Riot Fest 2025 is just a few short weeks away, and we might be the slightest bit excited to celebrate the event’s 20th anniversary. Going down from September 19th through September 21st at Douglass Park in Chicago, the weekend is already gearing up to be a punk celebration for the ages. Okay, maybe we’re a little more excited for it than we initially led on…
To exercise such excitement, we’ve compiled 20 reasons not to miss this year’s edition. Spoiler alert: one of them is the fact that we’re giving away two weekend passes. Scroll on for more information and the other 19 reasons, or head here to enter or here to purchase tickets for yourself if you just can’t wait.
Otherwise, let’s get this party started.
20 Reasons Not to Miss Riot Fest’s 20th Anniversary
01. It’s the Fuckin’ 20th Anniversary!
It’s hard to believe that in Riot Fest’s first iteration in 2005, they were operating out of local Chicago clubs, South by Southwest-style. Now, after narrowly avoiding a move out of Douglass Park last year, it’s hard to imagine the festival taking place anywhere else; but whether Riot Fest is in an open field, several venues, or its occasional sister locations like Denver and Toronto, the event has never lost its energetic charm. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the festival, and if you’re feeling particularly sentimental about growing up, there are plenty of bands to see that will be right there with you. — Paolo Ragusa
02. Five Stages of Fun
Most festivals in 2025 have three stages, tops. Some have four, but that fourth stage is a little alcove for DJ or acoustic sets. Some have five, but that fifth one is just a Silent Disco, for some reason. Riot Fest has five full stages with kick-ass music playing the entire time. Okay, maybe not the whole time, but in alternating intervals and all located within a short walk of each other. What’s particularly lovely about having a surplus of performances spaces means double the discovery options. If you’re hitting up the festival this month, make sure you take a gander at each of Riot Fest’s stages — you might just hear your new favorite band for the first time. — P. Ragusa
03. A Pop-Punk Headlining Trio for the Ages
Blink-182. Weezer. Green Day. Those three names just feel right when grouped together on Riot Fest bill, don’t you think? They’ve definitely each charted their own unique path in the modern rock landscape, especially as they’ve gotten older — but all three are united in their shared anthems of angsty independence and their Peter Pan-like resistance to growing up. If you know and love “All the Small Things” or “I Miss You,” you probably also love “Say It Ain’t So” and “Basket Case,” too. Getting all four of those (and then some), live, in one weekend? Sign me up. And speaking of Weezer… — P. Ragusa
04. Weezer Is Playing the Blue Album
Old Weezer vs New Weezer remains a crucial debate, but luckily, Riot Fest has settled it for you this year. The California power pop stalwarts will be bringing the entirety of their 1994 debut album for a special play-through performance, meaning you’ll get to hear hits like “Undone (the Sweater Song),” “Say It Ain’t So,” “My Name Is Jonas,” and “Buddy Holly” amidst beloved deep cuts like “Surf Wax America” and “Only in Dreams.” Get ready for a big, nostalgic Saturday night singalong. — P. Ragusa
05. Hold Steady Is Playing Separation Sunday
Weezer isn’t the only band that’s slated to rip through a beloved album front-to-back. In fact, almost 20 artists will do just that, including Alkaline Trio, The Pogues, The Front Bottoms, Helmet, Smoking Popes, and Bad Religion. One we’re particularly excited for, though, is The Hold Steady, who’ll perform their seminal sophomore effort Separation Sunday in full. For that, Chicago most certainly won’t seem tired. — Jonah Krueger
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<p><strong>06. “Weird Al” Has His Own Damn Stage</strong></p>
<p><em>Wait, “Weird Al” Yankovich is playing Riot Fest? And he has his own stage?</em> Damn right he is… AND DAMN RIGHT HE DOES. The crown prince of parody will bring <a href=)
