Riot Fest in Chicago this weekend - timings, full lineup, what to wear and bring at 3-day music festival

Riot Fest is back in Douglass Park this weekend for its 20th anniversary, bringing three full days of music, community, and fun, all in true Riot Fest spirit.

The festival runs 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday through Sunday, at 1401 S. Sacramento Drive on Chicago’s West Side. Blink-182 kicks things off Friday, Weezer headlines Saturday, and Green Day closes out the weekend Sunday.

Full Riot Fest 2025 Lineup

Along with the headliners, this year’s lineup includes a wide range of artists and fan favorites:

• Jack White
• Idles
• Alkaline Trio
• The Pogues
• The Hold Steady
• Bad Religion
• Jawbreaker
• All Time Low
• James
• Dropkick Murphys
• Rilo Kiley

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Also performing:

• The Beach Boys, reportedly with special guest John Stamos on drums
• Weird “Al” Yankovic, with his own stage on Friday
• The Didjits
• Smoking Popes

The Sex Pistols, originally scheduled to perform without lead singer Johnny Lydon, have since canceled.

Riot Fest Tickets

• Three-day general admission passes are sold out.
• One-day passes start at $130.
• Two-day passes start at $230.
• Tickets are available online and at Costco stores in Lincoln Park, the South Loop, and various suburbs.
• General admission allows entry once per day.
• Children 5 and under get in free with a ticketed adult.

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How To Reach Riot Fest

• Main entrance and box office: West Ogden Avenue and South Sacramento Drive.
• You can find it on Google Maps.

By CTA:

• Pink Line to California or Kedzie stations
• Bus routes: No. 12 Roosevelt, No. 49 Western, No. 94 California

Parking At Riot Fest

• Street parking is limited, so arrive early to find a spot
• Some festgoers recommend parking at Reggies Chicago (2105 S. State St.) and using the free shuttles
• No official parking lots, but private parking may be available through ParkWhiz and SpotHero

What to Bring To Riot Fest

Riot Fest representative Heather West shared some tips:

• Sunscreen (and reapply throughout the day)
• Reusable plastic water bottle (metal and glass are not allowed)
• Earplugs or sound protection, especially for children
• Inhaler, if needed
• Hair ties
• Charged phone

What to Wear For Riot Fest

• Comfortable shoes you’ve worn before
• If possible, wear different shoes each day to reduce foot fatigue
• If wearing shorts, prevent chafing with baby powder or deodorant between thighs

Helpful Tips For Riot Fest

• Arrive early - about 90 minutes before the first band you want to see
• Explore the grounds before crowds build up
• Take a photo of the schedule and make it your phone’s lock screen
• Don’t litter - help keep the park clean
• Respect neighbors - avoid loitering on private property
• Yield to emergency vehicles when driving
• Use the Riot Fest App for schedules, maps, and updates
• Lockers are available for storing personal items
• Be ready for any weather - while rain isn’t expected, past years have been muddy

FAQs

When is Riot Fest 2025 happening?
Riot Fest is happening from Friday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Douglass Park in Chicago.

Is Riot Fest family-friendly?
Yes, Riot Fest is open to all ages. Kids 5 years and under can get in free with a ticketed adult.