Sparked By A Selfless Wish
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Our History

WeishFest is more than just a music festival; it's a celebration of life. In 2012, before Andrew Weishar passed of colorectal cancer at age 21, he had one request: to pay forward the kindness shown to his family during his battle with cancer. From that simple request, WeishFest was born. Since then, the Andrew Weishar Foundation ("Weish4Ever") has granted nearly $3 million in direct financial assistance to over 500 families throughout Chicagoland and beyond.

WeishFest started in 2013 as a summer music festival at Standard Bank Stadium in Crestwood, IL. In 2016, the event moved indoors to 115 Bourbon Street to create a one-of-a-kind, intimate, music event. WeishFest has quickly gained national attention and 2024 marks the 11th Anniversary event at The Salt Shed in Chicago, IL.

Along with many regional favorites, WeishFest has welcomed nationally-recognized talent such as Natasha Bedingield, Plain White T's, American Authors, LoCash, Quinn XCII, The Fray, Russell Dickerson, Andy Grammer, O.A.R., Dispatch. Third Eye Blind, Walker Hayes, Randy Houser, Rodney Atkins, Eddie Money, Warrant, and more. In 2020, the virtual "WeishFest @ Home" was brought to fans' living rooms with virtual performances by Old Dominion, Marc Roberge of O.A.R., Walker Hayes, Canaan Smith, Dispatch, and also featured special guest appearances from Dan "Big Cat" Katz (Barstool Sports), Lucas Giolito (Chicago White Sox), Eddie Olcyk, Pat McGann, Zach Miller, and more.

About WeishFest

Welcome to WeishFest, where music, community, and purpose come together to create unforgettable experiences in the heart of Chicago. Pronounced "Wish Fest," WeishFest is the one-night music event 100% funded by Weish4Ever, a Chicago-based charity born on the south side of Chicago which brings joy to families battling cancer. In sum, it's a ~3,000-person purpose-filled party highlighted by our headline artists. Every dollar we raise at this event benefits Weish4Ever's mission of providing direct support and financial relief to families with adolescents and young adults battling cancer.

The Purpose

Colorectal cancer struck Andrew Weishar during his freshman year of college. Over the next three years, Andrew battled valiantly while the community rallied around him. As the end neared, Andrew asked us to make him a promise: that we pay forward the goodwill bestowed upon his family. From that promise, the Andrew Weishar Foundation was born.

WeishFest uplifts families battling cancer by providing financial assistance and moments of joy. More specifically, we serve adolescents and young adults (known as "AYA"), a group that is often overlooked in the cancer population. Weish4Ever's mission is to better fill this void and become a vehicle of support for these families.

WeishFest Alumni

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Since 2013

Weishfest Alumni

Join Us In Celebration

At WeishFest, we invite you to join us on this incredible journey of music, compassion, and community. Whether you've been with us since the early days or discovering us for the first time, we welcome you to be part of our story and share in the joy of paying it forward!

Thank you for being a part of the WeishFest Family.

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