Review of Riot Fest in Douglass Park, Chicago for anyone who is curious about it, along with what I recommend packing, wearing, and why I suggest going the VIP route regardless of the number of days you’ll be in attendance
Review of Riot Fest: Why You Should Totally Go to Chicago’s Riot Festival in Douglass Park
Not just stoners and goths love emo rock! This past weekend, I had the best time absolutely jamming to some classic teen emo tunes at Riot Fest. While this may seem off brand, this type of music is what raised me, and I had a freaking blast.
My Riot Fest Packing List
What is Riot Fest?
Riot Fest is an annual concert that takes place in Douglass Park in Chicago, Illinois. It is full of your traditional “slam the door” teen rock bands you loved growing up (and probably still do). While you should think Fall Out Boy, Gym Rock Heroes, and Cobra Starship when picturing the overall vibe of the festival, there are some other bands that play that may surprise you. For example, this year, as part of Riot Fest’s 20 year anniversary, The Beach Boys and Hanson were both in attendance, drawing in maybe a slightly different crowd.
My Experience at the Festival
This was my second year attending the festival, and I really liked that they kept the layout of the park the same as the year before (like that saying goes … if it ain’t broke don’t fix it).
You can find the park map with the stage names, labeled VIP areas, and bathroom info online along with the lineups for each day (once they have been announced).
It being my second year, I have had some people ask me about what I liked and didn’t … and so this article was born! Keep scrolling to hear me yap about tickets and upgrades, what you should pack for the festival, and more details on my festival outfit.
Shop the 'Fit:
Skirt | Bodysuit | Scarf (similar) | Gold Chain | Earrings | Sunglasses | Socks | Shoes | Bag | Bag Strap
What Type of Ticket Should I Buy? Riot Fest General Admission vs VIP
Both years I have opted to get the VIP package over general admission. Let me reiterate, there are higher levels VIP available (deluxe, etc), but I am talking about the level one above general admission actually referred to as “VIP”. Last year I only went one day and this year I got a three day pass, and I recommend and endorse doing this no matter your duration.
What Makes VIP at Riot Fest Worth It
- Bathrooms: I am not a portapotty type of girl (shocker). I simply want to evaporate at the thought of using one. Last year, this was the key reason I opted to upgrade. There are “indoor” style outhouses in VIP that flush and have sinks and AC … all things we love and need. Lines are also relatively short to use them, which is ideal.
- Drink Lines: drink lines are significantly shorter in VIP and sometimes nonexistent. Whether you are going for one day or three, you didn’t spend all that money on a ticket to stand in line the full time.
- Ability to leave and come back: you wore the wrong outfit … you get an urgent call and need to go … you want to find a decent meal and come back for later shows … VIP allows you to reenter the park as many times as you want or need throughout the day. General admission is one in, one out.
- Room to chill: if there is a time between sets where nobody is playing that you want to see, VIP allows you to find a shady tree and hang out or take photos without getting trampled on. Important.
Riot Fest Packing List
As a seasoned veteran, here is what I’d pack for a day in the park:
Shop the Photo:
Sunglasses | Water Bottle | Portable Phone Charger | Electric Fan | Fanny Pack | Sunscreen
A Small Bag or Backpack: (this is the one I brought with this Amazon strap attached) – something big enough to hold everything you need but small enough that it isn’t a pain to keep up with
Water Bottle: You can also buy a water bottle there … but save yourself some money and just bring a bottle from home! There are refill stations all over the grounds, including in the VIP areas.
Sunglasses: It. Is. BRIGHT. in the middle of that field. The sun also sometimes reflects off of the instruments which can be brutal because when you’re in a crowd you can’t exactly duck or move to get it off of your face. Bring the glasses and thank me later.
Portable Phone charger: I recommend this slim, under $20 one. Unless you do Deluxe VIP, there is no wifi in the park, so your phone can die quickly (especially if you’re trying to communicate with others or take videos).
Electric Fan: It can get hot in the park, even on days in the 70s. I recommend a small electric fan (like this $10 rechargeable one) or a handheld one.
ID: You’ll need your ID to pick up your wristband if you opt to do one of the VIP options and at the bar regardless of the area you are drinking from.
Chapstick and Sunscreen: with the sun beating down, it’s nice to be able to keep your skin protected and hydrated
My Festival Outfit: What I Wore to Riot Fest
I wore a cow print skirt to Riot Fest this year … on this outfit, I used a silk scarf as a pop of color and a gold necklace as a chain to add dimension to the look, and then I finished it off with simplicity … a plain brown bodysuit, simple jewelry, and a bag I can’t stop yapping about.
Shop the Outfit:
Skirt | Bodysuit | Scarf (similar) | Gold Chain | Earrings | Sunglasses | Socks | Shoes | Bag | Bag Strap
Riot Fest Review: Everything You Need to Know Before Attending the Festival
