City Council member would welcome Riot Fest back to Douglass Park

muddy park where concert was held
The cleanup was underway Monday in Douglass Park, site of Riot Fest. Photo credit Mallory Vor Broker

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – The West Side alderwoman whose ward includes Douglass Park said she would be happy to have Riot Fest return there next year.

Monique Scott (24th) said the weekend music festival brings economic opportunity. Twelve local vendors participated, and some made $15,000 to $20,000 over the weekend.

“That’s something that they wouldn’t have done on the weekend in Lawndale, without Riot Fest,” Scott told WBBM Newsradio. “The first day, they actually all ran out of merchandise. They were crying because of the economic impact and the experience.”

Some residents have complained that the alternative rock music festival disrupts the neighborhood, with concert-goers leaving a mess in their wake. Some messages left behind on fencing included the phrase, “No parks for profit!”

Lawndale resident Anton Atkins has not changed his mind about Riot Fest, telling WBBM Newsradio: "Too many people, congestion, loud, polluted in almost every imaginable way."

fencing with graffiti
Taggers leave a message on fencing at Douglass Park. Photo credit Mallory Vor Broker

Crews were cleaning up the outdoor venue Monday.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Mallory Vor Broker