2026 TICKET REGISTRATION

HOW TO REGISTER

Every year, we welcome area residents to attend the festival. We’re inviting our Douglass Park neighbors to come out and enjoy this year’s Riot Fest, September 18-20th, free of charge.

Register at one of our in person at Community Festival Ticket Registration events:

April 18th: Earth Day Douglass Park at 12th & California 9am – 1 pm

May 16th: Vendor Workshop Douglass Park Cultural Center/ Fieldhouse 11am – 3pm

August 6th: Little Village Chamber of Commerce Annual Membership BBQ Moreno’s Liquor/Ositos Tap parking lot – Time TBD

August 15th: Street Love Bike Ride with Boxing Out Negativity 3147 W Douglas Blvd, Chicago, IL 60623, United States Time TBD

To receive free admission, residents must meet the following requirements:

• Must live within these boundaries: W. Arthington St to the north, Central Park Ave to the west, W. 24th St to the south, and Western Ave to the east (see map below).
• Attend a Community Ticket Registration Event, listed below, with the following THREE items:
  • One (1) PHOTO ID (the address on your ID does NOT need to match your current residence)
    • Driver’s License
    • State-Issued ID
    • Passport
    • CityKey – a free, optional government-issued ID card available to all Chicagoans regardless of age, gender, immigration status, or housing status.
  • Two (2) forms of proof of residency that clearly show your name and current address.
    • Any official mail or document that is dated within the past 30 days.
      • Recent bank statement
      • Utility bill
      • Insurance card
      • Pay stub
      • Current lease

Expanded boundaries below

2026 HIRING APPLICATION NOW OPEN!

HOW TO APPLY

We’re seeking residents from North Lawndale, Little Village, and Douglass Park-adjacent communities to work in temporary positions during this year’s festival.

In person Community Job Fairs:

August 6th: Little Village Chamber of Commerce Annual Membership BBQ Moreno’s Liquor/Ositos Tap parking lot – Time TBD

August 15th: Street Love Bike Ride with Boxing Out Negativity 3147 W Douglas Blvd, Chicago, IL 60623, United States – Time TBD

If you are not attending one of our Community Job Fairs, you may fill out the application online below.

Jobs include, but aren’t limited to: General Labor; Information Services; Event Set-Up/Tear-Down; Gate Attendants; Grounds Maintenance; Sanitation & Trash Removal; ID/Wristband Checkers; On-Call General Staff.

Please note: Applicants must be at least 18 years old, be able to stand for at least 8 hours, and be able to work in an outdoor environment. 

2026 VENDOR WORKSHOP APPLICATION NOW OPEN!

Welcome back to our Community Vendor Workshop! Designed to support North Lawndale and Little Village businesses, this workshop provides the essential tools for success at local events like Riot Fest 2026. Join us to enhance your visibility, strengthen community connections, and expand business opportunities in the upcoming festival season.

WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES
Gain valuable insights and best practices from Riot Fest organizers and experienced vendors to maximize your success. This workshop is an opportunity to learn, connect, and grow, ensuring you’re well-prepared for a successful 2026 event season!

VENDOR PARTICIPATION & SUPPORT
To encourage participation, we will provide a limited number of complimentary food booth opportunities for eligible new businesses. Additionally, selected non-profit organizations and artisan vendors will receive a free booth. Businesses must complete our workshop to qualify.

Understand the latest participation requirements for Riot Fest 2026 and other major Chicago festivals.

Stay updated on key industry changes, including equipment needs, food safety regulations, distribution practices, staffing models, rental costs, and budgeting strategies.

2026 BAND SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN!

Do you want a chance to perform at Riot Fest 2026? To play a set in front of thousands of concert-goers from around the country, submit your band or music to our community artist competition!

Before you apply, keep a few things in mind. To enter, you or your band must be able to perform a minimum of a 30-minute set. Submissions must also include a fully completed and accurate form, as well as a working link to work or attached files of recordings (for our booking team to review).

Submissions are limited to North Lawndale or Little Village residents only.

2026 INTERNSHIP APPLICATION NOW OPEN!

WHAT TO EXPECT FOR 2026

BEHIND-THE-SCENES ACCESS
Interns will get an exclusive, in-depth look at how Riot Fest operates—meeting with department heads, exploring festival logistics, and gaining firsthand experience in event production.

HANDS-ON LEARNING
From artist relations to stage management and operations, interns will be exposed to various aspects of festival planning and execution, helping them develop a well-rounded understanding of the industry.

BUILDING CONNECTIONS
Networking is key in the entertainment world. Our interns will have the opportunity to connect with industry professionals, production teams, and even artists—opening doors to future opportunities.

INVESTING IN THE NEXT GENERATION
We’re committed to supporting our community’s youth by expanding our Paid Internship Program, giving aspiring professionals a stepping stone into the entertainment industry through hands-on experience and mentorship. Starting at $18/hour.

Submissions are limited to North Lawndale or Little Village residents only.

2026 MURAL ARTIST SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN!

Do you want a chance to display your artwork or paint a mural at Riot Fest 2026 in front of thousands of concert-goers from around the country? Submit your artwork or apply to paint a mural on-site at Riot Fest.

Submissions are limited to North Lawndale or Little Village residents only.

STAFF CATERING VENDOR

A festival doesn’t happen without the hands that are the first to show up and last to leave each and every day.
You’ll be in charge of providing all 3 daily meals for our on-site staff and production during build and show days.