Saturday, day 2, at Riot Fest 2024 was one of the most uncomfortable days at the fest in recent memory. While the staff did what they could to keep everyone hydrated and happy, the near-90-degree heat had a lot of people feeling faint. The lineup kept people energized, the bands paid attention to their fans and brought help when necessary, and the alternative community of Chicago and beyond really showed up for each other on Saturday. We got some photos so you can relive the end of summer heat with us.
There is no other word for it. Sweet Pill took the stage during some of the hottest moments temperature-wise at Riot Fest 2024, and they absolutely dazzled everyone. The stage banter, the outfits, the edge, the poise… somehow everything this band did struck us as charming and unique, though they fit right in with the crowd and the vibrant energy of the day. The crowd begged them to continue playing, and lead vocalist Zayna Youssef admitted they’d love to, but the set cutoff times pulled them off stage much sooner than everyone was ready for.
Setlist Starchild Chewed Up Where the Heart Is Blood Cut Eternal Sympathy High Hopes Diamond Eyes Dog Song
Manchester Orchestra brought their unique brand of indie rock to the afternoon on day two of Riot Fest 2024. Douglass Park was set ablaze by not only the temperatures but also the energy from the crowd as they recognized and recited song after song during the twelve-track set. Despite the heat, the guys were top form, and we couldn’t have had a more entrancing experience.
Setlist Top Notch Choose You Girl Harbor The Mansion The Ocean Every Stone All That I Really Wanted Trees Indentions See It Again Cope The Silence
Heart Attack Man was playing the Radical Stage when we wandered over early for Sweet Pill. It was Day 2 of Riot Fest 2024, and the mid-day heat was already ruining lives. That said, we were drawn to the vulnerability being shared on stage. The band was admitting that they had attended Riot Fest 2023 together, and were proud to be playing their first ever Riot Fest. They were overjoyed as they continued the set, this positive energy palpable, despite the heat of the day and early set time.
Alternative/indie trio Princess Goes had an early afternoon slot on day two of Riot Fest 2024 in Douglass Park. Their unique brand of goth-tinted rock helped to set a moody glow across the field as the midday sun entered everyone’s lives. Hall’s vocals were clear — scratchy at times — drawing a crowd as the set went on at the AAA Stage. This was a wonderful — and often mellow — way to welcome the second day of an epic festival weekend.
Douglass Park in Chicago is stunning on an everyday basis. But during Riot Fest? It’s glorious. Littered with photo booths, games, food and drink vendors, shopping experiences, and more surrounding the five stages, Riot Festival does what it can to make sure the attendees are comfortable and part of a grand adventure together. With the Riotland installation — featuring a marketplace, museum, carnival rides, NWA wrestling, the Hellzapoppin Freak Show, and more — this festival provides epic experiences you won’t find elsewhere.
Here are some Day 1 landscape and fan photos to enjoy.
