The Bare Essentials
Water is the key to survival. Drink lots. If you think you’re drinking enough, drink more. Bring an empty container for water and fill up at a water station once you're inside.
Bring a backpack. They come in handy and are low-maintenance. Immediately toss these items in:
- Sunglasses (for looking cool and also because, you know, it’s sunny)
- Sunblock (at least SPF 30)
- Ibuprofen (Head-banging/constant screaming takes a toll)
- Toilet paper (Trust me, you’ll figure out why once you get there)
- Extra shoes and socks (in case it rains)
Check the weather each morning. This is Chicago. There may be a torrential downpour when you wake up and by lunch it’ll be 88 degrees and sunny.
Put your phone on airplane mode – it saves the battery and you can still take pictures of your favorite band, even if it’s just the impromptu marching band.
If you’re the cautious/paranoid type, reserve a locker ($20 a day or $50 for the whole weekend). They’re great for storing band memorabilia you don’t want broken or damaged (albums, posters, your favorite frontman’s lock of hair torn off when you jumped on stage, etc.)
Some words of caution: There is NO re-entry to Riot Fest. You cannot bring in your own drink or food. After you pass the gates, all you have to rely on is everything you came in with. Godspeed, young rioter.
How To Get There
If you’re attending all three nights, you’re going to have to find a mode of transportation since there’s no camping at Riot Fest. Chicago public transit is easy to navigate, and there is also on-site bike parking, for the two-wheel inclined.
If you’re feeling brave and decide to drive, you need to get to Humboldt Park an hour before the gates open – this is your only hope for securing a parking spot that isn’t metered or requires a permit.
If you still haven’t secured a place to stay by now, you’re going to be hard pressed to find something near Humboldt Park that won’t cost you half your monthly rent. However, Wicker Park is a 20 minute walk away if you think you’ll get lucky. AirBnB is your friend.
Who You Need To See
You bought the tickets, you know who you want to see already, I know. But you should consider broadening your horizons and experiencing some of the best performances this year has to offer, regardless of taste. Let me start by saying if you came to party, Andrew W.K. will definitely bring the posi-vibes like no other act in this year’s line up.
NOFX will alienate every single human being who watches their set. You will learn that this is what makes them so endearing. If they don’t manage to offend you, your name is probably Fat Mike and you suck.
Gogol Bordello’s gypsy-punk spirit will win your heart. There will be shouting, there will be growling, there will be a chant that you participate in but you might be unsure of what words you’re actually saying.
There are also Aftershows happening the whole weekend, which you should definitely, surely, positively check out (the festival's website has all the deets). Acts include Bad Religion, Rise Against, The Get Up Kids, Andrew W.K. + more.
Where To Refuel
Before and after the Fest happens, take advantage of some of the best food and drink the Humboldt Park area has to offer. If you need a morning jump before the doors open at 11, stroll over to the Star Lounge Coffee Bar for a big cup of coffee or Dolor De Oro. Dark Matter Coffee is another affordable and delicious option.
If you’re from out of town and want to experience a true Chicago-style hot dog, Fatso’s Last Stand is your nearby retreat. Char dogs and shrimp are their specialty.
Pizza & pop punk go hand in hand, and Piece Brewery & Pizzeria is an opportunity you can’t afford to pass up. Build your own pizza and channel your inner Macaulay Culkin (sort of) with live band karaoke on Saturday night. If your legs are too tired to make the trek, West Town Pizza Shop is another nearby treasure you should definitely taste.
Tacos, burritos, and other delicious Mexican food of all shapes and sizes can be found at Cemitas Puebla. Try their camitas. And you can’t go wrong at El Pollo Rico either.
Like heavy metal bars that are serious about their burgers? Try the Border Patrol Burger at Lockdown Bar & Grill.
Beer enthusiasts can relax because Revolution Brewing is hands down the best brewpub in the city. It’s always packed though, but that’s a good sign.
And Remember...
You’re going to smell like a dozen different people by the end of the day. The sooner you accept this, the better.
Someone is going to throw their beer over the heads of everybody in the crowd. It will get all over you. This will happen during every single show.
If you hear a front-man aggressively demand that everyone “open this place up,” make sure you are not in the middle of the crowd. He wants you and all of your fellow concert-goers to partake in the flailing and beating of each other for the sake of fun—also known as “the pit,” or the Tornado of Human Debris.
“The pit” will swell and travel like a shape shifter. Always be aware of where it is. The moment you lose sight of the pit is the same moment you will be administered an elbow to the back of your skull. I hope you remembered the ibuprofen.
Crowd surfing is inevitable and unavoidable. If you don’t want to be kicked in the back of the head stay near the back of the crowd with the more questionably sober and tame.
Trust me, the crowd here will be nicer, kinder, more caring, and more forgiving than anyone you met at Lollapalooza this year.
Most importantly, savor the experience. Riot Fest is like no other festival when it comes to indie, pop, punk rock, and alternative. Follow these tips and you’ll make it out alive, my friend.
