DOUGLAS PARK — Riot Fest announced Saturday afternoon that the festival will end early due to inclement weather. The decision, posted on the event’s social‑media channels at about 3:30 p.m., cites an “abundance of caution” for fans, performers, and staff, as well as coordination with the City of Chicago.
Revised Schedule for Saturday
Under the new timetable, all headliners originally slated to start after 8:00 p.m. will now take the stage no later than 6:30 p.m. The festival expects every act to wrap up by 7:30 p.m. Specific changes include:
- Rapper Afroman’s 8:00 p.m. set has been removed.
- Bright Eyes has been moved to the Radical Stage and will perform at 6:30 p.m.
Other artists have had their sets shortened or cut, but the full list of adjustments is available on the festival’s website.
Weather Outlook
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Chicago through Sunday at 7:00 a.m. After a brief lull Saturday afternoon, rain is expected to resume around 4:00 p.m., with stronger storms likely around 9:00 p.m. Organizers emphasized that safety remains the top priority and that the early closure is a proactive measure to avoid potential hazards.
Sunday’s Program Unchanged
Festival officials confirmed that Sunday’s schedule will proceed as originally planned. Attendees are encouraged to check the official Riot Fest website for the most up‑to‑date information on set times and any further weather‑related notices.
Historical Context
This marks the first time Riot Fest has ended early in Chicago because of weather. The festival previously faced a similar situation in 2012 when the Brooklyn edition was forced to shut down early amid severe storms and tornado warnings.
Fans who purchased tickets are advised to review the festival’s refund policy and to stay informed through the official communication channels. For additional details, including a complete revised schedule, visitors can follow the link provided by Riot Fest.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
