Category: Music and Concerts

Riot Fest departure from Douglass Park sparks more debate over costs and gains for the community

News Room

Sheila McNary had a somewhat complicated relationship with Riot Fest over the years. The 71-year-old North Lawndale resident lives across the street from Douglass Park. When the festival moved to the park in 2015 — following neighbor complaints at its previous location in Humboldt Park — McNary said it almost felt like the community was being invaded by unfamiliar music and traffic congestion. McNary and her husband left to stay in a hotel for the weekend. “When they first came, it was more or less like a group coming to profit from a big festival in the community that they’re […]

Riot Fest to leave Douglass Park following years of community tension, founder says

News Room

Riot Fest will move from Douglass Park in North Lawndale to a new location set to be revealed Wednesday, its founder shared on social media Tuesday night. The multiday punk, rock and hip-hop festival has taken place in Douglass Park since 2015, but tensions have increased among festival management and residents in recent years. Founder Mike Petrynshyn promised to unveil a new concept he called “RiotLand” Wednesday morning in a statement posted to X, formerly known as Twitter. In the statement, Petrynshyn thanked Ald. Monique Scott, 24th, for her support of the event and said that the Chicago Park District […]

Ravinia Festival files fresh complaint, trademark petition against Ravinia Brewing Co.

News Room

The updated complaint in the federal lawsuit between the non-profit music organization and the microbrewery accuses the brewing company founders of intending to, “trade and infringe on the Ravinia [Festival Association] name and trademark” from the start of their business plan.