Undeterred by the Friday night rain, thousands flocked to Douglass Park for Riot Fest, headlined by Chicago legends Lupe Fiasco and The Smashing Pumpkins.

Last year’s festival was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic, and organizers offered 2020 ticket holders admission to Thursday night’s preview party with Morrissey, Alkaline Trio, Patti Smith, Joyce Manor, WDRL and Kristeen Young.

Acts playing Friday night also included Coheed and Cambria, Sublime with Rome, NOFX and Dirty Heads.

  • Lupe Fiasco performs The Cool during the first night of Riot Fest in Douglass Park on Sept. 17, 2021. | Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago
  • Coheed and Cambria performs during the first night of Riot Fest in Douglass Park on Sept. 17, 2021. | Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago
  • Fans watch Sublime performs with Rome during the first night of Riot Fest in Douglass Park on Sept. 17, 2021. | | Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago
  • Sublime performs with Rome during the first night of Riot Fest in Douglass Park on Sept. 17, 2021. | Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago
  • Fans watch Sublime performs with Rome during the first night of Riot Fest in Douglass Park on Sept. 17, 2021. | Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago
  • Matt Loucks watches as Sublime performs with Rome during the first night of Riot Fest in Douglass Park on Sept. 17, 2021. | Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago
  • Beach Bunny performs during the first night of Riot Fest in Douglass Park on Sept. 17, 2021. | Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago
  • Festival goers walk around near the Candy Castle during the first night of Riot Fest in Douglass Park on Sept. 17, 2021. | Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago
  • A fan has a moment as Coheed and Cambria perform during the first night of Riot Fest in Douglass Park on Sept. 17, 2021. | Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago
  • The Smashing Pumpkins perform during the first night of Riot Fest in Douglass Park on Sept. 17, 2021. | Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago
  • Fans watch Sublime performs with Rome during the first night of Riot Fest in Douglass Park on Sept. 17, 2021. | Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago
  • Fans cover themselves as rain falls during the first night of Riot Fest in Douglass Park on Sept. 17, 2021. | Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago