CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Despite turbulence along the way, it's time for Riot Fest.
One of Chicago’s more prominent summer music festivals starts Friday, Sept. 20 and runs through Sunday, Sept. 22.
The lead up to this year’s Riot Fest has been tumultuous.
Initially, organizers announced a plan to move this year’s festival to Bridgeview’s SeatGeek Stadium, citing frustration with community opposition.
But, last month, in a surprise reversal, organizers declared that Riot Fest 2024 would be held in Douglass Park on the West Side after all. It became official last week when the Chicago Park District voted to approve Riot Fest’s return to the public city park.
With the politicking and uncertainty in the rearview mirror, it’s time to get you punk rockers ready for Riot Fest.
Below, you’ll find answers to everything you need to know about the weekend musical festival:
When is Riot Fest?
Riot Fest takes place Friday, Sept. 20, Saturday, Sept. 21 and Sunday, Sept. 22.
Where is Riot Fest?
Since 2015, Douglass Park (1401 S. Sacramento Dr.) on Chicago’s West Side has been the home of Riot Fest.
Where can I buy Riot Fest tickets?
Riot Fest tickets- 3-day, 2-day and 1-day passes- are still available online and can be purchased at the Riot Fest website.
Tickets can also be bought in person at the following locations:
-Rushmor Records, 2635 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Milwaukee, WI
-Buck O’ Blood, 3182 N. Elston Ave., Chicago, IL
In addition to general admission tickets, Riot Fest is offering three premium fan experience options. VIP tickets allow unlimited fest re-entry, a special entrance as well access to an air-conditioned lounge. Deluxe ticket holders will have a dedicated viewing area at all stages, while Deluxe+ members will have access to an all-inclusive private bar.
Fans who have already purchased Riot Fest tickets can upgrade to these three options.
Who are headliners at 2024 Riot Fest?
Friday, Sept. 20, Fall out Boy will be the headliner. Saturday, Sept. 21, Beck and Pavement will be the main attractions. And, on Sunday, Sept. 22, the final day of Riot Fest, Slayer gets the top billing.
Click here to view the full three-day Riot Fest 2024 lineup.
Can you re-enter Riot Fest?
No, general admission ticket holders will not be allowed to re-enter the grounds once they exit. However, premium ticket options will enable you to re-enter as much as you want.
What items are prohibited at Riot Fest?
The following items are not allowed at Riot Fest this year:
-Air horns
-Audio/Video equipment of any kind (including personal camcorders and GoPro cameras)
-Bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, scooters (inside festival grounds)
-Chairs with metal frames (except medical devices)
-Coolers of any kind, including hard-sided and soft-sided coolers
-Drones
-Fireworks or incendiary devices
-Focused-light devices, including laser pointers
-Glass and metal containers of any kind
-Glow sticks
-Hula Hoops
- Illegal and Illicit substances of any kind
-Laptops
-Mace
-Megaphones
-Metal containers of any kind, including metal cans and reusable metal water bottles
-Native American headdresses
-Outside food and beverages of any kind (*unless medically necessary)
- Pets (except service animals – you must visit ADA upon arrival)
-Professional radios or walkie-talkies
- Professional cameras with removable lens
-Selfie Sticks
- Sharp objects, long chains, or anything that an unreasonable person could use to harm others
-Soccer balls, footballs, frisbees, or other projectiles (ie. glow sticks)
-Totems/signs on poles
-Water guns, water balloons, and/or any other kind of water projectile
-Weapons, knives, or firearms of any kind
-Umbrellas
What public transportation can you take to get to Riot Fest?
The CTA Pink Line is arguably the best option. The California Stop is just blocks away from the festival entrance. After exiting the train, head north on California Avenue, make left onto 19th Street then a right onto Albany Avenue. Then, go right onto Ogden Avenue. The Riot Fest entrance is at Ogden and Sacramento.
There are also three CTA bus routes that can take you to Douglass Park: #12 Roosevelt, #49 Western, #52 Kedzie/California.
Metra’s BNSF Line is expected to have a modify schedule to accommodate festival goers.
Where is the rideshare pickup/dropoff point for Riot Fest?
The designated rideshare pickup/dropoff location will be on Ogden and Farrar Drive. The spot will be to the right of the main exit gate. Additional pickup/dropoff locations will be north of Douglass Park- West Roosevelt Road between Albany and California south to West 19th Street.
Can you ride your bike to Riot Fest?
Bike parking will be available just north of Ogden, between Albany and Sacramento. The service will be free.
What are Riot Fest’s accessibility accommodations?
Riot Fest will have accessible entrances, viewing platforms, bathrooms, and ramps for those with mobility disabilities.
To be brought to accessible viewing areas, those with a disability are asked to visit the Accessibility Service Center .
Although pets are not allowed inside the festival, trained service animals are allowed at Riot Fest.
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