Punk’s not dead – it’s alive and well. Along with alternative, it’s kicking and screaming just like it always has and will continue to do so. Case in point: Riot Fest, the annual 3-day punk and alternative festival that takes place in Chicago in late summer every year like clockwork.

Fifteen Years of Kicking Ass and Taking Names

Riot Fest began in 2005 as a multi-venue in Chicago, but it wasn’t long before it became too big to be anything but an outdoor festival, which it has been since 2012. Punk, alternative, rock, and hip-hop acts have all graced Riot Fest’s stage at Chicago’s outdoor amphitheaters ever since, with the festival getting too big and rowdy and getting kicked out of concert spaces constantly. In fact, there have been satellite shows in other cities across North America for several years, but the big draw has always been Chicago’s three-day festival. For now, the current venue is Douglas Park, but knowing Riot Fest’s proclivity for getting forcibly relocated, that might not last too long either!

Fight the Power

Punk, alternative, and its derivatives are absolutely steeped in fighting back against the establishment, and the amount of sheer badassery that Riot Fest pulls out every year showcases that like a charm. For many years, the festival featured the “Riot Fest Speaks” panel, traditionally moderated by punk legend Henry Rollins, other outspoken activists, and artists like Bad Religion’s Greg Graffin, and the members of Pussy Riot. This is all set against the backdrop of music like Jane’s Addiction, Iggy Pop, Billy Idol, Taking Back Sunday, System of a Down, Rancid, and even the much-anticipated Misfits reunion with Glenn Danzig and Jerry Only. Talk about legendary!

Get In on the Action

Do you thirst for freedom? For justice? Do you rage against either the Machine or the Man? Then Riot Fest is the place for you