Aug 16, 2023
Riot Fest has called Douglass Park home since 2015, and one of the reasons the event has been able to stay is its efforts to improve the community surrounding the park.
Year-round events include park cleanups, food and toy donation efforts, winter clothing drives, and community spotlights. Attendees could win free tickets by volunteering their time to clean up Douglass Park.
Riot Fest is known for offering job opportunities to locals and the chance to register for free tickets to residents who live within its radius.
The festival is also installing “Little Free Libraries,” a take a book, leave a book free book exchange. It awarded a grant to Harmony Community Cares Community Arts program, which provides valuable arts education to children and teens in North Lawndale and surrounding areas. And in April and March, Riot Fest organized a book drive for school-aged kids. One lucky donator won a pair of weekend passes.
Every year, Riot Fest hosts a contest in Chicago so local bands can prove their mettle and win an opportunity to be added to the lineup. The three bands that won a spot on the Riot Fest 2023 lineup are hip-hop artist 1300cadoe, indie group Future Nobodies, and hardcore group Through n Through.
Upcoming events include:
August 19: The Douglass Park Community will host a block party at 3147 W Douglas Blvd., where Riot Fest representatives will offer community ticket registration and local hiring opportunities.
August 20: A free youth baseball camp through a partnership with the Chicago White Sox held in Douglass Park. Kids 14 and under will be split into three groups based on age, with each session capped at 100 participants. Each attendee will receive a White Sox Camp gift bag.
If you’re interested in participating in the Riot Fest year-round community initiatives, you can learn more about the events and activities by visiting riotfest.org/community.
