Riot Fest leaves Chicago, heads for suburbs
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Festivalgoers watch a performance during Riot Fest 2023 at Douglass Park. Photo: Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images
For the first time in its almost 20-year history, Riot Fest is leaving Chicago.
The big picture: Riot Fest organizers, placing the blame on the Chicago Park District, are leaving Douglass Park for SeatGeek Stadium in the southwest suburb of Bridgeview.
What they're saying: "Allow me to be as clear as the azure sky of the deepest summer — our exodus is solely because of the Chicago Park District," co-owner Mike Petrynshyn said in a video statement.
- "Their lack of care for the community, you and us, ultimately left us no choice."
The intrigue: Ald. Monique Scott (24th) also blamed the park district for taking so long with the permit processing. She says past permits were approved in April, but this year it didn't happen until early June.
- "This unnecessary and inappropriate delay in the process, among many other issues, has led to critical setbacks," Scott said in a statement.
The other side: In a statement, the Chicago Park District says it followed the usual permit processing for festivals.
- "The Chicago Park District has worked tirelessly to strike a balance between community interests and our special events organizers. Community voices are critical to our decision-making process, which is why a comprehensive community engagement process is a necessary component in evaluating a permit application."
Yes, but: The park district also says this is the first year it is requiring producers to give back a portion of event revenue to the parks, on top of any park restoration fees.
Reality check: Riot Fest organizers and Scott cited the popular music festival's ongoing commitment to the community surrounding the West Side park, but some residents have complained about the noise, traffic, and trash the festival causes.
- Scott says those residents don't speak for the 24th Ward, and the festival already gives a portion of its revenue back to the neighborhood for initiatives and park programs.
Flashback: Riot Fest started in 2005 and played at various venues before landing in Humboldt Park, but it outgrew that space quickly.
- It moved to the larger Douglass Park in 2015.
State of play: The festival will also change its name, now branding itself "RiotLand," and create a more carnival atmosphere around the music stages.
- This year, the festival headliners will be Beck, Public Enemy, NOFX, St. Vincent, and Sublime.
What's next: The festival will take place Sept. 20-22.