Michelada Fest 2025 canceled due to uncertainty surrounding artists’ visas, political climate, organizers say

CHICAGO — This summer’s Michelada Fest has been canceled.

In a message on the festival’s website Tuesday, organizers said that “the uncertainty surrounding artist visas and the rapidly changing political climate,” were among the reasons for canceling the 2025 fest.

“This was not an easy decision for us to make. For seven years, we’ve poured everything into this festival to create something truly special for our community. Last year was our most incredible celebration yet, and we were ready to make this year even bigger, with more energy, creativity, and corazón. But as independent organizers, we can’t afford to take on a big risk with so much uncertainty ahead,” read part of the message.

Organizers are assuring ticketholders that full refunds are underway and will be processed in the next seven to 15 days per original payment format.

The two-day Michelada Fest was set to run July 19-20 at Oakwood Beach. It is known to be one of Chicago’s most diverse Latin music festivals.

Read the fest’s entire statement below:

To our Michelada Fest comunidad,

With sad hearts, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel Michelada Fest 2025.

Due to the uncertainty surrounding artist visas and the rapidly changing political climate, we’re no longer able to guarantee the full experience we had dreamed up for you with all your favorite artists. Although we tried to push through, it became clear that we wouldn’t be able to deliver the full lineup as planned.

Your trust, time, and hard-earned dollars mean everything to us, and we believe in giving you the experience you deserve.

Refunds are our top priority. Full refunds will begin immediately to everyone who purchased tickets through our website or Ticketon. Refunds will go back to the original form of payment. Please allow up to 7-15 business days for processing.

This was not an easy decision for us to make. For seven years, we’ve poured everything into this festival to create something truly special for our community. Last year was our most incredible celebration yet, and we were ready to make this year even bigger, with more energy, creativity, and corazón. But as independent organizers, we can’t afford to take on a big risk with so much uncertainty ahead.

Canceling this year’s fest affects more than just us. It also impacts the local vendors, small businesses, artists, and community partners who help bring this fest to life–people we care about deeply and who are essential to the festival’s spirit and success. We are endlessly grateful for each and every one of you. We wouldn’t be where we are today without your support.

We’re heartbroken by the greater impact this will have on our involved community, with ripple effects reaching our neighborhoods, local economy and the culture we’ve built together. But despite this setback, we remain committed to our values. Michelada Fest will always be a safe place where our community comes together, united by pride and love of our culture and music. That won’t ever change. We’ll keep showing up, giving back, and uplifting our people in every way we can.

Thank you to everyone who’s been with us since day one. To those who watched us grow from a street fest in Pilsen to a leading Latin music festival, your support means the world to us. We’re proud to represent Chicago on a national level, and we plan to come back stronger.

From Chicago, for Chicago always. We’re already dreaming up what’s next. ¡Nos vemos pronto!

Con amor,

The Michelada Fest Team