Thousands of concertgoers have flocked to the city over the last seven years for Michelada Fest, also known as Miche Fest, a lively cultural celebration that began in Pilsen as a street festival and has evolved into a massive multi-day musical showcase full of live music and the titular beer cocktail (also known as the Mexican Bloody Mary). This year, due to growing apprehension around the current state of American politics, the festival has been canceled.
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In a letter to the community posted on the official festival website, the Miche Fest team said: “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.”
Full refunds have been issued to ticketholders—the event was scheduled to take place on July 19 and 20 at Oakwood Beach, with headliners including Grupo Firme, Danny Ocean, Anitta and Luis R. Conriquez set to perform—as well as regrets. "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,” the organizers' statement continued. "But as independent organizers, we can’t afford to take on a big risk with so much uncertainty ahead.
The team acknowledged that canceling the festival will greatly impact not only local vendors and small businesses, but also, the artists who were slated to perform and the many community partners that were supporting the two-day festival.
“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,” organizers said. “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.”
But, don’t count the festival out forever—Miche Fest plans to come back better and stronger in the future. Stay tuned!