Riot Fest vs. A.V. Fest Hideout Block Party: Battle Of The Chicago Music Festivals

It’s usually good news for music-loving Chicagoans when the city gets to play host to just one high-caliber music festival — and with those prospects doubled this weekend, music fans in the area have been tasked with a tricky choice.

In this corner, Chicago’s Riot Fest. The punk-geared festival, in its eighth year, is taking their show outdoors, setting up shop in Humboldt Park Saturday and Sunday following a Friday kickoff event headlined by The Offspring. Their festival boasts Elvis Costello, Iggy And The Stooges, Andrew W.K., Dropkick Murphys plus carnival rides.

And in the opposite corner, the consolidated A.V. Fest and Hideout Block Party. What the two-day event lacks in carnival rides, it makes up for with a lineup including Iron & Wine, Glen Hansard, Wye Oak and Midwest favorites Wilco.

Riot Fest vs. A.V. Fest Hideout Block Party: Battle Of The Chicago Music Festivals (VIDEOS)