Ah Riot Fest, you trick tricky fest. After announcing a departure from their usual location only to switch back to the Douglass Park campus, it's finally time to rock out to your heart's content. With so many amazing acts spread across three sweltering days (and possibly a wet Sunday), it can be hard to decide exactly who you're going to see.
That's where we come in and try to lead you down a great path and help you schedule out your Riot Fest experience. Some of these acts are tried and true favorites, while others are risky switch up that will more than likely pay off. So start setting your schedule and check out these fantastic artists.
And if you haven't picked up your passes yet, you're in luck. Tickets are still available! Three-day passes start at $299.98 and two-day passes start at $209.99. Don't miss out on this tremendous fest.
FRIDAY
The Aces - 3:05pm
Spend some time of the chiller more breezy sounding side of the festival with The Aces. The quartet made up of guitarist Katie Henderson, bassist McKenna Petty, and sisters Alisa Ramirez on drums and Cristal Ramirez on guitar and lead vocals are the perfect taste of pristine indie pop that will either be a nice reset from the noisier groups, or a great jumping off point for the rest of Day one at the festival.
Public Enemy - 7:25pm
When talking about vital acts, Public Enemy should be near or at the top of your list. The group has been making records for nearly 40 years and have maintained their legendary status the entire time. Whether you're in it for their political messaging, their iconic flows and beats, or just looking to have a good time, Public Enemy will surely deliver.
SATURDAY
Beach Bunny - 5:30pm
Let's give some love to the local music scene with Beach Bunny, who have been stunning audiences for nearly a decade (which is crazy to think about) when Lili Trifilio released her first set of songs under the moniker. Since then they have ascended to Chicago rock royalty, letting their indie pop sound rise to the occasion show after show. Don't just take my word for it, we covered their amazing mini fest at the Salt Shed last year!
St. Vincent - 6:35pm
If you're looking for a set to blow you away with incredible guitar work, have you swooning over amazing vocals, and a stage presence that will leave you in awe, then St. Vincent is the spot you need to be at. Anni Clark has gotten better and better with every passing album and that's quite a feat with all the high points she's crafted over her tenure as guitar god. This will certainly be another high spot.
Pavement - 7:45pm
I heard my first Pavement song in my preteens, well after the band called it a career. And for quite a few years I was resigned to never getting a chance to hear these behemoths of indie rock live. But since their reunion in 2010 and their current reunion well under way, I've been a happy camper. Stephen Malkmus and co have been kicking ass and seeing them in a festival setting will be another cherry on top for any fan of '90s rock. Or Tiktok-ers looking for another word that rhymes with pavement.
SUNDAY
Mastadon - 3:50pm
You can't just take a trip back in time ...checks notes... TWENTY YEARS (!) and experience Mastadon's killer album Leviathon for the first time. But you can find yourself at the Radical stage and watch the massive metal monsters tackle their second album in full. That's one of the beauties of Riot Fest, getting the chance to hear iconic albums all the way in full and this one is must for fans of modern metal.
Tierra Whack - 5:00pm
If you need a little extra dose of energy on the final day of the festival, look no further than Tierra Whack. The Philadelphia rapper is a nonstop ball of energy that will sure knock any of those cobwebs loose and get you riled up for whatever heads your way. Whack is set to impress with rapid fire rap style and stage presence that will have your eyes darting all over the stage as she amps the crowd up. Check out our review of her performance at House of Vans a few years ago.
Tickets are still available if you haven't picked yours up yet! Three -day passes start at $299.98 and two-day passes start at $209.99. Don't miss out on this tremendous fest.
Did you enjoy this post and our coverage of Chicago’s arts scene and sometimes beyond? Please consider supporting Third Coast Review’s arts and culture coverage by making a donation by PayPal. Choose the amount that works best for you, and know how much we appreciate your support!