# Riot Fest 2026: Violet Grohl, Paradox and Rise Against shine at Douglass Park > Chicago's Riot Fest 2026 opens with Violet Grohl, Paradox and Rise Against delivering high-energy sets amid 50,000 attendees. - Title: Riot Fest 2026: Violet Grohl, Paradox and Rise Against shine… - Summary: Chicago's Riot Fest 2026 opens with Violet Grohl, Paradox and Rise Against delivering high-energy sets amid 50,000 attendees. Riot Fest 2026 features rising… - Keywords: riot fest, violet grohl, paradox, rise against, chicago, douglass park, nfl, punk rock, billboard, alternative music, chicago punk, local music - Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/music/2026/09/18/riot-fest-2026-violet-grohl-twenty-one-pilots-rise-against-weather-douglass-park-chicago-music - Published: 2026-09-18T22:44:00+00:00 - Read time: 2 min - Topics: riot fest, violet grohl, paradox, rise against, chicago, douglass park, nfl, punk rock, billboard, alternative music, chicago punk, local music ## Riot Fest 2026 opens Riot Fest 2026 kicks off Friday in Chicago's Douglass Park with a cross-generational mix of punk acts. > Riot Fest 2026 kicked off Friday in Chicago's Douglass Park with a big cross-generational mix, featuring flagship bands of elder Gen X and younger groups beloved by Gen Z fighting for prime time spots. ## Violet Grohl debuts 20-year-old Violet Grohl, daughter of Dave Grohl, brings 90s alternative vibes to Riot Fest with a 25-minute set. > At just 20 years old, the singer (and daughter of Dave Grohl) brought a total '90s mood board to Riot Fest. ## Paradox returns The Paradox, an Atlanta pop punk band, performs with infectious energy and a live set that includes new songs. > The four-piece came packing infectious energy in punchy songs like early hit 'Get the Message' and the brand-new number 'That’s Not Fair' (played live for just the second time). ## Rise Against shines Rise Against delivers anti-establishment punk anthems with Chicago pride and community focus. > Chicago never crawls for anybody! declared singer Tim McIlrath referencing the song's lyrics about not getting on your knees for the man. ## Alkaline Trio Alkaline Trio performs a nostalgic set with Chicago roots and a mix of old and new songs. > This song's for Chicago! declared Skiba introducing 2005's 'Mercy Me' which namedrops the city. ## First-timers guide Riot Fest offers a first-timers guide for new attendees with 50,000 expected daily visitors. > Organizers prepared for a crowd of first time fest goers this year with a special guide on its website. ## Weather updates WGN weatherman Tom Skilling returns to deliver live forecasts ahead of weekend storms. > Beloved WGN weatherman Tom Skilling coming out of retirement to deliver live forecasts both Friday and Saturday night. ## Paradox milestone The Paradox become the first all-Black band to reach No. 1 on Billboard's alternative airplay chart. > Earlier this year, the Paradox became the first all Black band to reach No 1 on Billboard's alternative airplay chart. ## Riot Fest 2026 attendance Riot Fest 2026 expects up to 50,000 attendees each day at Douglass Park. > Organizers anticipate up to 50,000 attendees each day for the festival in Douglass Park. ## Rise Against's Chicago pride Rise Against celebrates Chicago's punk legacy with songs dedicated to local landmarks and community. > It's all because of every single one of you, no matter where you are on this journey with us, if it's day 1 or goes back 26 years ago, it's all because of you and the soil and the music in this town that raised us. ## Riot Fest 2026 lineup Riot Fest 2026 features veteran bands like Alkaline Trio and Rise Against alongside rising stars. > Friday's lineup includes two veteran bands of Chicago's punk scene: Alkaline Trio and Rise Against. ## Riot Fest 2026 history Riot Fest has been running since 2001 with a focus on local music and community. > Riot Fest is the only place you'll see Patti Smith and Insane Clown Posse in the same weekend. ## Riot Fest 2026 weekend Riot Fest 2026 runs through Sunday with heavy rain expected over the weekend. > Some predicted heavy storms and rainfall the rest of the weekend. ## Riot Fest 2026 music Riot Fest 2026 features a mix of punk rock, alternative, and indie music. > The Paradox has been the talk of tastemakers the last couple of years, recognized for carrying the pop punk torch for a new generation. ## Riot Fest 2026 impact Riot Fest 2026 has a strong community focus with local music and events. > They were community building. Sometimes using a megaphone to get his point across, McIlrath referred to the packed crowd as his 'brothers and sisters' and inducted everyone into the family on 'Nod'. ## Riot Fest 2026 highlights Riot Fest 2026 highlights include Violet Grohl, Paradox, and Rise Against. > Riot Fest 2026 kicks off with rising stars Violet Grohl, the Paradox and return of local punks Rise Against. ## Key takeaway Riot Fest 2026 features rising star Violet Grohl and the first all-Black band to reach No. 1 on Billboard's alternative airplay chart.