Riot Fest postponed until 2021; My Chemical Romance still on board

Let's start with the good news. If you already have your Riot Fest tickets, don't worry: My Chemical Romance still plans to headline the fest.

The bad news is it'll be in 2021.

Riot Fest organizers announced Tuesday afternoon that the late-summer music celebration has been postponed until September 17-19, 2021, because of public health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

To soften the blow, organizers say the first wave of the lineup, also announced Tuesday, will stay the same. Smashing Pumpkins? Yes. Run the Jewels? Of course. Pixies? Plan on it! Also still on the eclectic roster are Lupe Fiasco, Taking Back Sunday, The All-American Rejects, Gogol Bordello, Wilmette native K.Flay, Chicago's own Beach Bunny and half a poster's worth of others.

Refunds are available before July 16, 2020, at tixel.com. You can also transfer your ticket to a friend (before the same deadline) at eventbrite.com. For further questions, see the FAQ page at riotfest.org.

If you plan on hanging on to your tickets until next year — or purchase one by July 16, 2020 — you'll get access to a special Thursday Preview Party on Sept. 16, 2021, the night before the fest officially opens to the public. The perks are still under wraps, but a statement on the Riot Fest website promises mystery sets, advance access to merch, carnival activities and more to be announced.