Riot Fest is one of the most unique destination music festivals in the country because of the music mix, a combination of punk, ska, pop, reggae, metal and rock. Add in the carnival sideshows and daredevil performances this weekend offers something not seen elsewhere in one setting. Center to the festival are the sponsoring music venues that serve their own craft beer, music oriented causes at vender booths and some one-of-a-kind artisan wares. 

Tucked away in the near-west side of Chicago at Douglas Park, it isn't the easiest location for out of towners to get to, but once there the expansive park is the perfect immersion experience.  

Headliners Nine Inch Nails, Queens of the Stone Age and The Jawbreakers reunion where were the big draws while earlied, up and coming acts like Sweden's Invsn and Black Pistol Fire with there blues-stomping rock blew everyone away.