Chicago’s Michelada Fest Canceled Over “Uncertainty Around Artist Visas” (2025)

Michelada Fest, a Latin music festival in Chicago, has canceled its 2025 event citing “uncertainty around artist visas and the shifting political climate” under the Trump Administration.

Among the artists who were slated to perform at the festival were Grupo Firme, Anitta and Danny Ocean. Also on the bill was Mexican band Los Alegres del Barranco, whose visas were revoked last month over images during their shows that U.S. deputy secretary of state Christopher Landau said “glorified” drug cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as El Mencho.

“This was not an easy decision for us to make,” the festival wrote on social media on Tuesday. “Your trust, time and hard-earned dollars mean everything to us, and we believe in giving you the experience you deserve. Canceling affects more than just us. It also impacts the local vendors, small businesses, artists and community partners who help bring this fest to life. We are endlessly grateful for each and every one of you. We wouldn’t be where we are today without your support.”

The festival said ticket buyers will be granted full refunds, telling fans to expect refunds to be processed within seven to 20 days.

Michelada’s move comes as more international artists are speaking out about difficulties touring the U.S. under the Trump administration. Canadian trans artist Bells Larsen, for example, announced back in April that he had to cancel his upcoming U.S. tour over visa issues stemming from the Trump administration’s anti-Trans gender requirements. Before then, Neil Young — who is Canadian-American — wrote a missive on his website voicing concern he wouldn’t be let back into the country after his upcoming European tour.

“For seven years, we’ve poured nuestros corazones into this festival. From a street fest in Pilsen to a national stage, you helped us grow into something bigger than we ever imagined,” Michelada wrote Tuesday. “Michelada Fest will always be a safe place where our comunidad 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. From Chicago, for Chicago. Always. We’re already dreaming up what’s next. ¡Nos vemos pronto!”