After a last-minute shakeup in its lineup (subtracting Blink-182 and adding Weezer, Run the Jewels and Taking Back Sunday) Riot Fest has finally released the daily schedule, with just three days to spare until gates open in Douglas Park. Just like last year, performances will take place across five stages, with plenty of overlapping sets that will force attendees to make some tough decisions throughout the weekend (or sprint between stages).
RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to Riot Fest music festival
Friday is mostly devoid of major conflicts, though it is a bit strange to see local alt-rock legend Liz Phair and Russian activist rockers Pussy Riot scheduled so early in the afternoon. Hip-hop fans will want to camp out at the Radicals Stage on Friday, where Digable Planets, Atmosphere and Cypress Hill will play back-to-back sets throughout the afternoon.
The Saturday lineup presents some interesting decisions, most notably the simultaneous sets from Elvis Costello & the Imposters and Killing Joke—both are rare enough bookings that there's likely a large contingent of attendees (myself included) who were hoping to catch both sets in their entirety. The same goes for the post-hardcore act Jesus Lizard and original rock 'n' roller Jerry Lee Lewis, who play against one another later in the afternoon. While Beck headlines the Riot Stage, honorary Riot Fest mascot Andrew W.K. will be performing on a smaller stage across the park, but if you're the kind of person who wants to cap off the day with “Party Hard,” you're probably not going to be too bummed about missing a rendition of “Loser.”
For some reason, Riot Fest gets the earliest start on Sunday, the one day of the weekend when nearly everyone is guaranteed to be walking into Douglas Park tired and/or hungover. Thankfully, major conflicts are few and far between, unless you're a huge fan of new-wave heroes Blondie and stalwart indie-rockers Superchunk. Incubus won't cap off Sunday evening, but it will play a longer set than hip-hop duo Run the Jewels, which is probably for the best—El-P and Killer Mike can pack a lot of fist pumping and scream-alongs into 60 minutes.
Check out the entire Riot Fest 2018 schedule (plus a map of the festival grounds) below, make sure to grab your tickets and we'll see you in Douglas Park this weekend.
