McHenry Music Festival Approved; Ticket Fee Proposal Rejected

UPDATE: The McHenry City Council has just approved the 2026 McHenry Music Festival, while rejecting a controversial ticket service fee proposal that could have impacted the festival’s funding structure. This decision follows a heated discussion at the council meeting earlier today, with implications for local funding and community events.

At the heart of the discussion was a proposal from Fourth Ward Alderwoman Chris Bassi to implement a 5% service fee on festival tickets. Bassi argued that the funds could help maintain Petersen Park and other city parks. Mayor Wayne Jett, co-founder of the festival, firmly opposed the idea, stating, “I risk $3 million as it is. To also put more risk on it… I don’t think some people realize how much risk goes into this.”

The council’s decision is crucial as the 2025 festival is set to take place from September 12 to 14, attracting major performers and drawing crowds to the city. The festival has previously generated significant funding for local projects, with the RISE Up Foundation donating $200,000 and $300,000 in past years for park renovations and community enhancements.

The 2026 festival, scheduled for September 10 to 12, 2026, received unanimous approval for the use of Petersen Park and a special event liquor license. However, Bassi was the only dissenting vote on the proposal to waive city service fees. She raised concerns about the city’s costs related to the festival and the foundation’s financial contributions to local projects, questioning, “What is the total cost for police labor for the entire three-day event?”

The council’s discussion also highlighted the community’s reliance on the festival for improvements in local parks. Resident Nathan Fenton expressed his frustration over the ticket fee proposal, stating, “It is absolutely ridiculous that that request was even made… The only way in which things have gotten done in these past few years to improve community parks… has come through the RISE UP Foundation.”

As the city prepares for the upcoming festival, the focus remains on community benefits and park enhancements. Mayor Jett emphasized, “I don’t care where it goes as long as it goes back to the community,” pointing to the ongoing discussions about utilizing festival proceeds effectively.

For more details on this year’s festival and to see who will be performing, visit mchenrymusicfest.com. Performers include Sam Hunt, Slightly Stoopid, and Bailey Zimmerman, promising an exciting experience for attendees and a boost for local culture.

Stay tuned for further updates as preparations for the festival continue and community discussions evolve.