Back by Community Demand: Riot Fest Returns to Douglass Park

North Lawndale community welcomes festival back home to Chicago; organizers, City and Park District leadership come together with a renewed commitment to collaboration and engagement

Following strong support from the North Lawndale leadership and community, Alderwoman Monique Scott (24th Ward) joins the Chicago Park District, City of Chicago and Riot Fest organizers to announce the return of Riot Fest back home to Douglass Park September 20th-22nd 2024, pending provisional approval by the Park District Board next month. The long-standing, independent music festival brings a premier cultural experience to Chicago's West Side and prioritizes civic engagement and the delivery of vital benefits to the North Lawndale community, including jobs, revenue for neighborhood businesses and support for families in need.

In addition to the festival's return, Alderwoman Scott and the community have asked the City and Park District leadership to engage in discussions with Riot Fest organizers and community stakeholders about a longer-term partnership that will secure the future of the 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," said Alderwoman Scott. "Independent and alternative cultural assets like Riot Fest invigorate our local economy by creating jobs, attracting tourism, supporting our youth, and providing a national stage for small businesses and artists from North Lawndale and Little Village. Riot Fest's return is a win for our community, and we look forward to the continued positive impact it will bring."

"Since Riot Fest's arrival to Douglass Park in 2015, it has become an integral part of the community, forging strong relationships with local stakeholders. This festival has not only brought vital investment and opportunities but has also played a pivotal role in enriching the lives of North Lawndale residents. Through its "Beyond the Fest™" initiative, Riot Fest extends its positive impact year-round, working hand-in-hand with local organizations to address community needs and foster growth," added Alderwoman Scott.

"We look forward to the continued collaboration with Alderwoman Scott, the organizers and the Chicago Park District to bring back a staple event that prioritizes local businesses and residents alike to a thriving hub in our city," said Kenya Merritt, Deputy Mayor of Business and Neighborhood Development.

As a permitted event with an attendance of 10,000 or more, Riot Fest is required to submit and execute a community engagement plan which includes a public meeting. Over the past several months, festival organizers hosted more than 140 meetings with community stakeholders, including residents, local businesses and nearby hospitals in addition to the required community meeting held on March 11th.

"Festivals are about activating and enhancing communities, and the North Lawndale community has been very clear that Riot Fest's home is in Douglass Park," said Chicago Park District General Superintendent Rosa Escareño. "With the organizers having met the permit requirements earlier this year, we are pleased to partner with community stakeholders and city leadership to welcome the festival back this year. We also look forward to an ongoing partnership with the community and organizers that aligns with the Park District Board of Commissioners process."

Riot Fest meets the requirements for the Park District's Park Enhancement Fund created to allocate ten percent of the revenue from multi-day, permitted events with a daily attendance of 3,000 or more and reinvest it directly into the park that hosted the event. The 2024 Riot Fest is expected to generate roughly $712K in total. Following the event, the Park District will coordinate opportunities for the community to review potential capital improvement projects and lend their voice to the selection process.

"If there was no Chicago, there'd be no Riot Fest," said Michael "Riot Mike" Petryshyn, founder of Riot Fest. "It grew out of an independent music community where one would be able to see Naked Raygun, Smashing Pumpkins, or Rise Against on a random Saturday night, and you'd still have enough time to go catch a late-night set at Legends and if lucky enough, maybe Buddy (Guy) would be there performing at his venue."

"We're not just coming home-we're coming back passionately, 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," Petryshyn added.

"As President of the Douglass Park Advisory Council, I am proud to express our full support for RIOT FEST. We are thrilled to welcome RIOT FEST home to the North Lawndale community. The positive impact of RIOT FEST on our neighborhood is something we greatly appreciate, and their year-round collaboration with various organizations has been invaluable," said Dr. Latasha Ajayi, President of the Douglass Park Advisory Council. "The Douglass Park Advisory Council is eager to build on our strong partnership with RIOT FEST, and we know the community will be excited to see what's next. We encourage all residents to support and take full advantage of the opportunities this brings. Welcome home, RIOT FEST!"

Riot Fest is deeply committed to the North Lawndale and Little Village community and beyond, actively participating in over 15 local events through partnerships with community organizations and spearheading numerous initiatives under their "Beyond the Fest" program. Their efforts include creating over 230 local jobs in 2023, with plans to expand to 300+ in 2024, offering paid internships for area youth, and hosting vendor workshops to empower small businesses. Riot Fest also provided over 1500 free tickets to local residents in 2023 and will continue that tradition in 2024, ensuring that the community can fully participate in the festival. Additionally, the festival offers scholarships for local students and showcase local musicians and artists on event stages. Key events like Boxing Out Negativity, the North Lawndale Eagles 34th Anniversary, and Douglass Park cleanups are just a few examples of how organizers work to enhance the vibrancy and unity of the neighborhood. All of these efforts come together at the Community Corner during the festival, where local businesses, artists, and organizations are highlighted, creating a space for celebration and connection. These initiatives reflect their unwavering dedication to making a positive, lasting impact in the communities we serve.

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