CHICAGO In a surprise move, Chicago’s long-running Riot Fest announced plans to relocate to Chicago’s Douglass Park after previously announcing a 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’re excited to announce that we are coming back home to Chicago and Douglass Park.
If there was no Chicago, there’d be no Riot Fest.
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. We deeply appreciate the support from Mayor Johnson, Alderwoman Scott, the Chicago Park District, and The North Lawndale and Little Village communities.
We’re not just coming home–we’re coming back stronger, with an even greater purpose and doubling down on our commitment to Chicago, our fans, and our community. Riot Fest was born and bred here; it’s where we belong.
The move back to downtown Chicago comes just two months after festival co-founder Mike “Riot Mike” Petryshyn announced plans to move the festival to SeatGeek, citing challenges in obtaining permits for the festival from Chicago city officials.
“Several weeks ago, I had enough. I was tired of Riot Fest continually being the lowest hanging fruit. I was tired of playing their games. I was tired of watching something I love being continually used to deflect away from their own internal deficits. This prevented us from giving us the experience you deserve.
“So, it became evident change was needed. Riot Fest will be leaving Douglass Park. And — allow me to be as clear as the azure sky of the deepest summer — our exodus is solely because of the Chicago Park District. Their lack of care for the community, you and us ultimately left us no choice.”
Riot Fest 2024 will take place at Chicago’s Douglass Park from September 20-22 with a lineup that includes Fall Out Boy, Beck, Pavement, Slayer, The Offspring, Public Enemy, and more.
