Frequently Asked Questions

RIOT FEST 2021
September 17–19, 2021 • Chicago, IL

JUMP TO:
Tickets, Orders & Upgrades
General Questions
Health & Safety
Transportation
Allowed / Not Allowed Items
Anti-Harassment Policy
Accessibility at Riot Fest _

TICKETS, ORDERS & UPGRADES

Can I buy tickets to Riot Fest 2021?

A limited amount of tickets for Riot Fest 2021 are ON SALE NOW! We initially sold out of all tickets for 2021. So… you know. Get your tickets sooner than later.

Can I get a refund?

What does a GA ticket include?

A General Admission ticket will grant entry once per day to the festival grounds Sept. 17-19, 2021 where you can watch performances across any of the stages throughout the park. This is also where the vendors and other fun things will be set up for your enjoyment.

As a courtesy to Douglass Park residents, re-entry will not be permitted for GA ticket holders—as in, once you’re in for the day, you can’t leave and come back during the same day. This includes all GA Thursday passes.

I want to change the name on my ticket(s) and transfer them to a friend. Can I do that? 

Can’t go anymore? We’ve just enabled a new feature that allows ticket holders to change the name on their ticket, and pass it to a friend (or someone else). Please note: this Private Exchange is not the same feature as Lyte’s Returns & Waitlist functions; these are private, peer-to-peer transfers.

Here’s how to do so:

1. Through Lyte, you’ll create a private link to pass your tickets to someone else. Do so here.
2. Send the link to whoever’s getting the tickets. (You can set a price, if you want—the person receiving the tickets will pay a small fee to transfer them.)
3. Once completed, your ticket(s) will be updated with the new recipient’s name and info!

Ticket transfers to 2022 are now closed for U.S. ticket holders. Previously, you had until June 15, 2021 to do so; international ticket holders could transfer until August 18, 2021 (3-day pass holders only). Please note that all transfers are final, and unable to be reversed.

Can I upgrade my ticket after I’ve bought it?

Yes! VIP, Deluxe, and Ultimate upgrades will be available on-site. As it is the week of the festival, this is currently the only way to upgrade your tickets.

Are the five VIP beverage tickets for the whole weekend, or do I get five each day?

Each 3-day VIP pass includes five (count ’em, 5) beverage tickets total for the entire weekend (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). 1-Day VIP passes do not include any drink tickets.

I can’t find my ticket confirmation email! I need to change my address! I need help!

Slow down there, partner! We can easily resend your order confirmation email, not to worry. And since no tickets will be delivered via post, your physical address is irrelevant.

Before contacting us, please make sure you’ve attempted to locate your ticket through your Eventbrite account. You should be able to see it by logging into your account there. Make certain that you’ve logged into the correct account that is associated with the email address you used for purchase.

If that doesn’t work, and you still need help finding or updating your ticket information, here’s how to contact us:

1.  Log in to your Eventbrite account and go to “Tickets.” Select your order and then click “Contact the Organizer.”
2. If you’re unable to get into your Eventbrite acount, go ahead and email us at [email protected]

Riot Fest is a rain or shine event. Tickets are nonrefundable/nontransferable. All event information, including lineup, is subject to change.

Does one Ultimate Cabana ticket include entry for 25 guests?

Each Ultimate ticket purchase grants entry to the festival and into VIP, Deluxe and Ultimate areas, plus access for one person to a cabana. The cabanas hold up to 25 people, but each person needs their own Ultimate pass.

The cabanas are assigned in the order that Ultimate patrons arrive. That is to say, you will be assigned a cabana when you arrive, and the cabana will hold up to 25 people. If your party is under the 25-person limit, it is possible that other Ultimate patrons outside of your party will be assigned to your cabana too. There is plenty of room and accommodations though for you all to enjoy the fest without intruding on one another.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

When and where is Riot Fest?

Riot Fest will take place September 17–19, 2021 in Douglass Park, Chicago, located at 1401 S Sacramento Dr (including a Preview Party on Thursday, September 16). The entrance will be located at the intersection of W Ogden Ave & S Sacramento Dr.

What time does Riot Fest start each day?

