Chicago's Riot Fest returns this weekend (September 20 through September 22) for their annual smorgasbord of live music in Douglass Park. This year's lineup is highlighted by the final shows of long running punk band NOFX. If you're still conflicted on what bands to see, we picked out five acts worth catching at the festival. Passes for the festival are still on sale to the general public right now here. More information about Riot Fest can be found here.

Urethane

When: Saturday, September 21 at NOFX World (12 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.)

While most known Steve Caballero as a prolific skateboarder, the SoCal native has been shredding the guitar for most of their life with previous bands The Faction and Shovelhead. Formed in 2021, Urethane finds the skateboarder continuing their love of punk rock alongside vocalist/guitarist Tim Fennelly (War Fever), bassist Chad Ruiz (Skipjack), and drummer Dylan Wade (ex The Bombpops). Following the release of their debut album Chasing Horizons, the band hit the road with tours all over the U.S., Europe, and Japan.

 Lord of the Lost

When: Saturday, September 21 at Rise Stage (12:45 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.)

German's Lord of the Lost is looking to bring some darkness to Riot Fest. The gothic metal band, who've become a staple at rock festivals in Europe since their formation, are currently in the midst of their first U.S. tour in a decade. Last year was one of their biggest years to date with a noticeable appearance in the Eurovision Song Contest and a supporting slot on Iron Maiden's world tour. Lord of the Lost will be supporting their latest covers album Weapons of Mass Seduction.

Pixel Grip

When: Saturday, September 21 at AAA Stage (12 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.)

Chicago's own Pixel Grip will make their Riot Fest debut as they kick off the AAA Stage. Since forming in 2018, the electropop trio have been wowing crowds at festivals in North America such as Substance Festival in Los Angeles, Purple City Fest in Edmonton, and Demon Night in Nashville. Their 2021 studio album Arena found the band earning five million streams on music streaming services. With the release of their new single "Stamina," Pixel Grip are looking to give the clubs more energetic anthems.

Drug Church

When: Friday, September 20 at Radical Stage (4 p.m. - 4:40 p.m.)

New York post-hardcore group Drug Church will tour the country this fall, but first, they have to visit Riot Fest. The five-piece band have been gaining praise for their mixture of hardcore, grunge, and alternative rock to create something stimulating. Drug Church will be promoting their forthcoming studio album Prude, which drops on October 4 via Pure Noise Records.

The Warning

When: Friday, September 20 at Cabaret Metro Stage (1:55 p.m. - 2:25 p.m.)

Sold-out headlining shows across North America as well as supporting slots alongside Foo Fighters and Guns N' Roses have made The Warning one of rock music's most promising acts. In 2014, the trio of sisters from Mexico made headlines for covering Metallica's "Enter Sandman" at a young age, which led to a bevy of eyes and opportunities. Seven years after going viral for their Metallica cover, the iconic metal band asked them to record a studio version for their tribute album The Metallica Blacklist. The Warning are touring in support of their new studio album Keep Me Fed, which features the Latin Grammy-nominated single "Qué Más Quieres."