Twenty years into its punk-rock-carnival experiment, Riot Fest stands as Chicago’s largest, longest-running independent music festival. From its humble beginnings in the since-shuttered Congress Theater, to brief adventures in both Colorado and Philadelphia, the vision of founders “Riot Mike” Petryshyn and the late Sean McKeough remains steadfast in charting its own lane in the music festival landscape — celebrating musical genres and influential though often unsung artists who draw generations of outsiders, weirdos, goths, freaks and geeks.

And, finally, John Stamos.

Marrying aspects of vaudevillian sideshows — at one time even showcasing motorcycle stunt performers suspended above guests — fair games and rides with the festival’s usual suspects of food, merchandise and alcohol vendor

See Full Page