Riot Fest 2025 in Chicago is rolling out a dedicated "Weird Al" Yankovic stage on Friday, September 19th, with comedian Emo Phillips Locked in as the all-day emcee. This new stage concept is already stirring up excitement among festival fans, who are buzzing with potential performers like Mac Sabbath, Puddles Pity Party, and Sparks as ideal fits.
Fans are also pushing for Weird Al himself to snag a prime time main stage slot — ideally between 5-6 PM — aiming to avoid clashing with other heavy hitters like Blink-182 and the Sex Pistols. The community sees this as a perfect way to spotlight Weird Al’s legendary status without splitting the crowd’s attention.
On the frontier of fan speculation and discussion, forums like Chorus.fm are alive with hopes for a fresh, genre-diverse lineup that balances classic punk with newer acts. Ideas from users range from Green Day, Operation Ivy, Paramore, to The Weakerthans and Bright Eyes making a return, reflecting Riot Fest’s history of eclectic bookings.
Mark your calendars: Riot Fest’s 20th anniversary runs September 19-21 at Douglass Park. Early bird tickets are live now — general admission clocks in at $249.98, VIP at $299.98, with perks including expedited entry and premium viewing zones.
With lineup announcements on the horizon, Riot Fest 2025’s Weird Al stage promises a quirky, fun centerpiece for one of Chicago’s most beloved punk and alternative gatherings. Stay tuned for more updates as the festival season heats up!
Source: r/riotfest