Photos: Riot Fest concludes with standout sets from Slayer, Rob Zombie, The Vandals & more

Slayer performs at Riot Fest on Sept. 22, 2024.

The third and final day of Riot Fest 2024, held in Chicago’s Douglass Park on Sept. 22, was the heaviest day of the fest, as Slayer closed things out by performing their very first show since disbanding in 2019. All day long, the Cabaret Metro Stage, where Slayer headlined, featured metal, metal, and more metal including face-melting sets from Lamb of God and Mastodon.

Elsewhere, Rob Zombie and his band brought their distinct brand of horror-infused hard rock to the AAA Stage, treating fans to favorites like “Living Dead Girl,” “Feel So Numb,” and “Dragula.” Gwar also delivered in all their gory glory, leaving fans more than ready to close out the summer and enter spooky season.

Rob Zombie performs at Riot Fest on Sept. 22, 2024.

The Vandals blended humor and punk throughout their afternoon set, especially when taking requests from the crowd.

“What do you want to hear,” asked vocalist Dave Quackenbush. “I appreciate that [you] know the songs but we’d have to rehearse to learn some of the ones that you’re saying and we don’t have that luxury at this moment. Let’s play a song called ‘It’s a Fact’ by The Vandals.”

Laura Jane Grace and Catbite perform at Riot Fest on Sept. 22, 2024.

Laura Jane Grace with Catbite paid tribute to Operation Ivy on the NOFX World Stage while the Radical Stage hosted the likes of Something Corporate and Dr. Dog. Fiddlehead, Sunami, and Sprints were further highlights of the Sunday lineup.

Riot Fest 2024 was a glorious experience that won’t soon be forgotten. Check out photos from Day 3 below and click here to see our gallery from Day 2 and click here to see our Day 1 gallery. More information can be found at RiotFest.org.

(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)