Without the thrill of monthly festivals and concert getaways, 2020 has been, well, the biggest drag of all time musically. Great pieces of art have surfaced along the way, sure, yet only an extremely limited amount of events are being experienced in-person due to social distancing. Damn COVID. In summary, festivals need a do-over. Up steps Riot Fest, returning with grace and gusto to Douglas Park, Chicago September 16th-19th, 2021. That’s right, we’re already announcing fall 2021 fests!
Sadly, Riot Fest 2020 had to cancel for September…
Despite a year’s delay, Riot Fest-ers were relieved to find out My Chemical Romance still plans to headline for 2021. Joining the newly-reunited emo rockers are Smashing Pumpkins, Pixies and hip hop royalty’s Run The Jewels — fresh off a new album this month! (Well, they won’t be necessarily ‘fresh’ off the album a year from this upcoming September will they, but RTJ will sure be heralding it in proper fashion by then, to say the least.) Headliners aside, Riot Fest 2021 boasts a ridiculous amount of talent, including Coheed and Cambria, Taking Back Sunday, Sublime With Rome, Dirty Heads, Lupe Fiasco (performing The Cool), Vic Mensa, The All-American Rejects, New Found Glory, Simple Plan, Gogol Bordello, Circle Jerks, Thrice, Circa Survive, K. Flay, Toots and the Maytals and so many, many more. Even the bands at the bottom of the first-round list are big ones — Hepcat, Fishbone, Joywave, Thursday.
Riot Fest, you have successfully captured everyone’s attention in America.
With two more announcements to go, this mega-colossal Midwest fest is the place the whole nation wants to be September next year. New to 2021 is a Thursday pre-party, going down the eve of the 16th with performances to be announced, carnival rides and more. Those wishing to attend have until July 16th of 2020 to purchase tickets. Weekend passes for the festival are available now… which may raise some questions concerning social distancing and cancellations. Riot Fest anticipates your needs and has compiled a FAQ to help with your decision; see links below for details and hope to see you there!
Riot Fest 2021 official Spotify playlist:
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