Search
Tickets Lineup
Riot Fest
  • Back to top
  • RIOT FEST
    • CHICAGO • SEPT 13-15, 2019
    • Tickets
    • Hotels
    • Past Lineups
    • Photos
  • Magazine
    • Most Recent
    • Music
    • Backroom
    • TV+Film
    • Voices
    • Food
    • Random
  • Shows
  • Merch
  • Newsletter
  • Search

Frequently Asked Questions

Read up, friends.

RIOT FEST 2018
September 14-16, 2018

Douglas Park | Chicago, IL
W. Ogden Ave & S. Sacramento Dr. | 60623
Click for Map

When is Riot Fest 2019?
September 13-15th.

Can I buy tickets Riot Fest 2019 yet?
No you can’t, but we’ll let you know when you can.

What was the lineup for Riot Fest 2018?
Check it out here.


Is it allowed at Riot Fest?

Blankets  – YES (but please be courteous of other festival goers and keep blankets out of pathways)
Empty PLASTIC water bottle – YES
Standard sized backpacks, bags, and purses -YES
Non-professional cameras and digital cameras – YES
Professional Cameras with removable lens – NO
Phone Chargers / Portable Phone Chargers – YES
Strollers – YES
Cellphones – YES
Rain coats – YES
Bug spray in NON-AEROSOL containers – YES
Sunscreen in NON-AEROSOL containers – YES
Hats – YES
Earplugs – YES
John Stamos – YES
Prescription and OTC medications subject to specific conditions – YES*
CamelBak-style water bladder systems subject to specific conditions – YES**
E-cigs – Factory-sealed, YES (i.e., Blu, etc.). Refillable E-cigs and vape pens must be empty and juice refills are not allowed.


Selfie Sticks – NO
Crying – NO
Littering – NO
Native American Headdresses – NO
Cantaloupe – NO
Umbrellas – NO
Pets (except service animals) – NO
Professional radios or walkie-talkies – NO
Glass and metal containers of any kind – NO
CM Punk – NO
Pineapple on Pizza – NO
Illegal and Illicit substances of any kind – NO
Chairs of any kind – NO
Audio/Video equipment of any kind (including personal camcorders and GoPro cameras) – NO
Professional Cameras with removable lens – NO
Coolers of any kind, including hard-sided and soft-sided coolers – NO
Glass of any kind, including glass bottles – NO
Metal containers of any kind, including metal cans and reusable metal water bottles – NO
Outside food and beverages of any kind – NO
Bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, scooters – NO
Weapons, knives, or firearms of any kind – NO
Mace – NO
Fireworks or incendiary devices – NO
Sharp objects, long chains, or anything that an unreasonable person could use to harm others – NO
Soccer balls, footballs, frisbees, or other projectiles – NO
Focused-light devices, including laser pointers – NO
Air horns – NO
Megaphones – NO
Items intended for sale/promotion – NO
Drones – NO
Water guns, water balloons, and/or any other kind of water projectile – NO
Any item that can be used as a means to disturb the peace, endanger the safety of the crowd, and/or inflict damage to people and goods – NO
Justin Bieber – NO
Martin Shkreli – NO
Brock Turner – NO
Donald Trump – NO


– All guests and their belongings are subject to search.
– Any prohibited item that is surrendered to security at search points will not be returned.
– Allowed and Not Allowed lists are subject to change.
– Security reserves the right to make the final determination on allowed and not allowed items.

* Prescription medications are allowed only in the original prescription bottle, any persons attempting to bring in prescription medication must have a government-issued photo identification card that matches the name printed on the prescription, and the pills in the bottle must match the description printed on the prescription.  Further, if a patron has mixed multiple pills in a single prescription container or if a person is attempting to enter with prescription pills in a non-prescription container, medical representatives should be involved to make the final determination about whether or not such pills are to be allowed in the venue.

Over-the-counter medications are allowed in provided that they are new and the original, factory-sealed container.
** CamelBak-style water bladder systems are allowed empty into the venue, however the water bladders themselves must be capable of being removed from the carrier and must be transparent enough to allow security to visually inspect the empty bladder.  Any CamelBak-style water bladder system that cannot be removed from the carrier and/or is opaque enough to prevent visual inspection will not be allowed into the venue.

Where is the Riot Fest Box Office?

Riot Fest Box Office is located near the corner of Ogden & Sacramento.

Regular Box Office Hours
Friday, September 14th: 11:00AM – 9:30PM
Saturday, September 15th: 10:30AM – 9:30PM
Sunday, September 16th: 10:30AM – 9:30PM

I have a ticket related question (i.e. lost in mail, can't find confirmation, address change)

“Rain or Shine event. Tickets are nonrefundable/nontransferable. All event information, including lineup is subject to change.

