COMMUNITY BAND: THROUGH N THROUGH, 2023

From supporting local businesses to partnering with neighborhood organizations, Riot Fest is committed to making a lasting, positive impact.

We create job opportunities for residents through local hiring, while our Community Ticket Program ensures neighborhood fans can experience the festival. We spotlight community bands, giving local talent a platform to perform alongside major artists.

Additionally, our vendor workshops help small businesses and entrepreneurs navigate the festival space, fostering growth and new opportunities.

Below you’ll find more information and the submission processes for all our community initiatives.

We’re seeking residents from North Lawndale, Little Village, and Douglass Park-adjacent communities to work in temporary positions during this year’s festival.

SATURDAY, MAY 17

Bike Out Negativity @ 3147 W Douglass Blvd
(Across from St. Agatha Catholic Church)
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 9

Washtenaw Reunion @ Douglass Park, 14th & California
2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16

Street Love Bike Ride @ 3147 W. Douglass Blvd
(Across from St. Agatha Catholic Church) 
4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

HOW TO APPLY

If you are not attending one of our Community Job Fairs, you may fill out the application online below.

Jobs include, but aren’t limited to: General Labor; Information Services; Event Set-Up/Tear-Down; Gate Attendants; Grounds Maintenance; Sanitation & Trash Removal; ID/Wristband Checkers; On-Call General Staff.

Please note: Applicants must be at least 18 years old, be able to stand for at least 8 hours, and be able to work in an outdoor environment. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE AUGUST 17, 2025 @ 10:00 P.M.

How to Register

Every year, we welcome area residents to attend the festival. We’re inviting our Douglass Park neighbors to come out and enjoy this year’s Riot Fest, September 19-21, free of charge.

To receive free admission, residents must meet the following requirements:

• Must live within these boundaries: W. Arthington St to the north, Central Park Ave to the west, W. 24th St to the south, and Western Ave to the east (see map below).
• Attend a Community Ticket Registration Event, listed below, with the following THREE items:
  • One (1) PHOTO ID (the address on your ID does NOT need to match your current residence)
    • Driver’s License
    • State-Issued ID
    • Passport
    • CityKey – a free, optional government-issued ID card available to all Chicagoans regardless of age, gender, immigration status, or housing status.
  • Two (2) forms of proof of residency that clearly show your name and current address.
    • Any official mail or document that is dated within the past 30 days.
      • Recent bank statement
      • Utility bill
      • Insurance card
      • Pay stub
      • Current lease

Expanded boundaries below

Ticket Registration Events

SATURDAY, MAY 17

Bike Out Negativity @ 3147 W. Douglass Blvd
(Across from St. Agatha Catholic Church)
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 9

Washtenaw Reunion @ Douglass Park, 14th & California
2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16

Street Love Bike Ride @ 3147 W. Douglass Blvd
(Across from St. Agatha Catholic Church) 
4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Do you want a chance to perform at Riot Fest 2025? To play a set in front of thousands of concert-goers from around the country, submit your band or music to our community artist competition!

Before you apply, keep a few things in mind. To enter, you or your band must be able to perform a minimum of a 30-minute set. Submissions must also include a fully completed and accurate form, as well as a working link to work or attached files of recordings (for our booking team to review).

Submissions are limited to North Lawndale or Little Village residents only.

DEADLINE JULY 8, 2025 @ 10:00 P.M.

Welcome to our Community Vendor Workshop! We have tailored this event specifically for businesses, artisans, and nonprofits in North Lawndale and Little Village. Please register to participate to learn more about being a vendor at Riot Fest.

DEADLINE MAY 20, 2025 @ 10:00 P.M.

Do you want a chance to display your artwork or paint a mural at Riot Fest 2025 in front of thousands of concert-goers from around the country?

Submit your artwork or apply to paint a mural on-site at Riot Fest.

Submissions are limited to North Lawndale or Little Village residents only.

DEADLINE JULY 15, 2025 @ 10:00 P.M.

Over the past two years, Riot Fest has proudly provided over 14 paid internships, giving young people from our community real-world experience in the festival and live events industry. As we grow, we’re expanding opportunities for even more interns to gain hands-on experience, build valuable skills, and grow their professional network.

Submissions are limited to North Lawndale or Little Village residents only.

DEADLINE AUGUST 13, 2025 @ 10:00 P.M.