If you weren’t quite aware by now, Chicago loves festivals. From neighborhood street fairs to weekend-long music festivals, The Windy City makes sure there is never a dull weekend during the summer. One of Chicago’s most popular music festivals is the carnival-punk inspired Riot Fest. Now entering its 13th year, the fest started as a multi-venue festival in 2005 but now occupies Douglas Park on the west side of the city for three straight days.

While Riot Fest began as a punk rock festival and continues to celebrate those roots, the fest has evolved to cater to a more diverse crowd, incorporating genres such as hip-hop, metal, pop, and indie. Riot Fest has also been known for booking acts that had previously called it quits like The Replacements, The Misfits, and 2017’s Jawbreaker. You can check out Riot Fest’s past lineups here.

Courtesy of Riot Fest

Aside from the music, there is always plenty happening in and around Riot Fest, and this year will be no different. Consider this guide your best bet for surviving the raucous Chicago festival.

Where to Stay 

While the Douglas Park neighborhood of Chicago excels in being a great place to live, it lacks in hotel accommodations. Luckily, Riot Fest has teamed up with Curadora to gather the best hotels in the area. Just filter in your ideal price and select your lodging. Another good resource for finding affordable places near the venue is Airbnb. 

While some will look for convenience to the festival, others may want a more rounded Chicago experience and look to nearby neighborhoods that will offer something beyond easy access to Riot Fest. For more touristy activities, stay in the Loop where you can enjoy Millennium Park and plenty of museums. If it’s drinking you want, look for accommodations in Logan Square and make sure to stop by Revolution Brewery. For a great food experience you will find a variety of notable restaurants in the West Loop.

Getting There

California Pink Line near Douglas Park / Photo by Zol87

While there will be limited parking offered for $25, your best bet on getting to Douglas Park will be either the CTA’s Pink Line or Blue Line, the No. 12 Roosevelt bus, or Chicago’s Divvy bike-share (just make sure you know chicago’s bike laws). The California Pink Line station will be the closest to the park near the corner of California and 19th. The Blue Line is a little bit further at Congress Pkwy. and Campbell Ave. If you’re coming from downtown, get picked up by the No. 12 bus at the corner of Roosevelt and State. 

Keep in mind when planning transportation, the problem most likely won’t be getting to the park, it will be leaving. Once the headliners of Riot Fest finish up their encores, the streets will be flooded with adrenaline-filled music fans chanting and singing their way out of the neighborhood. Uber prices will surge, traffic will stop, and you may be waiting for a train longer than you’d like. Alas, this is the way of the music festival, and even the most experienced Riot Fest-er will tell you that it’s all for the good of the music.

If you want to try to avoid the masses, steer away from heavy surge areas to get an Uber/Lyft or head to the nearest bar and wait for the crowd to die down. It might add some time to your evening but it’ll save you peace of mind and a few bucks (that you can then spend at the bar).

Nearby Booze and Food

Photo Courtesy of Lagunitas

While Riot Fest will feature a variety of different food vendors, Chicago also offers tasty cuisines both near and far from the festival. Consider some of these top picks:

Lagunitas Brewing Company

Originally founded in Lagunitas, CA, the brewery came to Douglas Park in 2012 offering a taproom, daily tours on the hour, and almost 600,000 barrels of beer.

La Casa De Samuel

Within walking distance south of Douglas Park this neighborhood establishment serves up casual Mexican fare, as well as not-so-casual fare involving rattlesnake and alligator.

The Water Hole

This 2 a.m. bar is the perfect place to get a drink after a show, located near Ogden and Western. This late-night spot offers karaoke, (more) live music, and jerk chicken that will satisfy any post-show hunger. 

Make sure to also venture outside Douglas Park to get an even better culinary experience. For a classic Chicago Hot Dog , head to Jim's Original in Homan Square, which was the original creator of the “Maxwell Street Polish Sausage Sandwich” in 1941. As mentioned previously, the West Loop is a mecca where you can find restaurants like Au Cheval cooking up greasy burgers, High Five Ramen serving trendy noodle dishes, or Duck Duck Goat offering traditional Chinese cuisine with a twist.

What to Expect at Riot Fest

Photo Courtesy of Riot Fest

To put it simply, Riot Fest is a riot by all definitions of the word. There is no doubt that you will have a great time, but here are some tips to make sure that you have the best time.

App-ly Yourself

A good first step would be to download the Official Riot Fest App where you can see a map of the park as well as create a personalized schedule.

Be Safe

Obvious things like staying hydrated, dressing appropriately, and using a buddy system are easy ways to stay safe during the event. While the people of Riot Fest are arguably one of the best parts of the festival, they can be a bit rambunctious from time to time. Stay alert when in a packed crowd because you never know when a crowd-surfer will coast on through. Inversely, don’t be that guy or girl who starts moshing where it isn’t wanted. Just remember, everyone is here for the same thing. 

Come Prepared

Security is tight at Riot Fest. You will be frisked so make sure you look at Riot Fest’s approved items beforehand. Must haves would include a light backpack, an empty water bottle, and a portable phone charger. Past years at Riot Fest tells us there will probably be at least one day where it rains. Make sure to come prepared with a poncho, umbrella, and something to put your electronics in . Finally, if it does rain, make sure to bring appropriate footwear for trekking through the mud.

Check Out the Side Attractions 

Where other music festivals fall short, Riot Fest also offers an experience beyond the music. Aside from the six stages, the fest also features several carnival rides, the Hellzapoppin Traveling Freakshow, mini-golf, and tons more. Make sure to take advantage of these while you are waiting for the next artist to take the stage.

The Bottom Line

Photo Courtesy of Riot Fest

Have a good time! It's only once a year that this crazy circus comes to town, so enjoy yourself. If all goes well, you will be calling your boss Monday morning to let them know you won’t be in. And that means Riot Fest was a success.