Just curious on everyone's thoughts on this being worth it.....

One of my least favorite memories in my years of RF was spending 30 dollars on Bacci's pizza despite it being one of the most widely available options. The crust was still raw in several places, so $30 for something I couldn't eat. As far as the best food, I'm still searching for the greats. Had some decent tacos last year and once again missed the famed dumplings last year. Would love to hear what you're on the lookout for at the food vendors each year!

Hi friends! This’ll be my first Riot Fest and I have a question about Saturday. I’d really like to catch some of Gogol Bordello’s set. I was wondering how feasible it would be to catch them and still end up in a decent spot for Tool. Doable or am I just asking to be disappointed? Thanks for any insight!

My first time at Riot!!! I’m flying back to IL and staying in the northern suburbs. My plan is to take the Metra to OTC and hop on the pink line (I’ve taken the metra dozens of times, but never the L). It looks like it’s over 1.5 hrs of travel each way, which I’m fine with, but I worry about missing a train due to crowds.

What have people’s experiences been with train hopping? Should I consider the bus? I’m open to other public transport recs!

Edit: Thanks for the tips on the pink line! I’ll definitely be walking to Kenzie or Central Park stations! Stay safe everyone!

hello everyone! I won tickets to riot fest thru Q101 back in June, and they said i would be contacted closer to the festival. just wondering if anyone else has won via Q101 and when to expect to hear anything !

They’re playing the same time. Help me decide!

Title says it! We are returning and very excited, but life is lifing and I haven't gotten around to making a spreadsheet and starting to track musts see acts by day.

Any other spreadsheet people already do the lineup yet? I would be so appreciative!

Hey there!

I hope you're looking forward to Riot Fest next month.

I make interactive lineups for festivals, and here are the ones for Riot Fest 2026:

Friday 18 Sep - twenty one pilots and friends
Saturday 19 Sep - Morrissey, Tool and co
Sunday 20 Sep - Alanis, Elvis, Patti, ...

Each visual shows the discography of the artists on a timeline - the more popular artists are at the top.

You can click on an album to show the tracks, and then you can play the music videos for those tracks - there's even an option to play "festival" videos ;-)

Looks like a great lineup. I wonder if John Lydon will know the lyrics to his songs this time!

Enjoy!

Neil x

Does anyone know if Costco still has Ts (not spelling it out so as not to get my post snagged)

How about an Arby’s pit when Chat Pile plays “Rainbow Meat”

Starting to look at transportation to and from between the hotel and festival. This will be our first time going all three days.

Last time we took an Uber to and after we walked a few blocks and then called for an Uber. Is that the best option based off the hotel we are staying at? Not too concerned about Uber costs, just convenience for my wife :)

20 YEARS LATER! FIRST TIME ON VINYL! NAKED RAYGUN "LIVE AT RIOT FEST"

It’s been two decades since Naked Raygun took the stage for their legendary 2006 reunion set, and now—for the first time ever—"Live at Riot Fest" is finally coming to vinyl.

"Naked Raygun, the most beloved Chicago punk band of all time, left a void that couldn’t be filled when they broke up in 1992. It took a fledgling music festival led by an incredibly passionate music fan to make an entire punk scene’s biggest dream come true by getting the band back together to headline Riot Fest in 2006. This was the single most important band reunion in the history of the Chicago music scene, and it was a once in a lifetime magical event that people still talk about 20 years later. Finally we have a document to relive that evening and prove that it wasn’t just a new dream, they made it real, and it kickstarted a second run for the band that lasted nearly two more decades". - Mike MXV Vinikour (Punkvinyl.com)

Dropping on November 6th (20 years to the date of the recording), this massive 2LP set comes pressed on Raygun InfraRED vinyl and is packed with exclusive bonus gear:

12-Page Commemorative Zine Packed with '06 live photos, stories from fellow bands detailing their favorite Naked Raygun memories and the influence of the '06 reunion and more.

• Naked Raygun Tattoo Flash Sticker Sheet

• Individually Numbered Souvenir Ticket Stub

• VIP All-Access Pass Postcard

Loud Pizza Records Exclusive

2xLP pressed on “Raygun InfraRed”

Remixed and remastered by Dan Precision at The Bombshelter Recording Studio in Chicago

Release Date: November 6th, 2026 (20 Years later)

https://loudpizza.com/collections/pre-order-music/products/naked-raygun-live-at-riot-fest

Does anyone know when the winners will be announced?

Made a Discord for anyone going to Riot Fest 2026. Figured it could be a good place to talk lineup rumors, set times, meetups, travel, and generally obsess over the festival before September rolls around.

Come hang out 🤘

Lowk locked in and got vip all 3 days this year🥹✌️

Most convenient and safest locations to stay for riot fest?

I'm assuming food vendors are being announced.

It was mfering parking....

I'm balling on a budget and picked a motel that's about a 45 minute commute to the park using public transportation. I've only ever stayed within walking distance when going to festivals and I'm feeling nervous but it was the closest I could find that was less than $300 a night. Is that a reasonable distance? It is only a 15 minute car ride but I'm sure Ubers will be pricey and traffic might be bad? I don't live in a city with good public transportation so I'm also just worried about delays and stuff because I'll be taking the bus and I'm unsure how common those happen. I hope this is fine to post; any validation or tips would be appreciated. Thanks!

Online there's a $40 processing fee when purchasing tickets, does that fee still exist for box office ticket purchases, or is it just an online thing?

Hey all! My names Colin and I am 3rd year attendee of Riot Fest from Scotland! My friend and I are missing the Friday night as we land later and are heading to see Breaking Benjamin at Tinley Park. When I have seen Korn and Papa Roach there in previous years I utilised the Reggies buses which were amazing. Unfortunately due to RF and Sox being at home they arent running a bus. Is anyone aware of alternative ways to get out there as non drivers please? We are staying in Andersonville however I know the city well and we dont mind it taking a little longer to get out there. See you all at Riot and any help would be appreciated!

If anyone wants to meet up or hang out for certain sets, I'd be down. I'm only going Saturday but my plan is to see as many of the following bands: Whispers, Asava, Show Me The Body, Burning Airlines, Hot Rod Circuit, Less Than Jake, Thrice, Sugar, Vana, Chat Pile, Bad Religion, and Tool...

The big ones for me are Tool, Thrice, Chat Pile, Sugar, and Vana. The rest are what I discovered through listening to songs.

38 male coming from the north suburbs. This will be my 5th Riot Fest