Riot Fest

This year marked the tenth annual Riot Fest & Carnival in Chicago, IL. The event spanned over three days, from September 11th to the 13th, and held at Douglas Park. While I love the idea of this outdoor music festival to kick off fall, there are some changes that might be considered.

After attending for the first time this year, it struck me that location was a key factor in this event. It is a rain or shine event and in Chicago it rains pretty frequently. To have this outdoor music festival located in a park does not seem like the smartest idea. By the time afternoon hit, everyone at Riot Fest was soaking wet and covered in mud. While festival-goers did not mind this, as it did not detract from the music, I have to imagine that the city is going to mind during the aftermath. Cleanup after this event is going to be a mess because there were thousands of people trampling through the mud to get from stage to stage to see all their favorite musicians. The grass was completely destroyed, the mud had caused huge divots in the ground in numerous locations, and the stages had been rooted in the ground for three full days as well. I think that Riot Fest should look into alternative locations, possibly a concrete parking lot, to hold the event for next year so it won’t destroy another park in its wake.

With that being said, Riot Fest was an amazing event. There were 7 different stages that had music playing nonstop. There were dozens of food truck vendors selling your favorite carnival foods and alcohol. There was also the carnival section for those looking to get away from the music temporarily and just ride some rides, including a Ferris Wheel, which holds special significance to Chicago.

There were acts ranging from small bands such as Knuckle Puck and Joyce Manor, to the huge acts of No Doubt, System Of A Down and Modest Mouse. The musical variety ranged from pop-punk to alternative to rap. No matter yourpreference in music, you could attend Riot Fest and have a great day. There was something for everyone and it was truly different from any other music festival I have been to. I would highly recommend attending Riot Fest if given the opportunity. Since 2005, Riot Fest has expanded and now has events in Denver, CO and Toronto, ON as well as the Chicago, IL event. Keep your eyes peeled for next year’s lineup; I know I will be!