Riot Fest is moving to the burbs after almost 10 years at Douglass Park, festival organizers announced Wednesday. The fest’s location has long divided organizers, the Park District, and West Siders. Here’s what to know about this year’s fest and its controversial past.
A New Location, a New Name
The festival's new location at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview Sept. 20–22 comes with a new name: RiotLand. Dozens of acts will play including headliners Fall Out Boy and St. Vincent. Tickets went on sale Wednesday morning after the announcement.
Riot Fest Founder Blames Park District
Riot Fest founder Mike Petryshyn, aka “Riot Mike,” posted a video Tuesday night saying “our exodus is solely because of the Chicago Park District.” Petryshyn and 24th Ward Ald. Monique Scott are critical of the Park District’s permit approval process. But that’s not the only source of tension.
- Some residents argue that fests limit their access to green space.
- Organizers stress the economic opportunities fests present.
Riot Fest is the third fest to relocate from Douglass Park in recent years. It was first pushed out of Humboldt Park by neighbors a decade ago.
A general view of SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview. (Sebastian Frej / MB Media / Getty)
But The Controversy Continues …
The Red Stars are slotted to play against San Deigo Wave FC at SeatGeek Stadium Sept. 21, which is when Riot Fest is now scheduled.
Red Stars President Karen Leetzow released a statement saying the team was put in an “unfair” situation that highlights how women’s and men’s professional sports are treated differently.
