The 20th anniversary of Riot Fest kicks off September 19-21, 2025, at Chicago’s Douglass Park, delivering a massive lineup that’s both a celebration and a punk-rock pilgrimage. Single-day tickets are on sale now, starting around $100, with three-day passes available for roughly $270.
Friday Highlights
- Headliners: blink-182, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Alkaline Trio
- Notables: Rilo Kiley, Knocked Loose, The Pogues, The Hold Steady, Sparks, Rico Nasty
Friday promises sprawling punk, rock, and alt sets, but fans should brace for tight scheduling and tough choices, especially Friday night where multiple crowd favorites clash.
Saturday Highlights
- Headliners: Weezer (playing Voyage to the Blue Planet), Jack White, Frank Carter with Sex Pistols members
- Supporting acts: All Time Low, The Beach Boys, Dropkick Murphys, The Front Bottoms, James
Saturday stands out for its “full album” sets and genre-spanning appeal, blending punk, indie, and classic rock.
Sunday Highlights
- Headliners: Green Day, Idles, Jawbreaker, Bad Religion
- Other acts: The Academy Is…, The Wonder Years, Dance Hall Crashers, Hanson, Screeching Weasel, The Ataris
Sunday’s punk-heavy roster rounds out the weekend, lighter on openers but packed with legendary and emerging voices.
Fan Buzz & Festival Notes
Reddit discussions highlight the agonizing pick-your-day dilemma amid stellar acts all weekend. The festival will feature 20 bands performing full album sets, a unique treat for vinyl lovers and live music die-hards alike. There’s also chatter about possible in-person ticket sales, echoing past Riot Fest traditions.
Riot Fest 2025 marks two decades of punk, rock, and alt music mayhem in Chicago — a can’t-miss cultural milestone delivering iconic performances and memorable moments across three electric days. Grab your tickets and prepare for a festival bona fide fans will be talking about for years.
Source: r/riotfest