John Stamos sets the stage, and the rules, for Riot Fest 2025

John Stamos may finally be on his way to Riot Fest after more than a decade of playful, persistent pursuit by the festival. The ongoing gag began back in 2013, when organizers first floated the idea of the Full House star joining the lineup, setting off years of elaborate nods that ranged from themed art shows to butter sculptures. The teasing became a kind of tradition, with Stamos always on the outside looking in, until now.

This week, Riot Fest announced that Stamos has tentatively agreed to appear during its twentieth anniversary weekend in Douglass Park, September 19–21, stepping behind the drum kit with The Beach Boys on September 20. His decision, however, comes with an unmistakable twist: a rider filled with requests that blur the line between satire and spectacle. Among the more colorful conditions are special festival merchandise of his own design, unusual backstage décor, culinary tributes, and even rules governing how people may (or may not) interact with his hair.

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While the terms seem intentionally over the top, festival organizers say they are willing to meet them if it means ending this long-running game of cat and mouse. Stamos himself has remained coy, neither fully committing nor backing out, keeping fans guessing whether this will be the year the joke becomes reality.

The 2025 Riot Fest lineup is stacked with major acts, including Green Day, Blink-182, Weezer, The Sex Pistols, and Jack White, but the possible addition of Stamos has quickly become one of its most talked-about storylines. For attendees, the thought of seeing him alongside The Beach Boys, especially after years of build-up, has transformed into a kind of mythical quest.

Whether he ultimately shows remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: if John Stamos does step on that stage in Douglass Park next month, it will mark the end of one of the strangest and most endearing inside jokes in festival history.

Tickets for Riot Fest 2025 are available now at riotfest.org/tickets, with options for single-day, three-day, and VIP passes. Prices vary by tier, and early purchase is recommended before the event sells out.