Riot Fest 2026 Lineup and Ticket Schedule

Riot Fest is back in Chicago for 2026, taking over Douglass Park from September 18–20 with one of the most diverse rock lineups of the year. This year’s headliners include Tool, Alanis Morissette, and Morrissey, with major names like Twenty One Pilots, Pierce the Veil, Iggy Pop, Elvis Costello & The Imposters, Pixies, Rise Against, Nas, and Patti Smith & Her Band also high up on the tour poster. 

And honestly, this is why Riot Fest is one of the top rock festivals in the nation. It makes room for every subgenre under the Chicago sun — including punk, alt-rock, emo, and metal — while also having a reputation for throwing some hip-hop into the lineup. Have you ever watched Nas followed up by Green Day, like attendees did last year? It’s life-changing, and the 2026 rendition will be even more intense.

Tool is at the top of the bill, and a Douglass Park set from Maynard James Keenan and company should be one of the weekend’s biggest moments. Sure, you’ll need to put your phone away (the band has a strict no-recording policy) but you won’t even want to take your eyes off this performance. Expect long builds, insane visuals, and the nostalgia from songs like “Schism,” “Forty Six & 2,” and “Stinkfist” turning the crowd into one big prog-rock party. 

And the rest of the lineup is stacked in completely different directions. Alanis Morissette brings the Jagged Little Pill angst, Morrissey adds the moody legacy factor, Twenty One Pilots are still riding their Breach era, and Pierce the Veil will have the emo crowd fully locked in. Then you’ve got Motion City Soundtrack, Thrice, Bowling For Soup, Santigold, GWAR, and plenty more filling out the rest of your schedule. 

How do you go from emo masterpieces to 90s alt-rock with just a quick lap around Douglass Park? That’s the magic of Riot Fest. While other festivals often stick to one or two corners of the scene, this one has never been afraid to get louder, weirder, and more unpredictable than you’d ever expect. Now in its 21st year, this event is an underrated gem that lets you enjoy a Chicago hot dog while enjoying the best in music….

While they also have plenty more to offer. Fans can also indulge in food, beverage and retail vendors, carnival rides, complimentary water stations, an on-site arcade, and plenty of ways to wander through Douglass Park between sets. GA tickets get you into the full weekend, while VIP and Deluxe options add perks like dedicated entrances, lounge access, private lockers, upgraded restrooms, shaded seating, and more. Get your verified resale tickets now to the 2026 Riot Fest.