Riot Fest gates open at 11:00 a.m. CST each day, with the exception of our Thursday Preview Party, which starts at 2:30 p.m. CST. The festival ends each night at 10:00 p.m. CST. Gate times are subject to change.

Where can I find the Riot Fest box office?

The box office will be open within festival hours, and is located on the corner of Sacramento & Ogden. The hours for each day are as follows:

Thursday: 2:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday:  11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM

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

Daily schedules will be released closer to the festival.

What the heck is a Thursday Preview Party?

If you purchased a Sunday or 3-Day pass for Riot Fest 2021, you will gain access to our first-ever Preview Party! It’s an extra day of Riot Fest on Thursday, September 16 with performances from Morrissey, Alkaline Trio, Patti Smith and Her Band, Joyce Manor, and more—plus, free carnival rides all day, sideshow performers, exclusive merch, and other unique attractions!  Read more here. For anyone not invited, a limited amount of charity tickets are available to purchase; proceeds will benefit the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless and other local organizations.

Can I re-enter the park throughout the day?

As a courtesy to Douglass Park community members, re-entry is not permitted for GA pass holders. A multi-day GA pass will allow you to enter the grounds once each day listed on the ticket. VIP, Deluxe, and Ultimate tickets permit re-entry.

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

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

Do you have hotel recommendations?

Yes! Check out our Hotels page for a variety of discounted options.

Will cash be accepted at Riot Fest 2021? Are there ATMs?

Yes and yes—cash and card are both accepted at Riot Fest, and there will be ATMs around the festival grounds.

Is camping allowed at Riot Fest?

All attendees are to exit the premises at the end of each night. There are no camping areas, nor is it allowed on the festival grounds. Please do not camp. We are not in the woods.

I am an awesome parent. Can I bring my kid? Is Riot Fest all ages?

Hell yes, you can. 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.

Should I wear sunscreen?

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

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

Each year, we invite our Douglass Park neighbors to come out and enjoy Riot Fest, September 17–19, free of charge. 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.

In order to receive complimentary passes to Riot Fest 2021, Douglass Park neighbors will need to register ahead of the festival at one of our Community Registration events prior to the festival. This year’s ticket registrations occur on June 25, July 11, and August 11; the full details can be found here.

Can I work for Riot Fest?

We’re seeking residents from North Lawndale and Douglass Park-adjacent communities to work in temporary positions during this year’s festival. Applications are now live. These temporary positions are available in various departments; Read more via our post about Job Fair events this summer for more information.

Does Riot Fest use facial recognition?

No. Riot Fest does not and will never use facial recognition technology at their events. (We couldn’t afford it even if we wanted to.)

HEALTH & SAFETY

REGARDING COVID-19

We care deeply about our fans, staff, and artists here at Riot Fest. We’re very excited to see you all this September—with that, your health and safety continues to be our #1 priority moving into this year’s fest. A full COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 test will be required to attend Riot Fest 2021, in accordance with City of Chicago requirements.

There will be a number of extra safety measures we’ll be utilizing this year in the best interest of everyone attending, which include (but are not limited to):

• Extra sanitation & hand-washing stations across festival grounds—including entrances, bathroom areas, and merch tents
• Additional cleaning & sanitation measures for bathrooms, water stations, and other applicable areas
• Full compliance with local and state regulations regarding any health screenings and/or mask mandates

Please read our updated health & safety guidelines below before attending, and plan accordingly.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Upon entry, all attendees will need to show proof of a full vaccination or of a negative test. Either of these options must be presented with a valid, government-issued photo ID* in order to enter. 

For fully vaccinated patrons: Your last dose must be administered no later than two weeks prior to Riot Fest 2021. The last day to receive your second Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, or single dose of Johnson and Johnson is Thursday, September 2. An original copy, photocopy, or digital copy (such as a picture on your phone) of your vaccination card will be accepted.

International vaccines are accepted, but must be presented with proper vaccine verification and photo ID.

For patrons who are not fully vaccinated: You must obtain a negative COVID-19 test result within 48 hours of entering Riot Fest. (i.e. if you attend Friday, you must test negative a second time in order to re-enter on Sunday). Instructions on testing requirements are below.

