Lift Off Latin Music Festival’s Second Day Canceled in Chicago

In a bizarre turn of events, the Lift Off music festival, billed as a “Latin culture infused festival” debuting in Chicago this weekend, canceled its second day of performances for Sunday (Aug. 12). Artists scheduled to play today included Reik and Sofia Reyes, while Maluma and CNCO performed on opening day.   

An official statement provided via email on behalf of Lift Off co-executive producer Ivan Lopez said: “Earlier this morning, we made the decision to cancel Lift Off Festival performances for Sunday, August 12 — and fully refund all who purchased passes. We had a great day and night at Lift Off on Saturday, August 11 — with world-class performances by the artists and an electric crowd atmosphere. Unfortunately, Sunday activities at the festival posed challenges that led to the cancelation.”   

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No details were shared about what these “challenges” were.    

The festival’s Instagram account posted a notice Sunday afternoon, stating: “All Sunday, August 12 activities and performances for the second day of Lift Off Festival at Chicago’s Union Park have been canceled.”

Refunds were being offered for both pass holders and single-day ticket holders.

On Instagram, fans were more generous than annoyed in their reactions, with some saying late advertisement and promotion may have contributed to what many were describing as small crowds yesterday, despite headliner Maluma.

 

We want to take the time to give a HUGE thanks to the artists, the staff, everyone involved in Lift Off Chicago and most importantly to you guys! ♥?——– SECOND DAY OF LIFT OFF MUSIC FESTIVAL CANCELED Sunday Pass Purchasers to Receive Full Refund Two-Day Pass Purchases to be Partially Refunded CHICAGO – All Sunday, August 12 activities and performances for the second day of Lift Off Festival at Chicago’s Union Park have been canceled. Single-day pass purchases for August 12 will be fully refunded. Two-day pass purchasers will receive partial refunds. Cash purchasers should email tickets@lof18.com with wristband and purchase information. Credit card purchases will be automatically refunded. REFUNDS ARE GETTING PROCESSED TODAY. IF TICKETS WERE PURCHASED ONLINE, WILL GET AUTOMATICALLY REFUNDED. MONEY ON PASS WILL BE REFUNDED BEGINNING MONDAY AUGUST 13. For additional information, please visit the Festival website: www.LOF18.com

A post shared by Lift Off– (@liftoff_live) on Aug 12, 2018 at 10:00am PDT

Still, the general sentiment among those posting was one of support for the upstart festival and its urban-leaning lineup. 
It’s unclear what the fallout could be from such a late cancelation that wasn’t prompted by weather or another major force.

On social media, headliners Reik posted a notice stating their performance had been canceled for reasons beyond their control 

Atento aviso a todos en Chicago pic.twitter.com/VxUpoYbg4U

— Reik (@ReikMx) August 12, 2018

Lift Off debuted this year, after Los Dells was put on in Wisconsin to great success in 2017.