Riot Fest 2026
Packing List

Allowed Items

The following is from the official Riot Fest allowed items list at riotfest.org.

• Air loungers
• Blankets — be courteous and keep them out of pathways
• Breastfeeding pumps
• Bug spray in non-aerosol containers
• CamelBak-style water bladder systems — bladder must be transparent, empty, and removable
• Camp and stadium seats — soft, no metal frames
• Cell phones and portable chargers and batteries
• Earplugs
• Empty plastic reusable water bottles such as a Nalgene — no metal, no glass
• Factory sealed e-cigarettes only
• Small fans approximately 10 inches or less — motorized handheld, neck fans, and paper fans
• Hats
• Medical mobility devices — canes, crutches, knee scooters, walkers, and wheelchairs
• Non-professional point and shoot cameras and digital cameras — no cameras with removable lenses
• Portable phone chargers and batteries
• Prescription and OTC medications subject to specific conditions in the Health and Safety section
• Raincoats and ponchos
• Standard sized backpacks, bags, and purses — do not have to be clear
• Strollers and soft-sided wagons
• Sunscreen in non-aerosol containers

What to Actually Pack

The following suggestions are based on general knowledge of outdoor September festivals in the Chicago climate and are not sourced from riotfest.org.

• Standard backpack: Does not have to be clear. Pack everything below and you are good.
• Empty plastic reusable water bottle: No metal, no glass. Fill at water stations inside the grounds.
• Layers and a light jacket or hoodie: September evenings in Chicago get cold, especially after the sun goes down around 7pm. Essential for the late sets.
• Compact rain jacket or poncho: September Chicago weather is unpredictable. The festival is rain or shine. A packable poncho takes up almost no space and saves the day if it storms.
• Non-aerosol sunscreen: Afternoon sets can be warm and exposed. Aerosol sunscreen is not allowed.
• Portable phone charger: A full day of the festival app, photos, and group messaging drains fast. Chargers and batteries are explicitly allowed.
• Earplugs: Three days of loud music adds up. Bring a backup pair.
• Cash and card: Some vendors prefer cash. ATMs on site typically charge fees.
• ID: Required for alcohol purchases.
• Comfortable broken-in shoes: Three days on your feet across a festival grounds. Shoes matter more than most people account for.

Leave These at Home

The following items are prohibited at Riot Fest. Confiscated items will not be returned. Source: riotfest.org.

• Air horns
• Audio or video equipment of any kind including camcorders and GoPro cameras
• Bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, and scooters inside the grounds
• Chairs with metal frames except medical devices
• Coolers of any kind unless medically necessary
• Drones
• Fireworks or incendiary devices
• Laser pointers and other focused-light devices
• Glass and metal containers of any kind
• Glow sticks
• Hula hoops
• Illegal and illicit substances
• Items intended for sale or promotion
• Laptops
• Mace
• Megaphones
• Metal reusable water bottles — plastic only
• Native American headdresses
• Outside food and beverages unless medically necessary
• Pets except service animals
• Professional cameras with removable lenses
• Professional radios or walkie-talkies
• Selfie sticks
• Sharp objects, long chains, or anything that could harm others
• Soccer balls, footballs, frisbees, and other projectiles
• Totems and signs on poles
• Umbrellas
• Water guns, water balloons, and water projectiles
• Weapons, knives, and firearms

A Note on GA Re-Entry

GA ticket holders cannot re-enter once they leave the festival grounds. Make sure everything you need for the day is in your bag before you go in. VIP, Deluxe, and Deluxe+ wristbands permit re-entry. Source: riotfest.org.