Why Riot Fest is Back in Chicago’s Douglas Park This Year

Something very strange is afoot. I don’t know what exactly is going on, but I do now that Riot Fest has announced that they will NOT be at Seat Geek Stadium in Bridgeview this year, as previously announced, but they will actually be back in Douglas Park, their home since 2015.

The lineup remains the same.

I thought Seat Geek would have been great, given the abundance of parking available, but the organizers have apparently mended fences with the City of Chicago, a relationship that has been strained in the recent past. You may remember a few short months ago the festival had some less-than-kind things to say about the City and the organizers there:

I guess Riot Mike and city officials had some beers and worked it out!  Here’s the complete statement from Riot Fest:

A Statement From Riot Fest

Driven by the overwhelming support of the City of Chicago and our fans, we’re excited to announce that we are coming back home to Chicago and Douglass Park.

If there was no Chicago, there’d be no Riot Fest.

As we continue to build a long-term partnership with the City of Chicago, we remain focused on our shared vision of stability and growth in the neighborhood we call home. We deeply appreciate the support from Mayor Johnson, Alderwoman Scott, the Chicago Park District, and The North Lawndale and Little Village communities.

We’re not just coming home–we’re coming back stronger, with an even greater purpose and doubling down on our commitment to Chicago, our fans, and our community. Riot Fest was born and bred here; it’s where we belong.

Details regarding changes to shuttling, parking, and ticketing are below, with more information to come in the coming weeks as we shore up our plans to make this year’s Riot Fest our best ever.

Thanks for being awesome. We love you.

Now, with a change of venue coming so close to the event…that brings up some questions!
What if you already bought tickets and now don’t want to go, can I get a refund? (No.)
What if you booked a hotel near Seat Geek? (There’s a shuttle now.)
What about the parking pass you bought? (You can get that refunded.)

They answer a lot of other FAQs on their website.

I know at least the Chicago Red Stars soccer team isn’t too mad about it! They don’t have to jockey around the schedule to play their games that weekend. As a matter of fact, the Chicago women’s soccer team who plays their home games at Seat Geek Stadium, has announced a full-on PARTNERSHIP with Riot Fest!

Riot Fest has always been about more than just music—it’s about culture. Partnering with the Chicago Red Stars was a natural fit because the same level of passion and dedication we pour into Riot Fest, we see in the Red Stars,” said Michael “Riot Mike” Petryshyn, founder of Riot Fest. “That fervor flows not only with the players but with their ardent fans. That’s culture. I, for one, can’t wait to collaborate with them this year and well into the future.

From the Red Stars website: The partnership between the Red Stars and Riot Fest allows the two organizations to work together to foster strong community ties and celebrate the achievements of women in sports, while creating unforgettable experiences for both supporters. This year at Riot Fest, the Red Stars will have their own dedicated booth for fans to come learn more about the club, play games, have a chance at winning tickets to an upcoming Red Stars match and more. The Red Stars, in turn, will host a ‘Riot Fest Night’ Sunday, November 3. The match will be presented by RUSH Hospital, will have a corresponding Riot Fest ticket offer, feature co-branded merch and a presence by Riot Fest in the Red Stars Fan Zone. Further details on the partnership between the Red Stars and Riot Fest will be made available in the coming weeks.

Hey, I guess everyone can be happy when all parties sit down and talk it out! Kinda brings a tear to my eye.