So you’ve decided to go to Riot Fest, huh? Well, I bet you have a bunch of burning questions that you still don’t know the answers to. After all, we get all sorts of questions ranging from sensible to completely nonsensical. And maybe you don’t even know what Riot Fest is.

Well fear not, Riot Fest attendee! Whether you’ve never heard of Riot Fest or you’re just plain clueless, we’ve put together an all-inclusive First Timer’s Guide in hopes you’ll feel a little less hopeless.

What the heck is a “Riot Fest”?

Riot Fest is an annual 3-day music festival in Douglas Park, Chicago, featuring the best of punk, rock ‘n’ roll, hip-hop, metal, alternative, and just about everything in between. You can see who played the last 15 Riot Fests here.

When you’re not seeing one of the 80+ performances across 5 different stages, there are carnival rides (including a Ferris wheel), sideshow performers, and even the occasional butter sculpture.

Okay, that sounds alright. Who’s performing?

We already announced one band: My Chemical Romance will headline one night of Riot Fest 2020. The full lineup will be released later this spring. Stay tuned at RiotFest.org.

WHERE the heck is Riot Fest?

Riot Fest takes place in beautiful Douglas Park in Chicago, IL.

Are there single-day tickets? When are they available?

Single-day tickets will be available later this year when we announce the daily lineups. Please stay tuned via RiotFest.org, our socials, and definitely sign up for our newsletter.

It’s worth mentioning that 3-day passes are ON SALE NOW for one heckuva deal, though.

Will tickets sell out?

Tickets prices are tiered—when each tier sells out, the price increases. Our best advice is to get your tickets early for the best deal possible. Or don’t. You do you, just don’t complain if you miss out.

Can I re-enter the festival if I leave?

3-day passes allow you to enter the festival grounds once each day. As a courtesy to our Douglas Park neighbors, GA ticket holders are NOT allowed to leave and re-enter during the same day.

Help! I can’t find my ticket confirmation email!

Don’t get all sweaty just yet. Check your email’s spam folder first—if it’s not there, contact Eventbrite customer support and they’ll help you out.

Is there an age limit?

Nope, the kids are alright. Riot Fest is an all-ages event, and children ages 5 and under get in free (with a ticket-holding adult).

Which day is MCR playing? Or are they playing all three days?!

You wish. My Chemical Romance will play a single headlining performance for one night of Riot Fest. The rest of the lineup, along with who’s playing what day, will be announced later this spring.

Do General Admission tickets include seeing all of the bands and headliners?

No. You just get to look at grass.

(Yes, of course. GA passes includes entry to the festival, performances by over 80+ bands, and access to all five stages.)

Is there camping?

All attendees are to exit the premises at the end of each night. There are no camping areas, nor is it allowed on the festival grounds.

Please do not camp. We are not in the woods.

Are the 5 VIP Beverage tickets for all three days, or do we get 5 each day?

Each 3-day VIP pass includes five (count ’em, 5) beverage tickets total for the entire weekend (alcoholic or non-alcoholic).

Are there ADA viewing platforms?

ADA viewing platforms will be available at 4 out of 5 stages. Attendees who need to should visit the Info Booth upon arrival to get all the information necessary to fully enjoy the festival and access the viewing areas.



How do I upgrade my tickets if I’ve already purchased them?

To upgrade your ticket, you must first purchase the new ticket, then contact Eventbrite customer service with both confirmation numbers handy. They’ll refund the original order.

Where do I stay? What are other things to do in Chicago?

Riot Fest is the only thing to do in Chicago. There are literally no other sources of entertainment in the city.

That being said, we’ll have hotel recommendations up on our website soon.

Does an Ultimate Cabana ticket include entry for 25 guests?

Each Ultimate ticket purchase grants entry to the festival and into VIP, Deluxe and Ultimate areas, plus access for one person to a cabana. The cabanas hold up to 25 people, but each person needs their own Ultimate pass.

The cabanas are assigned in the order that Ultimate patrons arrive. That is to say, you will be assigned a cabana when you arrive, and the cabana will hold up to 25 people. If your party is under the 25-person limit, it is possible that other Ultimate patrons outside of your party will be assigned to your cabana too. There is plenty of room and accommodations though for you all to enjoy the fest without intruding on one another.

I still have questions…

No worries. For information on parking, renting a locker, what you can/can’t bring to Riot Fest—and more!—read our full FAQ here.