Chicago's beloved Michelada Fest, known for blending the best of Mexican music, culture, and spicy beer cocktails, has announced the cancellation of its 2025 edition due to rising concerns over artist visa denials under the administration of Donald Trump.
The festival, originally set for mid-July, had been counting on major Latin acts including Danny Ocean, Anitta, Grupo Firme, and Natanael Cano collaborator Netón Vega. The lineup also featured key regional Mexican and corrido performers like Los Alegres del Barranco — a band whose U.S. visas were recently revoked after projecting images of cartel leader 'El Mencho' during a controversial concert in Zapopan, Jalisco.
In a heartfelt statement posted Tuesday, the organizers of Michelada Fest expressed regret and frustration over what they described as "uncertainty surrounding artist visas and the rapidly changing political climate." The statement acknowledged that despite efforts to move forward, they could not ensure the "full experience" fans were promised.
"Your trust, time, and hard-earned dollars mean everything to us," the festival team wrote. "This was not an easy decision... For seven years, we've poured everything into this festival to create something truly special for our community."
The move comes at a time when the U.S. immigration system is once again under scrutiny. Since Trump's return to power earlier this year, his administration has reinstated restrictive policies targeting specific visa categories, particularly those tied to entertainment and foreign performers. Latin American artists — especially those in the narcocorrido and regional Mexican genres — have seen increasing scrutiny over lyrical content and perceived associations.
Luis R. Conriquez, Codiciado, and several other corrido artists on the Michelada Fest lineup reportedly encountered delays or rejections in their visa processing, leaving the festival's core programming in limbo. The cancellation is a major blow not only to fans but also to Chicago's Latino business community, which has long relied on the fest to drive summer tourism, food and beverage sales, and community pride.
Ticket holders have been promised full refunds within 7 to 20 business days, according to the official announcement. Refunds will be issued via the festival's website and through Ticketon, with most being returned to the original method of payment.
"We're heartbroken by the greater impact this will have on our involved community," the statement added, noting that the cancellation affects local vendors, musicians, and dozens of neighborhood-based organizations who participate in the annual cultural celebration. "But despite this setback, we remain committed to our values."
Michelada Fest's message was clear: while the music may be on pause for now, the mission of celebrating Latino culture and uniting the community remains unchanged.
With the cancellation serving as a chilling reminder of how politics and culture collide, many in the industry fear this may not be the last event disrupted under renewed visa restrictions.
Whether Michelada Fest will return in 2026 remains uncertain, but its organizers closed with a promise: "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."
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