Photos: Riot Fest Day 2 features Dropkick Murphys, Weezer, Jack White & more

Weezer performs at Riot Fest in Chicago on Sept. 20, 2025.

Day 1 of Riot Fest set the bar high in terms of good times and great performances and Day 2 continued to offer fans an unforgettable experience in Chicago’s Douglass Park. Cliffdiver, Gwar, and a long-awaited and highly-anticipated appearance by John Stamos – who performed with The Beach Boys on the Riot Stage – were just a few of the highlights that took place before Weezer closed things out by playing some of their greatest hits along with their iconic Blue Album in its entirety.

Weezer performs at Riot Fest in Chicago on Sept. 20, 2025.

It’s hard to say which song had the biggest sing-along during Weezer’s headlining set on The Riot Stage as “My Name Is Jonas,” “Buddy Holly,” and “Undone – The Sweater Song” all beg to be sung at the top of your lungs amid a giant crowd. “Surf Wax America,” “Say It Ain’t So,” and “In the Garage” also sounded great as Rivers Cuomo and company shared their infectious melodies.

Earlier in the evening, Jack White – armed with music from his latest record, No Name – melted faces with his incredible guitar work. James captivated with an upbeat, interactive dance-party and Dropkick Murphys represented the Celtic punk genre with thumping rhythms and defiant lyrics.

Dropkick Murphys perform at Riot Fest in Chicago on Sept. 20, 2025.

After playing “Boys on the Docks,” Dropkick Murphys vocalist Ken Casey noted how that song is about his grandfather and how he always stood up to the working class, which led into the next item on the setlist.

“We’ve got a brand new album out now that has another song about my grandfather. Looking back and thinking about hopefully how proud he’d be at the Dropkick Murphys, speaking up against what’s happening right now. And I think I know what that answer is, you know? It’s great to see all the people here with the ‘Fuck Ice’ shirts,”
said Casey. “All right, this one’s off the new record. It’s called ‘Chesterfields and Aftershave.'”

The Cribs, Superchunk, Buzzcocks, and The Damned also unleashed killer sets during Day 2 of Riot Fest.

Check out photos from Day 2 of Riot Fest below and click here to relive the Day 1 festivities. More information can be found at RiotFest.org.

(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)