It’s hard to believe that it was only 5 weeks ago that Show Me Chicago published our annual list of Summer Festivals. Even through COVID-19 was making small waves in the U.S. with the first cases being announced, summer seemed far off.

At the time it seemed inconceivable that any festivals would be cancelled.

Although nothing official has been announced by the city or promoters, this could be the case.

In a city where we wait all year for summer, suffering through below zero temperatures and unbearable wind chills, it is the promise of summer that keeps us strong.

Near the end of today’s State of Illinois COVID-19 update, Governor Pritzker, causally stated the following, “I think everybody needs to think seriously about cancelling large summer events, I don’t see how we are going to have large gatherings of people until we have a vaccine for COVID-19.”

With the vaccine, according to reliable sources, 12 to 18 months off this doesn’t look good for the Summer of 2020.

I don’t want to be the bearer of bad news but must report what I hear. Let’s hope this is wrong–and we can celebrate summer with our spectacular line-up of concerts and festivals.

We know that Milwaukee Summerfest has moved their 2020 Summerfest from July to September. I don’t see why this couldn’t be done with some of the biggest of Chicago’s fest including Lollapalooza.

For now, it’s wait and see.

There is one thing that we can continue to do that will help.  If everyone practices social distancing, we may still have a chance to save summer.

Stay tuned.

We’ll be keeping on top of this and let you know what we hear.

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