As the summer heat fades away, fans eagerly await the arrival of one of the most anticipated events of the year – a Chicago based music festival, Riot Fest. Set to take place from Friday September, 15th to Sunday, September 18th in Douglas Park. This year’s festival promises a mind-blowing experience for fans of all genres. With an impressive lineup of renowned artists and exhilarating performances, Riot Fest guarantees to be an unforgettable weekend for attendees.
With 90+ performances across 5 different stages, on top of carnival rides (including a Ferris wheel, the Zipper, and Tilt-a-Whirl), tons of food & drink options, a wide array of merchants selling records, art, jewelry, and more festival goers will have no shortage of fun! Uniquely, the festival is bringing back the Riot Fest Wedding Chapel for the third year in a row and 32 couples have already signed up to tie the knot!
Headlining the festival on Friday are the iconic Foo Fighters and the electrifying up & coming punk styled band Turnstile. The Foo Fighters’ high-energy rock anthems and Dave Grohl’s unparalleled stage presence start this festival at the highest point possible. Joining them on Friday, Turnstile will infuse the atmosphere with their unique blend of hardcore punk and catchy hooks, ensuring an unforgettable start to the festival.
Saturday brings a star-studded lineup, headlined by The Postal Service, Death Cab for Cutie, and Queens of the Stone Age. The Postal Service’s nostalgic indie electronica will transport fans back to the good old days, while Death Cab for Cutie’s heartfelt lyrics and melodic tunes will tug at heartstrings. Queens of the Stone Age, known for their explosive rock sound and Josh Homme’s commanding stage presence will ensure that Saturday will be a day filled with emotive performances and musical brilliance.
As Riot Fest enters its final day on Sunday, fans will have the chance to witness two legendary acts – The Cure and The Mars Volta. The Cure’s timeless music and Robert Smith’s haunting vocals will create an ethereal atmosphere, captivating the audience from start to finish. And with The Mars Volta’s progressive rock sound and boundary-pushing compositions, fans can expect nothing short of a mind-bending and unforgettable experience.
Other highly notable acts throughout the weekend include punk / emo mainstays AFI, the notoriously melodic band Thursday, and the incredibly talented Irish punk band Flogging Molly.
Whether you’re a dedicated fan of the headliners or just looking for an extraordinary musical experience, Riot Fest promises to deliver something for everybody in attendance. See you in the pit!
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