We’ve already established that Riot Fest Chicago, which is happening Friday, Sept. 16, through Sunday, Sept. 18, at Douglas Park, has an absolutely stacked lineup. But now that festival organizers have unveiled the full schedule, there’s going to be a lot of decision-making to make the weekend the best it possibly could be. While we’ll be making all of our Riot Fest picks for you during the week of the three-day event, we’ve rounded up seven of the toughest decisions. Check the entire schedule yourself at this link and read our picks below.
Friday, Sept. 16
Dillinger Escape Plan (2 p.m. at the Radicals stage) vs. Worriers (2 p.m. at the Rebel stage)
This is a classic matchup of a veteran act vs. a promising new talent. However, considering Dillinger Escape Plan is going on an “extended hiatus” after this tour, the decision gets a little easier. That said, it’s still going to be tough to say no to Worriers’ ripping and whip-smart punk tunes.
Ween (7:10 p.m. at the Roots stage) vs. Refused (7:20 p.m. at the Rock stage)
Two veteran and revitalized acts at opposite ends of the rock ‘n’ roll spectrum. Ween appeals to fans of more jam-minded material, while Refused caters to those who like their rock full of abrasive aggression. Pick your poison.
Saturday, Sept. 17
Motion City Soundtrack (3:15 p.m. at the Roots stage) vs. The Hold Steady (3:20 p.m. at the Rock stage)
Depends on your nostalgia, and Motion City Soundtrack’s impending farewell might be too bittersweet to pass up, but The Hold Steady will be playing their 2006 album, “Boys and Girls In America,” in full. I love that album more than most things, so I’ve made my decision. If you see me there, give me a couple of beers and I might just even do my terrible Craig Finn impression.
Bob Mould (4:15 p.m. at the Riot stage) vs. The Walters (4:30 p.m. at the Rise stage)
As the frontman of iconic rock bands like Husker Du and Sugar, Bob Mould is a legend. As a solo artist, he’s just as vital and as incredible as his earlier projects—plus, his bassist is RedEye favorite Jason Narducy. While that Chicago Evanston connection is compelling, we gotta stick with the city as the Walters have that awesome local-band-about-to-blow-up Riot Fest slot that Meat Wave and Twin Peaks have had in the past.
Death Cab for Cutie (7:15 p.m. at the Roots stage) vs. White Lung (7:30 p.m. at the Rise stage)
Crying isn’t allowed at Riot Fest, but if that’s a strictly enforced policy, Death Cab For Cutie has to stick with the jaunty, rock-minded numbers instead of the downbeat heartbreakers. I swear to god if Ben Gibbard takes out his acoustic guitar and goes straight into “I Will Follow You Into the Dark,” there won’t need to be rain because the tears will make Riot Fest’s grounds just as muddy.
Sunday, Sept. 18
Deftones (6:35 p.m. at the Riot stage) vs. The Dirty Nil (7 p.m. at the Rebel stage)
Deftones are a band that I completely missed the boat on until their actually really great 2016 album, “Gore.” It turns out that I was wrong to avoid a pretty solid discography from the long-running veterans. That said, the Dirty Nil are incredible live and one of Canada’s finest rock ‘n’ roll exports. I’ll be watching them.
The Original Misfits (8:45 at the Riot stage) vs. Going home (8:30 p.m. on the Pink Line)
Music festivals are long. I know that this is the biggest festival get of the weekend as the Misfits reuniting is a big deal for so many music fans, but I have to be honest that I am not one of those fans. While I totally respect your nostalgia and excitement for an iconic punk band coming back, I’m probably going to call it a night and make my deadlines or just drink at Cobra Lounge.
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In the meantime, refresh your memory with the acts playing Riot Fest with this day-by-day roundup.
Friday, Sept. 16
The Flaming Lips, Ween, The Specials, Jimmy Eat World, Julian Marley, NOFX, Refused, Pierce The Veil, All Time Low, Glassjaw, Pepper, Meat Puppets, Dan Deacon, GWAR, The Anniversary, Set Your Goals, Neck Deep, Highly Suspect, Fu Manchu, Girls Against Boys, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Tigers Jaw, Basement, Toché Amoré, Diarrhea Planet, Big D & The Kids Table, Citizen, Turnover, Violent Soho, Off With Their Heads, Holy White Hounds, Laura Stevenson, Somos, 3Teeth, The Wans, Jule Vera, Worriers, Eskimeaux, The Far East, Bad Cop/Bad Cop
Saturday, Sept. 17
Morrissey, Death Cab For Cutie, Social Distortion, NAS, Brand New, Fitz & the Tantrums, Descendents, Motion City Soundtrack, The Hives, Bob Mould, The Hold Steady, Method Man & Redman, GZA, Smoking Popes, The Vandals, Fucked Up, I The Mighty, The Toasters, Hippo Campus, Balance & Composure, People Under The Stairs, White Lung, Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas, DEE-1, Brick + Mortar, Night Riots, Plague Vendor, Microwave, Death Spells, Deal’s Gone Bad, Black Foxxes, The Walters, Nots, Donna Missal, Tasha The Amazon, Blackbox, High Waisted, Summer Cannibals, Partner, Kitten Forever, Sleepy Kitty, School of Rock
Sunday, Sept. 18
The Original Misfits, Featuring Glenn Danzig, Jerry Only and Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein, Rob Zombie, Sleater-Kinney, Deftones, Bad Religion, Underoath, Thursday, Jake Bugg, Death Grips, The Julie Ruin, Joey Bada$$, Chevy Metal, Me First & The Gimme Gimmes, Tiger Army, The Wonder Years, Dee Snider, Andrew W.K. Leftöver Crack, Billy Talent, The Falcon, Juliette Lewis & The Licks, FrnkIero And The Patience, The Bronx, Pouya, Swingin’ Utters, Denzel Curry, Bleached, Tancred, Creeper, Marina City, Syd Arthur, The Dirty Nil, The So So Glos, Big Ups, All Dogs, War on Women, Hard Girls, A Will Away, Can’t Swim, With Our Arms To The Sun, The Gallow Walkers, School of Rock