The Histories of The Gories, As Told by Mick Collins
“We rejected musicianship in favor of being the most butt-ugly sounding band you could be”Learn how Detroit garage-punk trio the Gories came together back in 1986—and don’t miss them Sunday, September 19 at Riot Fest 2021.
Riot Fest’s Virtual Museum of Bathroom Venues is Now Open
A selection of bathrooms from local Chicago venues—all from the comfort of your own home (or toilet)To celebrate Indepedent Venues Week—and the return of live music in Chicago this month—we’ve curated a selection of restrooms from independent venues across the city, fully viewable in 360° and VR.
Riot Fest Community Spotlight: Working Bikes
This week, we’re giving some love to our favorite bike shop in town: Working Bikes. Stop by if you’re looking to donate an old bike, need some used parts, or want to volunteer (and learn how to tune up bikes).
So That’s How a Pinball Machine is Made
Inside Chicago’s Stern Pinball, the world’s largest pinball manufacturer still standingWe toured Stern Pinball—the biggest pinball factory in the world, right in Chicago’s backyard—and took some very nice photos for you.
Riot Fest Community Spotlight: Mariscos La Playa
Our Community Spotlights feature the wonderful food, nightlife, and local businesses found within Douglass Park, home to Riot Fest.
Queer (As In Fuck You!): A Pride Playlist
Two hours of revolutionary songs from LGBTQ+ artists of past & presentThroughout the history of popular music, queer and trans artists have been at the forefront of radical change. LGBTQ+ musicians have especially pushed the envelope within the circles of punk and DIY culture—usually against a heteronormative grain that often fails to properly credit queer artists for their trendsetting, genre-wide work across songwriting, music videos, fashion,…
It Came From The Garage: Celebrating 25 Years of Asian Man Records
A comic on discovering Mike Park’s DIY label as a Korean-American high schooler in the 2000s‘It Came From The Garage’ is a comic on the lasting impression Mike Park made on one Korean-American high school student in central Florida during the early 2000s.
The First Batch of Riot Fest 2021 Late Night Shows Are Here
Our first eight aftershows are ON SALE NOW!Mr. Bungle, Taking Back Sunday, Dinosaur Jr., New Found Glory and Simple Plan, plus more go on sale tomorrow (6/25) at 12pm CST. More shows to be announced soon!