*Under 18? If you are over the age of 2, you will need to show a negative test. For your photo identification, you can use a school ID or something similar instead of a government-issued one. If arriving with a parent or legal guardian, you do not need to present ID—your parents’ identification will suffice.

TESTING

If you do not obtain a negative test result prior to arriving to the festival, Riot Fest will offer on-site rapid antigen testing. Results take 15-20 minutes to process and each test is $50. You can usually let the testing tech know you need a mouth swab. You must make sure you don’t eat, drink, smoke or brush your teeth 30 minutes before a mouth swab.

At home self-tests and rapid tests are acceptable, as long as they are FDA-EUA approved viral tests and are accompanied by documentation of the results. 

1. When you purchase over the counter tests, there is an option to scan the barcode on the test, enter your data and receive your results via email.
2. You will need to sign up for the online data in order to present the results with your name and DOB that match the ID at Riot Fest for entry. 

You can find a list of free testing sites in the State of Illinois here: https://www.dph.illinois.gov/testing

MASK POLICY

Masks are required in all indoor spaces, enclosed tents, and restrooms, per city regulations. Masks are strongly encouraged for all patrons, especially those who are not fully vaccinated.

Regarding aftershows: Face masks are required at all indoor events in Chicago, as of August 20, 2021, which applies to all Riot Fest Late Night shows. Entry requirements will differ, depending on each venue’s respective policies—please make sure to check with venues’ COVID policies ahead of any aftershow you plan on attending, and plan accordingly.

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MEDICINE / EQUIPMENT

Prescription medications are allowed at Riot Fest, as long as they’re in the original prescription bottle. 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.

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. Prescription quantity cannot exceed the prescribed amount needed while the patron is at the festival.

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.

If you have any other medical equipment, such as an oxygen tank, please be sure to present it at security when entering the festival.

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

TRANSPORTATION

How do I get to Riot Fest? 

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 Douglass Park. The CTA Pink Line’s California Ave. stop is just blocks away from the festival entrance – the most convenient route to the fest.

Is there parking?

Detailed parking information will be available at a later date—please note that parking is extremely limited, and it is highly advised to have a different method of transportation.

If you must drive, please respect Douglass Park residents and do NOT park on residential streets surrounding the park.

Riding The 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 Douglass 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 Douglass 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?

A detailed map will be available closer to the festival dates.

Where can I download the Riot Fest App?

The Riot Fest app for iOS and Android will be available closer to the festival. It’ll have a map of the fest grounds, a schedule you can share with your friends, and probably some other helpful stuff.

IS IT ALLOWED AT RIOT FEST?

Your safety at Riot Fest is our utmost priority, and all guests and their belongings are subject to search. Any prohibited item that is surrendered to security at search points will not be returned.

Our Allowed and Not Allowed lists are subject to change, and security reserves the right to make the final determination on allowed and not allowed items.

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YES Blankets (But please, be courteous of other fest attendees and keep blankets out of pathways.)
YES Empty PLASTIC water bottle
YES Standard sized backpacks, bags, and purses
YES Non-professional cameras and digital cameras
YES Phone Chargers / Portable Phone Chargers
YES Strollers
YES Cell phones
YES Raincoats
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 Factory-sealed E-cigs (i.e., Blu, Juul, etc.) Refillable E-cigs and vape pens must be empty and juice refills are not allowed.

*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. Prescription quantity cannot exceed the prescribed amount needed while the patron is at the festival. 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 in 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.

NO Selfie Sticks
NO Laptops
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 Hula Hoops
NO Illegal and Illicit substances of any kind
NO Chairs of any kind
NO Totems/signs on poles
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! Yes, that includes glass bottles, genius!)
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 item(s) 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.

