Chicago weekend events: Riot Fest, World Music Fest, Chicago Live
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View of Riot Fest. Photo: Courtesy of Riot Fest
It'll be an action-packed weekend in Chicago.
What's happening: Enjoy live music at one of the city's festivals this weekend, drink beer and play games at Lincoln Park Zoo, or get a taste of dumplings from around the world.
1. 🎸 Riot Fest
Douglas Park will once again be overrun by punk rock fans.
What to expect: The outdoor festival will include five stages and headliners include Fall Out Boy, The OffSpring, Beck Pavement, Slayer, and dozens more.
- The festival features local food vendors, rides and arcade games, and opportunities to purchase art.
Catch up quick: Riot Fest announced it would be moving to SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview earlier this year due to delayed Chicago Park District permits and would be renamed "Riot Land."
- After much pushback, in August, Riot Fest organizers announced the festival would return to Douglas Park.
When: 11:30am-10pm Friday-Sunday
Address: 1401 S. Sacramento Dr.
2. 🎵 World Music Fest
- This 10-day festival will include musical performances from around the globe in 11 venues across Chicago. Free
- Dates: Friday–Sept. 29
- The fine print: Admission is first come, first serve.
3. 🎭 Elgin Fringe Festival
- See art and performances from theater and burlesque to puppetry and stand-up comedy from over 75 performers across 10 days at several locations in Elgin. Tickets
- Dates: Friday–Sunday Sept. 29
- Cost: Show prices vary. Full festival pass $95.
4. 🦁 Oktoberfest at the Zoo
This Bavarian festival at Lincoln Park Zoo will feature a polka band, German-style beers from local breweries, giant pretzels, lawn games, and access to animal habitats. Tickets are $50
- When: 6:30–10pm Saturday
5. 🌮 Tacos and Tequila Festival
- Head to the Kane County Cougars stadium for an all-day festival featuring local taco chefs, lucha libre, queso and salsa competition, a chihuahua beauty pageant, and an exotic car showcase. Tickets start at $150
- When: 1:30–10pm Saturday
- If you go: A lineup of hip-hop legends will perform including T.I., Lil Jon, Fat Joe, the Ying Yang Twins and Petey Pablo.
6. 🏙️ Chicago Live
- Headlined by Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy, this two-day festival will feature over 110 artists across five stages at Navy Pier. Free
- When: noon–9pm Saturday, noon–6pm Sunday
7. 🥟 World Dumpling Fest
- This event in Logan Square Park includes cultural performances, merchandise, and dumpling vendors from over 10 Chicago neighborhoods. $10 donation suggested
- When: noon-9pm Saturday
- Cost: Food tickets start at $1