The event takes place this fall in Chicago
Headliners have been announced for the 20th anniversary of Riot Fest. Green Day, Blink-182, Weezer, Jack White, Sex Pistols, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Idles, Alkaline Trio, All Time Low, are among the 90 artists performing at Chicago’s Douglass Park September 19-21. Additional announcements are to follow.
“I just wanted to put a show together with all of my favorite bands,” festival founder Michael Petryshyn reminisced before the inaugural Riot Fest back in 2005.
Throughout the next 20 years, the festival has grown to become one of the biggest independent festivals in the country, known for eclectic lineups, high-profile band reunions, full album plays, and even a butter sculpture tribute to John Stamos. Along with headliners Green Day, Blink-182, Weezer, and Jack White, the festival will also include performances by the Sex Pistols (Frank Carter and Steve Jones, Paul Cook, Glen Matlock), Idles, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Alkaline Trio, All Time Low, Knocked Loose, Rilo Kiley, The Beach Boys, Jawbreaker, Dropkick Murphys, Bad Religion, The Pogues, The Hold Steady, The Academy Is…, Cobra Starship, Gym Class Heroes, Texas is the Reason, Dance Hall Crashers, The Front Bottoms, Knuckle Puck, The Wonder Years, James, and many many more.
Born and raised in Chicago, Riot Fest began as a punk rock festival spread across the city’s favorite local venues. Over the years, it’s earned a reputation for reuniting bands that fans had lost hope of ever seeing again, including The Replacements, The Original Misfits, Slayer, Jawbreaker and many more. While the festival remains the centerpiece, the music isn’t limited to one weekend a year. For over two decades, Riot Fest has hosted thousands of shows in independent venues throughout the city, supporting Chicago’s thriving music scene.
“We didn’t plan on making it for twenty years. 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,” Petryshyn adds.
Riot Mike Petryshyn Riot Fest returns to Chicago’s Douglass Park from September 19-21, its home since 2015. A newly announced long-term agreement with the Chicago Park District ensures the festival will remain a Chicago staple for years to come.
Tickets for Riot Fest 2025 and special 20th anniversary merch are on sale now.
The Riot Fest 20th Anniversary Lineup is here.
September 19-21, 2025. Douglass Park. Chicago, IL.
3-DAY tickets on sale now. https://t.co/6gSAwPX6ud pic.twitter.com/C3IXQ5SUpP— Riot Fest (@RiotFest) April 23, 2025