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

We host a variety of food vendors each year, with multiple vegetarian and vegan options. Here is a list of our food vendors from Riot Fest 2019 (*denotes Vegetarian and/or Vegan options):

Aztec Dave’s
Bacci Pizzeria (GA and VIP)*
Billy Goat Tavern
Cold Stone Creamery*
Dark Matter Coffee*
Don Pez Fish Tacos
El Asador*
Festi Bowl*
Green Street Local*
Grumpy’s Homemade*
Gus’s Famous Fried Chicken
Home Bakery/Dumpling House*
Houndstooth Saloon*
Inspired Catering and Events*
Island Noodles*
Jerry’s Cherry Lemonade/Shaved Ice*
Lee Concessions (GA and VIP)
Main Street Grill (VIP)
Melissa’s Pal Crepes*
Pizano’s Pizza and Pasta*
Quang Noodle (GA and VIP)
Real Good Food & Catering*
Reggies*
Sabor a Cuba
Stable Foods/Soul Vegan*
Suzie’s Fun Foods*
Taco in a Bag
Taqueria Los Comales*
Cheesie’s (Food Truck)*
Harold’s Chicken (Food Truck)
Pink Taco (Food Truck)*
Whadda Jerk (Food Truck)

RIOT FEST ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY

Riot Fest believes everyone should feel safe during the music festival. We will help maintain this by not tolerating harmful behaviors, which may include non-consensual touching or verbal harassment. If a participant chooses to break these policies, they may be removed from the festival grounds and/or be banned from attending in the future. 

Riot Fest has a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY for harassment of any kind, including but not limited to: race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender presentation, sexual orientation, age, body size, disability, appearance, religion, citizenship, pregnancy.

Harassment includes but is not limited to: stalking, verbal or physical intimidation, offensive verbal comments, physical assault and/or battery, harassing or non-consensual photography or recording, bathroom policing, inappropriate physical contact, unwelcome physical attention.

If someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, no matter how minor it may seem, please do not stay silent. You can report it to any Riot Fest staff member, including those stationed at our Info Booth or at the Our Music My Body tent. We’ll follow your lead, work with you, and do our best to prevent it from happening again—so that you can continue to feel safe at our festival.

Read our full Anti-Harassment Policy here, which includes written examples and scenarios of what isn’t acceptable behavior. 

ACCESSIBILITY AT RIOT FEST

Riot Fest is committed to making the festival accessible for all festival attendees. We’re happy to offer accessible entrances, viewing platforms, and bathrooms, along with ramps around the curb lines of Douglass Park (in addition to existing sidewalk inclines). There is also limited parking on Ogden and Sacramento, as well as a drop-off & pick-up area, detailed below.

If you need any assistance entering the festival grounds, please notify security upon arriving and inform them of your needs. They’ll be able to help you access the festival once notified. Make sure to visit the Information booth post-entry—located near the main entrance—to get a wristband and receive further assistance onsite. There are outlets on the festival grounds for those who may need to charge equipment such as a powered wheelchair.

The festival grounds are wheelchair accessible. While there are paved pathways to use across the festival grounds, some travel across the festival grounds will be over natural terrain. Please note the possibility for mud or puddles if it rains. Those with trouble walking or standing should consider attending the festival with someone who can help navigate, or using an all-terrain wheelchair.

We want all Riot Fest attendees to have the best experience possible over the weekend. For anything that isn’t covered in this section, please contact us ahead of time with any questions or concerns at [email protected] with the subject line “Accessibility” so we can assist you.

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DROP-OFF, PICKUP & PARKING

There will be a designated drop-off and pick-up lane on the corner of Ogden Ave. and Sacramento Dr. right by the main entrance. There is also a limited amount of accessible parking spaces reserved across the street from the drop-off/pick-up area.

A full map of the festival grounds will be released closer to the festival that will highlight these areas. Please stay tuned for updates.

ACCESSIBLE VIEWING PLATFORMS

We have elevated viewing platforms stationed by all of our main stages, each equipped with a ramp. Since space on these platforms is limited, please note that only one guest is allowed to accompany an attendee with an accessibility wristband, if needed. Please be sure to give yourself enough time to head to these viewing platforms early if you’re planning to see a headliner, as space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

SERVICE ANIMALS

Pets are not allowed inside the festival grounds, but we do allow trained service animals to accompany those with disabilities to Riot Fest. Emotional support animals are not allowed.

AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL) INTERPRETER REQUESTS

We’re here to make Riot Fest inclusive to those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Requests for American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted performances can be submitted to [email protected] with the subject line “ASL Interpreter Request”. Please send your request for specific performances no later than August 15, 2021. While we are unable to offer ASL interpreters for every performance, we will carefully review each request and assign interpreters based on demand.