INITIATIVES + OPPORTUNITIES

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.
Click to expand the opportunities below to find more information and the submission processes for all our community initiatives.
LEARN MORE + APPLY!
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. Each individual adult in the household must register separately. Children are not required to provide proof of residency.
Register at one of our in-person Community Ticket Registration events:
• April 18th: Earth Day Douglass Park Cultural Center/ Fieldhouse 9am – 1pm
• 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 11am – 4pm
• August 15th: Street Love Bike Ride with Boxing Out Negativity 3147 W Douglas Blvd 2pm – 8pm
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
- Any official mail or document that is dated within the past 30 days.
- One (1) PHOTO ID (the address on your ID does NOT need to match your current residence)
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 11am – 4pm
August 15th: Street Love Bike Ride with Boxing Out Negativity 3147 W Douglas Blvd 2pm – 8pm
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 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.
IN 2025…

300+ Local Neighbors Employed

15+ Community Events Hosted or Supported

3 Local Community Acts Featured Each Year

2,200+ Free Community Tickets

14+ Paid Community Internships Awarded

10+ Local Restaurants Featured


