Ancient Greek cynics were the original punk rockers, solidifying their street cred by donning leather togas and convincing everyone that they were actually in The Matrix. Celebrate their hard-earned éclat and guitar-thrashing hokum with today’s Groupon: for $15, you get a ticket to one of two Riot Fest main-event shows at the Congress Theater (a $34 value, including service fee). Choose between the following options:

• Friday, October 8, at 5:30 p.m. Performing bands include Bad Religion, The Lawrence Arms, Circle Jerks, Bouncing Souls, Off With Their Heads, and X Is For Eyes.

• Saturday, October 9, at 3 p.m. Performing bands include Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Pennywise, Less Than Jake, Snapcase, Anti-Flag, The Flatliners, The Swellers, Banner Pilot, and Have Nots.

A celebration of punk’s underground rep, Riot Fest unites a hodgepodge of bands as they tear up stages around town. With two major shows at the Congress Theater, the fest aims to wow attendees with a stacked lineup that’s headlined by prominent punk stalwarts Bad Religion. Soak up a sinuses-clearing dose of throat-blasting vocals and guillotine-swift guitar shredding with the Circle Jerks, or revel in a maelstrom of snot-nosed impatience with The Lawrence Arms. Avoid outfitting the local high-school brass band in jean jackets and get a satisfying fill of punk-tinged trombone with the brain-burrowing tunes of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones. Tighten up your bootstraps and loosen up your neck for fun-filled headbanging.

Reviews

While reviews for Riot Fest are still growing online, numerous local and national press outlets featured the music festival, including A.V. Club Chicago, About.com, and critic Jim DeRogatis of Vocalo.org:

• Annual punk festival Riot Fest is seeking to outdo itself once again this year come Oct. 6 through 10, with shows at seven venues… – David Wolinsky, A.V. Club Chicago