Riot Fest celebrates 20 years with Chicago faves

The big picture: Riot Fest's recent issues with the Chicago Park District seem to be in the rearview mirror, and this year's celebration has a very Chicago feel.

What they're saying: "We didn't plan on making it for twenty years," festival organizer "Riot Mike" Petryshyn said in a statement. "But here we are - still loud, still weird, still building something bigger than we ever meant to."

Zoom in: For its 20th anniversary, the festival leans into its celebration of punk and alternative music with headliners Blink-182, Green Day and Weezer.

• Weezer will play its massively popular "Blue Album" in its entirety.

Yes, but: While the festival brings fans to Douglass Park, it's also collaborating with several local venues for a slew of after parties.

• Metro is taking the lead with a trio of Chicago punk royalty: Screeching Weasel (Friday), Alkaline Trio (Saturday) and Naked Raygun (Sunday).
• Naked Raygun is one of Chicago's most influential punk bands of all time, credited for inspiring several mainstream artists like Dave Grohl with their stellar early 1980s sets at the Cubby Bear.

The intrigue: Petryshyn is having fun promoting the festival, booking non-musicians like Tom Skilling to perform. Skilling will give the official Riot Fest forecast.

• The beloved Chicago weatherman retired last year.

Petryshyn also offered a slot for actor and musician John Stamos to perform, an invitation he's extended for a few years.

• Stamos said he would finally take up the offer if the organizer, among other things, tattooed Stamos' name on his body.
• He did.

If you go: One-day, two-day or three-day passes are still available.

• Riot Fest has also brought back the RiotLand carnival, which features rides, food and oddities. It opens at 11am Friday-Sunday for ticket holders.