The organizers of Michelada Fest, a popular Chicago-based festival, announced on Tuesday that the event scheduled for mid-July 2025 has been canceled. This decision was made primarily due to significant visa issues impacting Mexican Corrido artists, a situation exacerbated during the Trump administration.

Official Statement from the Organizers

The festival’s team released a statement citing the inability to deliver a full experience with the intended lineup of artists, stating:

“Because of the surrounding artist visas and the rapidly changing political climate, we are unable to guarantee the complete experience we have dreamed of with your favorite artist. We tried to push, but it became clear that we couldn’t deliver the full lineup as planned.”

They emphasized their commitment to the community, noting, “Your trust, time, hard-earned dollars mean everything to us. We believe in giving you the experience you deserve. This was not an easy decision for us. For seven years, we’ve poured everything into this festival and created something really special for our community.”

Impacts on the Artist Lineup and Ticket Holders

This year’s lineup included notable artists like Danny Ocean, Anitta, and Grupo Farm. Unfortunately, the cancellation also affected bands such as Los Alegress del Baranco, whose visa was revoked for a controversial portrayal during a concert.

All ticket holders will receive refunds through the festival’s official website, processed within 7-20 business days. Most funds will revert to the original payment method used for purchase.

Community Impact and Future Aspirations

The organizers expressed sorrow over the cancellation’s effects on local communities, stating, “We are heartbroken by the enormous impact this has on the communities we are involved in, and the ripple effects have reached our neighborhoods, our local economy and the culture we have built together.” Despite this setback, they reaffirmed their dedication to creating a safe and vibrant gathering place centered around cultural pride and music.

Looking ahead, the festival team remarked, “We already dream of: InosVemosPronto!” signaling their hope for future events.