HUMBOLDT PARK — Workers have begun setting up the stages Tuesday for this weekend's Riot Fest, a three-day music concert and carnival which starts Friday.
This year, The Replacements, The Pixies, Blink 182, Fall Out Boy and others will perform on five stages in Humboldt Park, while the carnival, organizers have hinted, will have more rides.
"Surprises are coming," said fest spokeswoman Heather West of the carnival. She said she was "not sure yet" how much the rides will cost.
Fest-goers will not be allowed to leave and come back "as a courtesy to residents in the Humboldt Park community," according to a fest FAQ posted on its web site.
Not allowing people re-entry will help "keep noise and trash pollution in one place," organizers say.
Fest-goers will not be able to bring their own food or drinks but both will be available for purchase inside, including vegetarian and vegan options. "There are beers in every price range from PBR to craft," said West.
Tickets are still available — two-day passes for Friday and Saturday are $104.98, and daily passes are $59.98. "We anticipate selling out, but that's not guaranteed," said West.
"We will not be releasing tickets after we sell out," she said, adding that there are contests for free tickets on the fest's Facebook page and through its Twitter account.
As for rumors that there will be a John Stamos butter sculpture, West would only say "We love John Stamos and his band, the Rippers. We hope to book them someday."