Complimentary tickets cannot be upgraded.

Please contact Ticketfly Customer Support ([email protected]) or 877.4.FLY.TIX (877.435.9849) for US and 888.732.1680 for Canada.

Transportation / How do I get to Riot Fest / Is there parking?

The entrance is located at the intersection of W. Ogden Ave. & S. Sacramento Dr.
Chicago, IL 60623

There will be a limited amount of paid parking at 12th and California.

Riot Fest suggests that fans either take public transportation, or ride a bicycle, or take a cab or ride sharing service to Riot Fest. These are the most effective, environmentally sound, and neighborly methods to get to Douglas Park. The CTA Pink Line’s California Ave. stop is just blocks away from the festival entrance – the most convenient route to the fest.

CTA:
Via the Pink Line
Just around the corner from the entrance to Riot Fest, this is the most convenient way to get to Riot Fest & Carnival in Douglas Park. Take the Pink Line and exit the train at the California stop.

Once off the train, head north on California, make a left (west) on 19th St., then a right on Albany Ave. Head north on Albany Ave, then turn right on Ogden Ave. and the Riot Fest entrance will be on your right at the corner of Ogden Ave. and Sacramento Dr. Total distance is only .71 miles.

Riot Fest is actively working with the CTA to increase service and frequency to and from Douglas Park. Please visit TransitChicago.com & the links provided below for service hours and more information.

Helpful CTA Links:
Schedules/Service Hours For Trains & Buses
Bus Tracker
Train Tracker
CTA System Map

Is there a map of the festival grounds?

Yep. Map can be found here.

What time does Riot Fest start each day?

Riot Fest gates open at 11am each day. The festival will be over at 10pm each night.

Can I upgrade my GA Riot Fest Ticket to VIP?

Yes you can. If you’d like to upgrade your General Admission ticket(s) to VIP, Deluxe VIP, or Ultimate VIP, please reference the following instructions:

If you would like to upgrade your Ticketfly or Eventbrite pass, first purchase the new ticket(s) and then, with both confirmations (order #s) handy, contact [email protected], and they will assist in refunding your original Ticketfly or Eventbrite purchase.

How can I buy a ticket?

Head to our TICKETS PAGE for more information.

Where can I download the Riot Fest App?

Right here, iOS and Android.

What does a GA ticket include?

A 3-Day General Admission ticket will grant entry to the festival grounds Sept. 14-16th, 2018 where you can watch performances across any of the stages throughout the park. This is also where the vendors, Carnival rides (operated on a pay-per-ride basis) and other fun things will be set up for your enjoyment. Sorry, but as a courtesy to Douglas Park residents, re-entry will not be permitted.

Ticket/VIP upgrades available, please contact [email protected]

What time do the bands play each day? Is there a schedule?

The daily schedule can be found here.

Riot Fest Anti-Harassment Policy

Riot Fest has a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY for harassment of any kind.

I am vegan, or vegetarian, or have severe food allergies. What can I eat?

Riot Fest has a wide variety of vegan and vegetarian options for you to eat. For those attending with special dietary needs, you may bring your own food. Please talk to the security personnel at the entrance and they will guide you over to our medical tent for storage and safe keeping. Make sure to bring a copy of a note from your doctor.

I have a disability or I'm attending with a person with a disability. Will we be able to attend?

Those with disabilities are welcome to attend. We will have limited parking reserved for those with handicapped parking permits, and those with disabilities should be transported to and dropped off at the main gates. Attendees with disabilities should bring a note from their doctor to present to security and inform them of their needs at the gates upon entry, they will assist you in accessing the festival. Those with trouble walking or standing should use an all-terrain wheelchair and/or attend with someone who can help them navigate the vast festival grounds. Onsite, there are some paved pathways to use, ADA accessible toilets will be provided in all parts of the venue and ADA accessible ramps will be placed next to the Front of House structure at a couple of the main stages. If you have further questions please email [email protected] with the subject line ADA Accessibility, or after arriving at the festival, head over to the Information Tent on the grounds, and they will be able to assist.

* Prescription medications are allowed only in the original prescription bottle, any persons attempting to bring in prescription medication must have a government-issued photo identification card that matches the name printed on the prescription, and the pills in the bottle must match the description printed on the prescription.  Further, if a patron has mixed multiple pills in a single prescription container or if a person is attempting to enter with prescription pills in a non-prescription container, medical representatives should be involved to make the final determination about whether or not such pills are to be allowed in the venue.

Over-the-counter medications are allowed in provided that they are new and the original, factory-sealed container.

Will I be able to bring my medication?

Yes, of course you can. If you have pre-existing medical conditions that need medication, special diets or extra awareness, please talk to the security personnel at the entrance. They’ll take you to the first aid tent and make sure your medications or other needs are taken care of or stored should they need refrigeration. Make sure to bring a doctor’s note and photo ID.

