Riot Fest 2025 has officially announced its 20th anniversary lineup, set for September 19-21 at Chicago’s Douglass Park. The festival is anchored by heavy-hitters blink-182 on Friday, Weezer on Saturday, and Green Day closing out Sunday.
Other standout acts across the three days include punk legends Sex Pistols, rock innovator Jack White, fierce punk powerhouse IDLES, iconic surf rockers The Beach Boys, Chicago’s own Alkaline Trio, Irish folk-punk stalwarts The Pogues, gothic punk originators The Damned, and the ever-entertaining "Weird Al" Yankovic. This diverse lineup reflects Riot Fest’s deep roots in punk, indie, and alternative scenes.
Community Response:
Fan reaction on Reddit and other social channels has been polarized. Many celebrate the return of beloved pop-punk and punk mainstays, ecstatic to see long-awaited acts like IDLES finally on the bill. Others question the inclusion of The Beach Boys, citing lingering controversies around members, while some describe the lineup as lacking punch compared to previous years.
Humor ran rampant — memes riffed on John Stamos’ 90s TV fame and created playful mosh pit scenarios for classic tracks, keeping the conversation lively and distinctly Riot Fest.
What’s Next?
Riot Mike fueled speculation with a teaser hinting at a second announcement, promising more acts or surprises soon to sweeten the deal.
Ticketing:
Tickets are currently live via the official Riot Fest website. Fans are reminded that official fan communities strictly ban ticket scalping to keep access fair and affordable.
Riot Fest 2025 is shaping up as a milestone event, respectful of its punk legacy but stirring passionate debate over its direction. Expect a weekend full of energy, nostalgia, and the surprises Riot Fest is known for.
Source: r/riotfest