Riot Fest 2024: Green Day, Blink-182 Lead 20th Anniversary Bash

Riot Fest 2024 Lineup Unveiled: Green Day, Blink-182 to Headline Chicago Rock Festival

Riot Fest Chicago, the iconic alternative music festival, is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary in grand style. The Riot Fest 2024 lineup for the three-day fest, taking place September 19-21 in Douglass Park on Chicago’s West Side, was revealed today by event organizers. This milestone event promises to be one of the most anticipated Chicago music events of the year.

Headliners and Punk Legends Take Center Stage

The Riot Fest 2024 lineup boasts an impressive array of headliners and punk legends. Green Day, known for their electrifying performances, will take the main stage alongside pop-punk icons Blink-182. Rock stalwarts Weezer and the versatile Jack White round out the top billing for this Chicago rock festival.
In a surprising turn of events, the Sex Pistols will return after two decades, performing as part of their first tour in 20 years. This addition to the Riot Fest lineup has created a buzz among fans of classic punk. The Beach Boys will grace the festival stage by bringing their timeless harmonies to the Windy City.

Local Talent and Diverse Acts

The alternative music festival isn’t just about big names. Local Chicago act Dehd will represent the city’s vibrant music scene. The lineup also features an eclectic mix of artists, including Dropkick Murphys, The Linda Lindas, All Time Low, Hanson, Rico Nasty, The Front Bottoms, Cobra Starship, and Alkaline Trio.

Tickets and Festival Information

Tickets for this highly anticipated Douglass Park festival went on sale Wednesday. Three-day general admission passes start at $299.98, with VIP tickets available for those seeking premium viewing areas and additional perks.
Reflecting on the festival’s journey, founder “Riot Mike” Petryshyn stated, “Our initial goal wasn’t a 20-year run. We were just hoping to make it through one weekend. Yet here we stand – maintaining our volume, embracing our uniqueness, and creating something far beyond our original vision.”

Venue Extension and Community Impact

The Riot Fest 2024 lineup announcement follows the Chicago Park District’s recent approval of a three-year extension for the festival in Douglass Park. This agreement is expected to generate over $3 million for the district, with $900,000 to $1.2 million allocated for park enhancements.
However, the festival’s presence in Douglass Park has not been without controversy. Residents have expressed concerns about parking availability, traffic problems, noise levels, crowd management, and festival-related debris. District officials report conducting over 60 community meetings since last year’s event.

Riot Fest in the Context of Chicago Festivals 2024

As Riot Fest solidifies its place among Chicago festivals 2024, it faces a changing landscape in the city’s music scene. The departure of Pitchfork Music Festival after 19 years has reduced competition but also highlighted the challenges facing music events in the city. Rising production costs, from artist fees to security expenses, have become a significant concern for festival organizers across Chicago.

A Brief History of Riot Fest

Riot Fest began in 2005 as a concert series at the Congress Theater before expanding to other cities. The festival transitioned outdoors to Humboldt Park in 2012 and relocated to Douglass Park in 2015. Since then, it has operated annually at this location, with the exception of the 2020 cancellation due to COVID-19.
As Riot Fest 2024 approaches, music fans eagerly anticipate this celebration of punk, rock, and alternative music. With its stellar lineup and rich history, the festival continues to be a cornerstone of Chicago’s music events, drawing attendees from across the city and beyond to the West Side for three days of unforgettable performances.

Source:
Morgan Ciocca (April 23, 2025). Green Day, Blink-182, Weezer to headline Riot Fest in Chicago in September. Chicago Sun Times. https://chicago.suntimes.com/entertainment-culture/2025/04/23/riot-fest-2025-lineup-tickets. Accessed April 23, 2025

Header Photo: Green Day 2024 Montage
Photo credit: Raph_PH, CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons