Riot Fest 20 Lineup Has Been Announced!

Celebrate With Us as Racketeer Radio KFQX Gives Our Listeners A Chance to Win A Pair of Passes

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Celebrating two decades, Riot Fest 2025 boasts a stellar lineup, including Blink-182, Green Day, Weezer, the Sex Pistols, Alkaline Trio, The Beach Boys, Dropkick Murphys, Bad Religion, The Bouncing Souls, and The Linda Lindas. This diverse roster reflects the festival’s evolution from a punk-centric event to a multi-genre celebration, honoring its roots while embracing broader musical landscapes. ​

As Riot Fest marks its 20th anniversary, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of music, community, and the DIY spirit. From its humble beginnings in a rat-infested theater to a major cultural event, Riot Fest continues to thrive, driven by passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to its fans. Get tickets now at Riotfest.org  

Racketeer Radio KFQX is helping you set your summer plans to Riot Fest 20 as we have partnered yet again with Riot Fest this year and we are giving one of our listeners a pair of 3 day General Admission passes – Download the Racketeer Radio KFQX app head over to the contest page for your multiple entries to win!

Riot Fest has just announced the lineup for their 20th year! Time to plan the summer and get your dates set towards Chicago for September 19th, 20th and 21st. Riot Fest, founded in 2005 in Chicago, has evolved over two decades from a modest punk gathering into a renowned multi-genre music festival. As it celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025, the festival reflects on its rich history and cultural impact.​

The inaugural Riot Fest took place on November 4, 2005, at Chicago’s Congress Theater, featuring iconic punk bands like The Dead Kennedys, The Misfits, and a reunited Germs. Organized by founder Michael “Riot Mike” Petryshyn and a close-knit team of friends and family, the event was a grassroots endeavor, with tasks ranging from box office management to artist catering handled personally. Even Riot Mike’s mother contributed by baking brownies for the artists. ​

In 2006, a pivotal moment occurred when Eric Spicer of Chicago’s Naked Raygun reached out via MySpace about a reunion. This led to their performance at Riot Fest, solidifying the festival’s commitment to punk roots and community. The Congress Theater, despite its dilapidated state, became a cherished venue, embodying the raw spirit of punk rock.

As the festival grew, it expanded to multiple venues across Chicago, including House of Blues, Double Door, Metro, and Cobra Lounge. Notably, the AAA space, a former loft apartment, hosted memorable aftershows and rehearsals. In 2009, Riot Fest introduced a Drunken Bowling Tournament at the Fireside Bowl, blending music with community engagement. ​

In 2011, Riot Fest ventured outside Chicago for the first time with Riot Fest East in Philadelphia, featuring bands like The Descendents and The Dead Milkmen. This marked the festival’s initial outdoor event, setting the stage for future expansions. ​

The following year, 2012, was transformative. Riot Fest made its Chicago outdoor debut in Humboldt Park and expanded to Brooklyn, Toronto, and Dallas. Despite logistical challenges, including overlapping festival dates and a cease and desist from MLB over a Brooklyn lineup poster, the expansion was a success. The outdoor setting introduced carnival rides, sideshow performers, and a broader audience, enhancing the festival’s appeal.

In 2016, co-founder Sean McKeough passed away, a significant loss for the Riot Fest community. Despite this, the festival continued to thrive, hosting notable reunions such as the original Misfits lineup in 2016 and Jawbreaker in 2017. Riot Fest also became known for its full-album performances, with bands like Nine Inch Nails and Blink-182 delivering nostalgic sets that resonated with fans. The festival’s commitment to diverse genres, including punk, rock, hip-hop, and metal, solidified its status as a premier music event.​

Throughout the years, Riot Fest faced various challenges, including venue changes and community concerns. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 festival, but Riot Fest returned in 2021 with safety measures in place. In 2024, organizers announced a move to SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview due to permit delays and logistical challenges in Chicago. However, after community feedback and negotiations, the festival reversed its decision, returning to Douglass Park and reaffirming its commitment to the city. Founder Michael Petryshyn emphasized the festival’s deep ties to Chicago, stating, “If there was no Chicago, there’d be no Riot Fest.” ​