a cultural phenomenon, where fans feel a genuine connection to the artists and the festival itself. "There’s a bunch of introverts out there, so I’m talking to the same audience as me," Petryshyn noted in a previous interview. "I know our fans, because I’m one of them. I can tell when our stuff will get a positive response because we’re not manipulating them or pulling the wool over their eyes." This authenticity resonates with attendees, creating an atmosphere that is both welcoming and electric.
As the festival gears up for its anniversary, the lineup and the community support it garners will undoubtedly make this year’s event one to remember. Riot Fest has proven to be a mainstay in the music world, consistently delivering a platform for artists across genres while fostering a sense of community among fans.
For those interested in attending, tickets are now available through the festival's official website, riotfest.org. With the promise of an unforgettable experience and a lineup that celebrates the best of music, Riot Fest 2025 is set to be a landmark event in the festival's storied history.
