Riot Fest quits Bridgeview, will return to Douglass Park

Riot Fest, the popular punk rock music festival, will return to Chicago’s Douglass Park in September, reversing a June decision to move the festival to SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, sources told the Desplaines Valley News.

In June, Riot Fest founder Mike Petryshyn announced the festival’s move to the suburbs, where fans of headliners Beck, Public Enemy, Fall Out Boy, and Rob Zombie would, for the first time, have access to parking. At the time, Petryshyn, known as “Riot Mike,” posted a scathing video blaming the Chicago Park District for his decision to relocate the festival.

“Our exodus is solely because of the Chicago Park District,” Petryshyn said.

“Their lack of care for the community, you [fans], and us, ultimately left us no choice. Several weeks ago, I had enough. I was tired of Riot Fest continually being the lowest hanging fruit. I was tired of playing their games. I was tired of watching something I love being continually used to deflect away from their own internal deficits. This prevented us from giving you the experience you deserve.”

On Wednesday, Riot Fest posted this statement on its website: “Driven by the overwhelming support of the City of Chicago and our fans, we’re excited to announce that we are coming back home to Chicago and Douglass Park.

“If there was no Chicago, there’d be no Riot Fest.

“As we continue to build a long-term partnership with the City of Chicago, we remain focused on our shared vision of stability and growth in the neighborhood we call home. We deeply appreciate the support from Mayor Johnson, Alderwoman Scott, the Chicago Park District, and The North Lawndale and Little Village communities.

“We’re not just coming home–we’re coming back stronger, with an even greater purpose and doubling down on our commitment to Chicago, our fans, and our community. Riot Fest was born and bred here; it’s where we belong.

“Details regarding changes to shuttling, parking, and ticketing are below, with more information to come in the coming weeks as we shore up our plans to make this year’s Riot Fest our best ever.

“Thanks for being awesome. We love you.”

In June, Park District CEO Rosa Escareño told reporters that she wasn’t aware of  Petryshyn’s decision until he announced it on social media.

In a statement Wednesday, the park district said it is welcoming the festival back, with the district’s board set to approve the festival plans in a meeting next month. Before Riot Fest jettisoned to Bridgeview, the event met its permitting requirements to be held in the city park, according to the park district.

A source close to the discussions about Riot Fest said Chicago Park District officials, at the urging of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration, courted and successfully convinced Petryshyn to keep the three-day festival in Chicago.

“We are thrilled that Riot Fest is returning to the 24th Ward this year and are working towards a long-term partnership with the City of Chicago,” Ald. Monique Scott (24th) said in a statement. “Riot Fest’s return is a win for our community, and we look forward to the continued positive impact it will bring.”

Bridgeview Mayor Steve Landek declined to comment.

For nearly a decade, neighborhood groups near Douglass Park advocated for booting Riot Fest from park district property, arguing that the for-profit music fest had a negative impact on locals who are kept from using the park for weeks every year.

Block Club Chicago reported anti-Riot Fest advocates considered the festival’s move to the suburbs as a huge “environmental win.”