History of Riot Fest in Timeline

Riot Fest is an annual three-day punk rock music festival held in Douglass Park, Chicago. A major independently-owned music festival in the U.S., it's known for its diverse lineup, reunion performances, guest appearances, and bands playing entire albums. The festival attracts a wide audience and features a range of punk and rock subgenres.

1991: The Replacements Breakup

In 1991, the reunited punk legends The Replacements had a very public breakup onstage at the Taste of Chicago.

2005: Riot Fest Established

In 2005, Riot Fest was established in Chicago by Mike Petryshyn and Sean McKeough. McKeough also co-produced Motoblot, Chicago's annual motorcycle rally.

November 2009: Riot Fest West Cancellation

In November 2009, Riot Fest West was canceled after being postponed in September, with promises of a replacement in spring 2010.

2010: Failure of Riot Fest West Replacement

In 2010, The replacement of the Riot Fest West did not materialize.

2012: Riot Fest Brooklyn Shut Down Early

In 2012, Riot Fest Brooklyn was shut down early due to weather concerns.

2012: Riot Fest East Postponement

In 2012, Riot Fest East in Philadelphia was postponed one week before its planned start date, with a reschedule promised that never emerged.

2012: Riot Fest & Carnival Move to Humboldt Park

In 2012, Riot Fest moved to an outdoor venue at Humboldt Park in Chicago and was rebranded as Riot Fest & Carnival. The festival also expanded to Brooklyn, Toronto, Dallas, and Denver in 2012.

2013: The Replacements Reunion

In 2013, Riot Fest played a key role in the reunion of The Replacements.

2013: Riot Fest & Carnival Return to Humboldt Park

Riot Fest & Carnival returned to Humboldt Park in Chicago in 2013, with satellite festivals in Toronto and Denver. The 2013 festival featured the first performance by the reunited Replacements and their first performance in Chicago since 1991.

September 2014: Last Riot Fest & Carnival in Humboldt Park

In September 2014, Riot Fest & Carnival returned to Humboldt Park for the last time.

2014: Riot Fest Speaks Panel and Return to Denver and Toronto

Riot Fest 2014 included the inaugural "Riot Fest Speaks" panel, moderated by Henry Rollins. Additionally, in 2014, Riot Fest returned to Denver and Toronto.

2015: Riot Fest Not Returning to Humboldt Park

In 2015, Roberto Maldonado announced he would not have Riot Fest back in Humboldt Park due to damages from heavy rain in September 2014 costing $150,000 to repair.

2015: Riot Fest Held in Douglas Park

Since 2015, Riot Fest has been held in Douglas Park.

May 12, 2016: The Misfits Reunion Announcement

On May 12, 2016, it was announced that the Misfits lineup of Glenn Danzig, Jerry Only, and Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein would reunite and headline Riot Fest in Chicago and Denver in September 2016.

September 2016: The Misfits Headline Riot Fest

In September 2016, The Misfits lineup of Glenn Danzig, Jerry Only, and Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein reunited and headlined Riot Fest in Chicago and Denver.

2016: Death of Sean McKeough

Following the death of Sean McKeough in 2016, Riot Fest remained an annual event in Chicago.

2016: The Misfits Reunion

In 2016, Riot Fest played a key role in the reunion of the Misfits.

March 17, 2017: Riot Fest Not Returning to Denver

On March 17, 2017, Riot Fest announced that the festival would not return to Denver, citing the death of co-founder Sean McKeough.

April 2017: Jawbreaker Reunites at Riot Fest

In April 2017, it was announced that Jawbreaker was reuniting after 21 years and playing Riot Fest 2017.

2017: Jawbreaker Reunion

In 2017, Riot Fest played a key role in the reunion of Jawbreaker.

2018: Riot Fest Held in Douglas Park with Lineup Changes

In 2018, Riot Fest was held in Douglas Park in Chicago, September 14–16. Blink-182 dropped out after Travis Barker was hospitalized and was replaced by Weezer and Run the Jewels.

2019: 15th Anniversary of Riot Fest

In 2019, Riot Fest celebrated its 15th anniversary in Douglas Park, Chicago, Illinois, September 13–15.

January 2020: My Chemical Romance Announced as Headliner

In January 2020, My Chemical Romance was initially announced as the headliner for Riot Fest 2020.

June 2020: Riot Fest Postponed Due to COVID-19

In June 2020, Riot Fest was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Riot Fest Cancellation Due to COVID-19

In 2020, Riot Fest was canceled due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizers considered it a postponement.

April 16, 2021: My Chemical Romance Postpones Shows

On April 16, 2021, My Chemical Romance announced the postponement of all shows until 2022.

May 2021: New Headliners and Lineup Announcement

In May 2021, Riot Fest confirmed the 2021 edition was still happening and shared a letter stating their intent to announce new headliners and a complete lineup.

August 19, 2021: Nine Inch Nails Cancellation and Slipknot Booking

On August 19, 2021, Nine Inch Nails announced the cancellation of their 2021 dates. In response, Riot Fest booked Slipknot as a new headliner and added a 'preview party' on the 16th with Morrissey.

2021: Faith No More and Mr. Bungle Cancellation and Replacements

In 2021, Faith No More and Mr. Bungle cancelled their fall dates, including Riot Fest. Riot Fest organizers booked Rise Against and Anthrax as replacements.

2021: Riot Fest Lineup Played in 2021

In 2021, a significant part of the 2020 lineup played in the 2021 Riot Fest.

2022: Petition to Remove Riot Fest from Douglass Park

Community members petitioned the Chicago Park District to remove Riot Fest and other music festivals from Douglass Park in 2022.

2022: Lineup Changes for Riot Fest 2022

In 2022, Placebo withdrew from Riot Fest due to visa and logistical issues, and Bauhaus canceled their tour when lead singer Peter Murphy entered rehab. Sparta and Gogol Bordello replaced them in the lineup.

2022: Postponement of My Chemical Romance

My Chemical Romance postponed all shows until 2022, including Riot Fest.

May 15, 2023: Riot Fest Return to Douglass Park Announced

On May 15, 2023, it was announced that Riot Fest would be returning to Douglass Park September 15–17.

2023: Douglas Park Residents Protest Riot Fest

In 2023, residents of the Douglas Park neighborhood protested Riot Fest's plans to continue operating there, citing issues such as park closures, damages, and displacement of youth sports teams.

2024: Stephen Shult Death

In 2024, Stephen Shult, 58, was reported missing after Riot Fest's last day. He died after being put in intensive care for head trauma. Riot Fest organizers denied that he had been injured at the festival.