Founded in 2017 and first introduced to Chicago as the Pilsen Taco Fest as a grassroots community event to celebrate Hispanic and Latino heritage by bringing thousands of people together to a family-friendly safe space at Harrison Park filled with drinks and food, and music.
Last year due to the pandemic, the third annual Michelada Fest was canceled and pushed back. Chicago opening back and lifting all restrictions in June was good news as the fest was set to kick off again once this summer.
The fest took place at Pilsen's Harrison Park this past weekend from Friday, Aug 6, to Sunday, Aug 8. Non-vaccinated attendees were asked to wear masks or bring proof of a negative COVID-19 test result to enter the premises. While vaccinated, patrons were asked to bring their vaccination cards. The festival also presented on-site COVID-19 testing and free vaccinations for all on Friday and Saturday in partnership with Rush Hospital.
After a big hit due to the pandemic, Michelada Fest thrives once again at home in the heart of Chicago. "It's very moving to realize that all of our visions we have for Chicago Michelada Fest and Grass Root Events as a whole are coming true and pretty quickly. Not only did we have huge artists perform this year but also had pretty dope activations, which has always been a goal of ours as a team. We want to bring that huge festival feeling to our community and I think we are exponentially achieving that. Very proud of our team," said Alexandra Castro, Digital Content Coordinator for Chicago Michelada Fest.
The event was hosted by DJ Jesse El Grande at the Cashdrop Stage, where live performances went on all weekend by local acts such as Los KBros, Vanguardia, Jbro Bugatti, Marce, Abel, Kinto Sol, and Miriam. The headliners throughout the weekend included reggaeton superstars such as RKM & Ken-Y, Angel Y Khriz, J Alvarez, and Guaynaa.
"Events like this are important to the community because on a daily basis if I'm walking through this area, it's nothing here, but when we come together, we can make such a beautiful party. Look around; you could never expect this next week. As a community, as Pilsen, it's dope we have the ability and resources to do it."
Abel
Recording Artist
"It was amazing out there. This was my first festival. This event was definitely important for the community, given everything that's been going on we've been going through a pandemic so everybody in their own way has been suffering. It's nice to have something like this built by the community itself for the people to come out and try to get their mind of the bs, at least for a little bit. I'm just super blessed to be a part of it."
Miriam Paz
DJ for V5 Group
"Events like this bring the community together. People are able to have fun and build relationships. It's a change of scenery. We in the middle of Pilsen, all these thousands of people coming together listening to music being happy instead of being out there on some violent sh*t."
Jbro Bugatti
Recording Artist
Food and Michelada drink vendors were present, fueling the attendees with their signature micheladas and delicious meals. In the VIP section, they had Chef Oscar Samayoa serving his famous Birria Ta-Ta-Tacos. While on the other side of the festival were Anthony and Eric Cardenas, founders of Prime Tacos, serving their signature Hot Cheeto Burger and Tomahawk Steaks.
Alongside Prime Taco was Taco Sublime, a pop-up food truck whose steak taco was named the best by Invitation Chicago and was also name-dropped as one of the top 3 food trucks in the city by the Chicago Reader. Many of these businesses were cultivated during the pandemic, and festivals like this allow them to grow within their respective foodie communities.
Of course, Michelada's weren't missing as they were the staple drink of the festival and many vendors from across the city came together to serve the community. Vendors such as Big Mich, Los Mochis, La Curva Picosa, and many more served their signature micheladas made with beer, lime juice, hot sauces, spices, tomato juice, and more.
"A couple of years ago, Fernando Nieto took a risk inviting us to the first-ever Taco Fest. We were literally 3 months fresh, and they hit us up to do miches for them. It was because of them giving us an opportunity to come and serve that we’re here today. Community to me is todo!"
Javi Garcia
Founder of Big Mich
"We're here because we want to be able to feed our community and feed the people that started with us, Pilsen. Pilsen was one of the first neighborhoods that really opened their arms to us. Events like this are important, especially after the pandemic; it's really important and crucial to give them an opportunity to come back together stronger.
Khaled Simon
Founder of Taco Sublime
"Events like Chicago Michelada Fest are important for the community because our event is founded by young people of color - our team grew up in Pilsen or the south side of Chicago. Our events are a reflection of the people in our community, and it's important we celebrate them by giving them a platform. We pride ourselves in featuring local artists and small businesses and raising money for local organizations because we genuinely care about giving back to the community that houses us."
Alexandra Castro