Riot Fest 2026 Unveils Exciting Lineup Featuring Iconic Artists
The full lineup for Riot Fest 2026 has been revealed, and the headliners are generating buzz among long-time fans. Scheduled to take place at Douglass Park, located at 1401 S. Sacramento Drive, the festival will run from September 18 to 20. Notable headliners include Tool, Twenty One Pilots, Pierce The Veil, Alanis Morissette, Morrissey, and Iggy Pop. Both Tool and Twenty One Pilots will be making their debut at Riot Fest, having previously performed at Lollapalooza. Alanis Morissette is also a newcomer to the festival, although Chicago fans may recall her headlining the last Pitchfork festival in 2024. Iggy Pop last graced the Riot Fest stage in 2015, while Morrissey returned in 2021, making their appearances particularly noteworthy.
A Nostalgic Lineup
The lineup beyond the headliners is a nostalgic trip for those who grew up in the 1990s and 2000s. Artists such as Elvis Costello and The Imposters, Pixies, Patti Smith and Her Band, Rise Against, The All-American Rejects, Sugar, Social Distortion, Descendents, Bad Religion, Sex Pistols, Public Image LTD, Less Than Jake, Bowling For Soup, and Insane Clown Posse are all set to perform. Costello and Smith have become regulars at Riot Fest, while Insane Clown Posse made a memorable return to the Rebel Stage in 2023, famously showering the audience with Faygo soda. An interesting aspect of this year's lineup is the inclusion of both the Sex Pistols and Public Image LTD, raising the possibility of original member John Lydon performing with both bands, although the official poster lists Frank Carter as the Pistols' vocalist.
Chicago's Own and Returning Favorites
Several acts from last year's festival are making a comeback, including the notorious shock rock group GWAR, known for their outrageous performances involving fake bodily fluids, and local Chicago band Alkaline Trio. Another Chicago representative, Twin Peaks, will join the lineup after a successful eight-night sold-out run at Thalia Hall.
In keeping with Riot Fest's tradition of surprise guests, former WGN meteorologist Tom Skilling will be present this year to provide the weather forecast. Skilling, who retired in 2023, previously made a remote appearance at last year's festival, which also featured John Stamos alongside the Beach Boys.
Complete Lineup Details
The extensive lineup also features Motion City Soundtrack, Mom Jeans, Joey Valence and Brae, Bayside, PUP, 3OH!3, Cartel, Thrice, The Suicide Machines, Brian Fallon and The Painkillers, Mariachi El Bronx, Bratmobile, Pretty Girls Make Graves, Good Riddance, Guttermouth, Slick Rick, Afroman, The Chats, Fleshwater, Yard Act, Sincere Engineer, Destroy Boys, Chat Pile, Show Me The Body, The Flatliners, Violet Grohl, Foxy Shazam, and many more.
Ticket Information
Three-day passes are currently available at various price points. General Admission starts at $339.98, while VIP passes are priced at $449.98. Deluxe options are available for $959.98, and Deluxe Plus passes are offered at $1,699.98. Higher-tier tickets come with benefits such as expedited entry, dedicated viewing areas, private lockers, and air-conditioned restrooms. A Backstage Pass can also be requested, which includes golf-cart transportation and side-stage access for select performances. Payment plans are offered for those who require them, and groups of over ten may qualify for a discount. Fans looking to avoid online service fees can purchase three-day General Admission passes for $310 in cash at any of Chicago's three Reckless Records locations or at Bucket O' Blood Records.