When is Riot Fest in 2017?

The dates of the 2017 Riot Fest are not yet specified but it will likely occur in August-September, 2017 in Chicago, Denver and Toronto. 

What is Riot Fest?

Riot Fest is an alternative music festival featuring punk and rock artists from across the United States. The main concert is held each year in Humboldt Park in Chicago, Illinois. However, smaller Riot Fest spinoff events have also taken place in others host cities such as Brooklyn, Dallas, Denver, and Toronto. What was once purely a musical event has been enhanced with carnival rides, Lucha Libre (Mexican wrestling), and other entertainments. Approximately 20,000 people attend the Chicago event on each day of the long weekend.

The initial lineup in 2005 featured the Dead Kennedys, The Misfits, and similar bands. These days, the weekend event at the Chicago venue boasts 45-50 bands. In recent years, emo, ska, metal core, and indie pop sounds have all found an accepting audience at Riot Fest. Performing acts have included Elvis Costello and the Imposters and Autumn Burns Red. The festival organizers emphasize the use of local bands such as Alkaline Trio and Screeching Weasel and have been instrumental in orchestrating reunions for bands such as Naked Raygun.