Chicago Cancels Blues Fest, Parades, Concerts Due to Coronavirus

CHICAGO — The start of summer in the city will suffer from a case of the new coronavirus blues, city officials announced Tuesday.

On Tuesday, officials announced the city's Memorial Day Parade, Chicago Blues Fest, and concerts celebrating house and gospel music, along with the city's new 18-day Chicago In Tune fest have been called off due to the coronavirus crisis.

“These cancellations are disappointing to all of us here in Chicago, particularly for the countless individuals who worked so hard to organize an extraordinary Year of Chicago Music,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said.

“Nonetheless, these difficult but necessary steps were taken in order to ensure the health and safety of our residents and visitors, which continues to be our utmost priority throughout the COVID-19 crisis."

The popular concert series were part of the city's "Year of Chicago Music" celebrations, which officials said will be extended to 2021.

"As upsetting as it is to remove these events from our calendar, we are already looking forward to next year where we’ll be pulling out all the stops for a festival season Chicago will never forget,” the mayor said in a statement.

As an alternative cultural affairs department officials said they plan to present livestream concerts by local musicians every Sunday on Instagram and Facebook. The virtual concerts will be promoted with Do312 and Choose Chicago.

"While we recognize this is disappointing news for our artists, participants and attendees, we are committed to honoring and engaging them in new ways — and, at this difficult time, pivoting to advocate for and support our local arts and events sector through the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund and many other efforts," Cultural Affairs commissioner Mark Kelly said in a statement.

The city's concert cancellations, however, is not a a full ban of festivals. At least not yet. Event producers have been instructed to continue to follow guidance from public health officials, city officials said.

City-run farmers markets will not open until sometime after May 15. Additionally, the City is not issuing special event or film permits through May 15.