As a Chicago music event staple for 20 years, we understand the power of bringing people together. Riot Fest is dedicated to making a lasting impact on the North Lawndale and Little Village communities through our year-round “Beyond the Fest” program.
By creating hundreds of local jobs, offering paid internships and scholarships for youth and students, and hosting vendor workshops to empower small businesses we hope to expand on the brilliance of our neighbors. Also by sponsoring a wide range of community events and providing festival tickets to local residents, we hope to continue our support for the people who make our community strong.
And in collaboration with the Chicago Park District and 24th Ward Alderwoman Monique Scott, we work on capital improvements in Douglass Park. During the festival, our Community Corner brings these efforts to life by highlighting local businesses, artists, and organizations, creating a space for celebration, connection, and community pride.
RECENT EVENTS + NEWS
PAST EVENTS
COMMUNITY IMPACT
From supporting local businesses to partnering with neighborhood organizations, Riot Fest is committed to making a lasting, positive impact.
We create job opportunities for residents through local hiring, while our Community Ticket Program ensures neighborhood fans can experience the festival. We spotlight community bands, giving local talent a platform to perform alongside major artists.
Additionally, our vendor workshops help small businesses and entrepreneurs navigate the festival space, fostering growth and new opportunities.
INFO + APPLICATIONS FOR:
Local Hiring • Community Tickets • Community Bands • Vendor Workshops • Community Artists • AND MORE!
PARK INVESTMENTS
Each year in Douglass Park, we collaborate with local organizations to support park restoration and beautification projects that benefit residents year-round. We invite our wonderful fans to work with us and community partners to organize clean-up days and ensure that the park remains a valuable resource for all.
By reinvesting in Douglass Park and beyond, we strive to leave a lasting, positive impact that extends far beyond festival weekend.
PARK CLEANUP • IT’S YOUR PARK DAY
June 7 @ Douglass Park 18th & California
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE
FESTIVAL LOGISTICS
COMMITMENT TO WHAT WORKS
As we plan our 2025 festival, Riot Fest will continue using the proven strategies that helped minimize impact and improve event operations in 2024. By maintaining effective sound control, security measures, and real-time monitoring, we remain committed to creating a safe and well-managed festival experience for both attendees and the community.
KEY STRATEGIES THAT WORKED IN 2024
- Directional Speakers positioned away from nearby hospitals and residences
- Controlled DB Levels: Audio engineer regulates sound levels to Max 95db
- Hard Limit Levels: ‘Hard limit’ levels to prevent unexpected volume surges
- Advanced P. A. System: Beam steering technology for enhanced sound directionality
- Active Monitoring: Real-time noise monitoring for prompt adjustments
- Additional security at key locations and checkpoints
- Signage for employee parking
- Improved communications for faster and uninterrupted access for emergency vehicles
SAINT ANTHONY’S FEEDBACK (FROM 2024)
- Zero noise complaints from hospital guest, staff, or patients
- No cell phone reception issues
- Dedicated employee parking with signage proved effective
- Additional check points worked well for traffic flow
- Emergency vehicles had no issues with access
- Vehicle screening at 19th & Marshall much faster with no issues
MOUNT SINAI FEEDBACK (FROM 2024)
- Zero noise complaints from hospital guest, staff, or patients
- No cell phone reception issues
- Additional check points worked well for traffic flow
- Extra security at key locations worked well
- Emergency vehicles had no issues with access
At Riot Fest, we take noise regulations seriously and are committed to ensuring a respectful and enjoyable experience for both attendees and our neighbors. Our team proactively monitors and adjusts sound levels to ensure compliance and respect for our neighbors. Riot Fest is committed to creating a great festival experience while being responsible community partners.
WE FOLLOW ALL CITY OF CHICAGO NOISE REGULATIONS
Real-Time Noise Monitoring — Our engineers continuously measure sound levels to ensure compliance.
Regulatory Compliance — City ordinances prohibit disruptive noise in noise-sensitive areas, and we actively keep our levels within acceptable limits.
MEASURED NOISE LEVELS NEAR HOSPITALS
- Saint Anthony Hospital: 61 dB (Similar to normal conversation)
- Mount Sinai Hospital: 70 dB (Equivalent to city traffic or a vacuum cleaner)
COMPARISON TO EVERYDAY NOISE LEVELS
For reference, common city noise levels include:
- Passing Car (25 ft away): 77 dB
- Lawnmower: 85 dB
- Train Passing (50 ft away): 100 dB
- Emergency Siren: 110 dB
Riot Fest remains committed to efficient traffic management, emergency access, and community impact, building on the successful strategies from 2024 and implementing key improvements for 2025:
Emergency Access — Our collaborative route planning ensured unobstructed emergency vehicle access and will continue in 2025 to maintain prompt response times.
Checkpoints & Barricades — Strategic checkpoint placement and trained personnel successfully managed traffic flow and security in 2024, and this approach will be carried forward.
Communication & Signage — Effective signage and distributed traffic plans helped direct attendees. For 2025, we will refine placement and clarity based on feedback.
Residential Parking — The ‘Resident Parking Only’ program successfully reduced congestion and unauthorized parking. In 2025, we will deploy additional ‘No Parking’ signs where requested by residents.
Rideshare & Public Transportation — Coordination with OEMC and rideshare companies improved designated zones and reinforced no-drop areas near Mount Sinai. We will continue strengthening rideshare communication and enforcement in 2025.
Curb Lane & Street Closures — In 2024, we corrected a curb lane no parking mix-up to ensure that curb lane closures are only along the park perimeter and not across the street where residents need parking. This approach will continue in 2025 to better accommodate the community.
Off-Site Parking — The UIC parking strategy successfully dispersed traffic, and we are exploring additional parking locations for 2025 to further enhance accessibility.
Staff & Vendor Parking — Dedicated parking on North Farrar Drive reduced congestion and prevented staff from parking in residential areas. This successful system will remain in place for 2025.
PARTNERING WITH RIOT FEST
Riot Fest is built on community, and we’re always looking for ways to collaborate with local organizations, businesses, and neighbors to create a positive impact.
Whether through sponsorships, vendor opportunities, fundraising initiatives, or neighborhood partnerships, we work with those who share our commitment to supporting the communities around us.
From hosting vendor workshops and local hiring fairs to sponsoring cultural events, youth programs, and park improvements, we strive to uplift and invest in Douglass Park.
Interested in working together? Let’s build something great.
PAST PARTNERS
