A beachside music festival has been canceled due to rising Lake Michigan water levels and the presence of an endangered species of bird nesting on Montrose Beach, festival organizers announced Friday.
According to an email sent out Friday afternoon, Mamby on the Beach has been called off for 2019. The festival’s location was cast into doubt when a pair of Great Lakes Piping Plovers nested on Montrose Beach earlier this year, and three young chicks have been seen near the nest in recent days.
The birds are sensitive to human activity and loud noise, and are a federally protected species. Organizers tried to find a new location for the festival, but were unable to do so on such short notice, according to the email.
Organizers also cited higher-than-average water levels on Lake Michigan as another reason for the cancellation.
“Despite working tirelessly with the Chicago Park District and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services to find a new location, moving the festival at this late a date, while still providing a superior beach event experience, would be impossible and a disservice to fans and artists alike,” the festival said in a statement.
Attendees will automatically receive refunds for their tickets, with organizers asking fans to allow for 5-to-10 business days for refunds to post.
