(above photo by David Kindler)
There is something to be said about riding the Ferris wheel on a cool September night while overlooking thousands of people, dozens of carnival games, and several illuminated stages. It’s a rare festival experience, being spun in the air to the tune of Motorhead’s amplified guitars and Ice Cube’s “Fuck The Police” chants, as Gwen Stefani climbs three quarters of the way up the Riot Stage and demands that all of the guys in the audience scream the lyrics to “Just a Girl” as loudly as they possibly can.
*At one point during her climb, I wondered if Gwen Stefani just wanted to see the magic kingdom for herself in the midst of commanding No Doubt’s typically awe-struck audience.
With an average of 45,000 attendees per day, Douglas Park proved to be an idyllic location for Chicago’s Riot Fest & Carnival. Last year’s traffic jams were a memory of the past as the open layout of the new location allowed for ample traveling between stages, themed VIP sections, food stands, beer stations, and amusement rides. This year’s three day event had the boundless possibilities of standing at the center of the Las Vegas strip— without the added risk of gambling away your entire mortgage and waking up next to an intimidating cactus (we care about you far too much to ever let that happen to you).
Riot Fest surprises included a secret set from Taking Back Sunday, a No Doubt superfan getting kissed by Gwen Stefani, CM Punk joining Rancid during their …And Out Come the Wolves set, and The Academy Is… announcing their official 10 year reunion tour.
On one end of Douglas Park were three main stages, the camera ready Riot Fest devil, and Putt Putt, the mini golf course where you could find out just how easy it is to swing a golf ball into a shark’s mouth. On the other was the Riot Fest Bitchin’ Camaro and two of the best tents Riot Fest has to offer– The Emporium Arcade tent, filled with all the video games you ever dreamed of playing in middle school, and the Helzzapoppin’ Circus Sideshow, where magicians strutted their talent and swallowed swords to a consistently packed audience.
Clothing vendors Koala Core Clothing and To Write Love On Her Arms raised awareness for important causes like animal rights and treating addiction, while Riot Fest food vendors reminded us that we could still play in the mud like kids while enjoying full-flavored meals like adults. And so we did.
Memorable culinary experiences included Cevapcici’s artisan Balkan burgers topped with eggplant sauce and Tica’s Tacos pollo barbacoas, which had our mouths watering between classic performances from the likes of Iggy Pop, Mest, The Movielife, and The Prodigy.
Seasonal pumpkin eclair cake from Puffs of Doom and hot & fresh treats from Dinky Donuts gave us the best sugar comas that money could buy. They also justified our desire to wear oversized band shirts by the third day of the music festival.
Along with the echoes of our favorite songs and the mud that encapsulated our Chuck Taylor’s, our appetites followed us all the way down California Avenue to local eateries like Guerrero’s Pizza. The restaurant’s owner, Martin Guerrero commented on Riot Fest best when he said, “I don’t know why they only do this thing once a year. We need it to happen more than that…I really would like to see more [events] like that around here, anything that brings the movement would just be good for everyone.”
(photo by Kayla Dupras)
Riot Fest will be making its third and final stop this year in Toronto on Saturday, September 19th and Sunday, September 20th. According to Vegas odds, it’s more than likely that the appetizing food options and killer lineup, which includes full album performances from legendary bands like Rancid and Weezer, will have you screaming “Oh Canada!” all weekend long.
Until next year, Chicago!
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS TO RIOT FEST & EXPO IN TORONTO!
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