While Denver may not be the festival hub for big time concerts and festivals, it definitely holds its own with some of the other big cities like Chicago and L.A. There is no Coachella or Lollapalooza but there is Riot Fest that has returned this year with another fantastic lineup. Riot Fest is an event that mixes punk, rock, alternative, and hip-hop all into one festival, bringing together young rising talent as well as older music legends. Originating in 2005 in Chicago the festival has grown a ton since its inception and it only has more growing to do from the looks of how successful it’s going. This year it is being held at the National Western Complex in Denver featuring 5 stages, a carnival, a rodeo, food trucks, and vendors from all over Colorado. The all ages show is easily one of the more diverse festivals around with a great lineup with the addition of a carnival and some exciting amusement rides.
This year’s lineup is headlined by legends like System of a Down, Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, Run DMC, and Iggy Pop, as well as some other notable acts like Modest Mouse, Rancid, Tenacious D, Pixies, The Prodigy, Yelawolf, and Explosions In the Sky. If none of those amazing names spark an interest in this festival then definitely make sure you check out the lineup because it is filled with over 50 artists from every genre imaginable , so there is at least one artist that anyone who likes music will be able to find and get really excited about. For hip-hop fans, there may not be a huge list of people to see, but the ones that are featured are quite special. De La Soul, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, and Cypress Hill is a dream team of legendary rap artist for many people and it will definitely make for some great performances.
As the festival leans more towards the hardcore and punk, the lineup is highlighted by the aforementioned Rancid along with Flogging Molly, Thrice, Alkaline Trio, Drive Like Jehu, Coheed and Cambria Hidden Gems, Death Grips and GWAR, who will create moments people will never forget at a festival. For a bill that features Anthrax, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Nada Surf, the attendees will be just as diverse as the performers so don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and make the most of this huge event coming to Denver. The other editions of Riot Fest will take place next month; Chicago on Sept 11th through September 13th and Toronto on September 19 and September 20th. Tickets and lineups for all of the shows have all been announced and scheduled, so check it out and see if you’re favorite artist is at the next stop.
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