* Prescription medications are allowed only in the original prescription bottle, any persons attempting to bring in prescription medication must have a government-issued photo identification card that matches the name printed on the prescription, and the pills in the bottle must match the description printed on the prescription.  Further, if a patron has mixed multiple pills in a single prescription container or if a person is attempting to enter with prescription pills in a non-prescription container, medical representatives should be involved to make the final determination about whether or not such pills are to be allowed in the venue.

Over-the-counter medications are allowed in provided that they are new and the original, factory-sealed container.

Should I wear sunscreen?

YES!! Wear sunscreen you fool. You don’t want to be sunburned and miserable all weekend.

Is camping allowed at Riot Fest?

No. But here are some hotel suggestions.

I LOST something. How do I FOUND it?

Lose something at Riot Fest? We are here to help.

Please email [email protected] with the following information:
– Subject: “Riot Fest Chicago – Lost Item”
– Detailed description of the lost item

(After 30 days all unclaimed items will be donated or destroyed.)

DO you have hotel recommendations?

Yes. We’ve partnered with our friends at Curadora.

Where can I put my stuff? Do you have lockers?

Yes we do have lockers. You can reserve them here.

I am an awesome parent, can I bring my kid? Is Riot Fest all ages?

Hell yes it is. Riot Fest is all ages. Exposing kids to awesome music is super important.

Children 5 years-old and under will be admitted (with a ticket holding adult) for free.

Can I re-enter the park throughout the day?

As a courtesy to Douglas Park community members, re-entry is not permitted for GA passholders. A multi-day GA pass will allow you to enter the grounds once each day listed on the ticket.

How can I work for Riot Fest?

Here is information about our Community Job Fair.

And the Riot Fest Street Team.

I live in Douglas Park. How do I get Riot Fest tickets?

We invite our Douglas Park neighbors to come out and enjoy the Riot Fest 2018 music festival, from September 14-16, free of charge.

Every year, we welcome area residents to attend the festival. We value community inclusion, and want our neighbors to feel that Riot Fest is not only something they can take part in, but also be proud of. We look forward to another weekend with our neighbors this September.

Community Ticket Registration will take place from 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.:
• Sunday, July 15
• Saturday, August 11

• Sunday, August 19

During the above times, a tent will be set up near the corner of Ogden Ave. and S. Sacramento Dr. in Douglas Park. Area residents who are interested in attending the festival on us can come to this tent with the following items to confirm they live in the neighborhood:

  • Driver’s License, State-Issued ID, or Passport
  • 2 pieces of official mail showing proof of residency (i.e. bank statement, utility bill, insurance card, pay stub)

In order to receive free admission, residents must meet the following requirements:

  • Must live within four block radius of Douglas Park
  • Boundaries are W. Arthington St. to the north, S. Spaulding Ave. to the west, W. Cermak Rd. to the south, and S. Rockwell St. to the east.
  • In order to qualify, residents must register for free admission prior to event.

December 11, 2018December 12, 2018
The Riot Festmas Coloring Book Contest
December 7, 2018December 7, 2018
Pizza-fy A Holiday Album To Win Pizza and Riot Fest Tickets
December 6, 2018December 6, 2018
Tell Us Who’s Naughty, And You Could Win Riot Fest Tickets
View All
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • Email Newsletter
    • Youtube
    • Reddit
  • Chicago Riot Fest Information

  • Riot Fest Presents Shows

    Riot Fest Presents Shows
    February 20, 2019
    Cobra Lounge

    Le Butcherettes

    Stars At Nights

    Mutts

    Tickets
    February 26, 2019
    Metro

    Set It Off

    With Confidence

    Super Whatevr

    Lift

    Tickets
    March 7, 2019
    Cobra Lounge

    Reignwolf

    Tickets
    March 13, 2019
    Concord Music Hall
    Book of Bad Decisions Tour 2019

    Clutch

    Tickets
    March 20, 2019
    Cobra Lounge

    Alex Di Leo

    Tickets
    April 11, 2019
    Concord Music Hall

    Hatebreed

    Obituary

    Terror

    Cro-Mags

    Fit For An Autopsy

    Tickets

    MORE SHOWS

  • Greatest Hits

    • Warning: Zombie Deer Disease Could Spread To Humans Soon
    • Another Asteroid Will Miss A Perfect Opportunity To Hit Earth Today, Says NASA
    • 5 Janet Jackson hits that are basically industrial music
  • Sign up for our email list or my boss is going to yell at me.

    • Riot Fest Foundation
    • History
    • Privacy
    • Contact
    ©2018 Riot Fest
    All Rights Reserved
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • Youtube
    • Reddit
    Search for: