‘We’re back’: Riot Fest returning at Douglass Park after Bridgeview move

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. — Riot Fest , thought to be on the move to Bridgeview after organizers butted heads with the Chicago Park District, is returning home, after all.

In June, its founders announced the Sept. 20-22 fest was officially moving to the SeatGeek Stadium and unveiled the venue as “Riotland.” Riot Mike, co-founder Mike Petryshyn, blamed the Chicago Park District for the move.

“We understand this may be confusing, but we feel that Douglass Park has always been the home for Riot Fest and we are looking forward to working in partnership with the new Chicago Park District management team to build a symbiotic relationship between them, us, and the communities surrounding Douglass Park,” organizers said Wednesday.

PREVIOUS: Riot Fest moving to SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview; lineup released

Concerning shuttles, parking and ticketing information for RiotLand, organizers say those who previously purchased tickets for the advertised shuttle program will be refunded. Festivalgoers who already purchased lodging near SeatGeek Stadium will be offered a free shuttle from the Midway Hotel Complex to Douglass Park.

“We know venue changes can sometimes be a bit inconvenient, and as a thank you for your patience and flexibility, we are working hard to make the on-site experience even better for everyone,” organizers added.

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Ald. Monique Scott (24th Ward) applauded Riot Fest’s return to Douglass Park after joining organizers in blaming the Chicago Park District for the festival’s move to the southwest suburbs.

“We are thrilled that Riot Fest is returning to the 24th Ward this year and are working towards a long-term partnership with the City of Chicago,” Scott said. “Independent and alternative cultural assets like Riot Fest invigorate our local economy by creating jobs, attracting tourism, supporting our youth, and providing a national stage for small businesses and artists from North Lawndale and Little Village. Riot Fest’s return is a win for our community, and we look forward to the continued positive impact it will bring.”

Fall Out Boy, Beck and Slayer are among the headliners. Other notable acts are The Offspring, Public Enemy, St. Vincent, Rob Zombie, Cypress Hill, Sublime, Spoon and The Marley Brothers playing the music of Bob Marley.

Gates open at 11 a.m. each day at Riot Fest.

The fest, known for eclectic lineups of rock and more, moved to Douglass Park in 2015.

Chicago Red Stars react, announce partnership with Riot Fest

Riot Fest’s temporary relocation to SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview caused a rift with the Chicago Red Stars. The festival’s move directly impacted a previously scheduled Sept. 21 game against the San Diego Wave, with the team possibly looking into legal action.

Responding to a WGN-TV request for comment, the Red Stars announced a partnership with Riot Fest, saying the planned Sept. 21 game will now go on as scheduled.

“I would like to thank Riot Fest and the organizers for communicating with us over the past two months and during this process. I look forward to our partnership and each of us being able to host our events in a manner that best serves our fanbases and allows us to collaborate going forward,” said Chicago Red Stars president Karen Leetzow.

As part of the newly announced partnership, the Red Stars will have a booth at Riot Fest where fans can win upcoming tickets to a game. The Red Stars will also host a ‘Riot Fest Night’ on Sunday, Nov. 3.

Some Douglass Park residents bothered by Riot Fest’s return

Not everyone in Douglass Park was thrilled following Riot Fest’s announced return.

“We are a place for them but it is not their home as they have said,” relayed Anton Adkins, a Douglass Park resident. “We don’t get a say in it. Those with influence, power and wealth, they make all the decisions. Once again, that has happened.”

Adkins, who resides across the street from the park, told WGN News that he isn’t looking forward to the disruptions caused by thousands of people, their cars and rideshares. Ald. Scott insists Riot Fest’s return to the ward will create opportunities, however, including 300 jobs, paid internships and more than 1,500 free tickets issued to nearby residents.

The Park District Board still has to give its stamp of approval next month, but its superintendent told WGN News that she doesn’t anticipate any more surprises.

“If the community feels that this is something that they want, and they want to champion this just like Ald. Monique Scott has done, then, of course, it’s a celebration for the community,” Rosa Escareño, Chicago Park District general superintendent and CEO, said. “ We’re more than happy to engage through the process to make sure the process is ultimately successful.”

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