(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Two months after it appeared Riot Fest was headed for the suburbs, festival organizers and the city of Chicago announced Wednesday that it was returning to Douglass Park.
In June 2024, organizers said they were taking Riot Fest to Bridgeview’s SeatGeek Stadium. They cited pushback from residents and others who were concerned about noise, traffic and safety — as well as what they described as a non-cooperative Chicago Park District.
News that the festival was relocating to SeatGeek Stadium, which is the home of the Chicago Red Stars, drew criticism from the team and their fans. They pointed out that the professional women’s soccer team was supposed to have a home game during the dates of the festival, Sept. 20 – 22.
Although Riot Fest’s return to Douglass Park won’t be official until the Chicago Park District board signs off on it in September, district officials said in a statement that the “long-standing, independent music festival brings a premier cultural experience to Chicago’s West Side.”
Local Ald. Monique Scott (24th), who’s been a steadfast supporter of the festival, said she was thrilled to see Riot Fest returning to North Lawndale.
“Independent and alternative cultural assets like Riot Fest invigorate our local economy by creating jobs, attracting tourism, supporting our youth, and providing a national stage for small businesses and artists from North Lawndale and Little Village,” she said.
Scott added that Riot Fest’s return is “a win for our community.”
Mike Petryshyn, who founded Riot Fest, said the festival grew out of Chicago’s independent music community.
“We’re not just coming home — we’re coming back passionately, with an even greater purpose and doubling down on our commitment to Chicago, our fans, and our community,” he said. “Riot Fest was born and bred here; it’s where we belong.”
Festival officials said the full Riot Fest schedule would be released Thursday.
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok