Fyre Festival Organizers Claim Event Scheduled Amid Government Denials

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, Mexico — Fyre Festival organizers, led by Billy McFarland, insist that preparations for a controversial music festival are moving forward, despite local government officials denying the event’s existence.

In a statement released Friday, April 5, the organizers claimed they have been in discussions with the Playa del Carmen government since March to obtain necessary permits for the festival, which is scheduled for late May or early June 2025. “FYRE has been working directly with the government of Playa del Carmen (PDC) and their officials since March 5, 2025, to ensure a safe and successful event,” the statement reads.

The statement further emphasized, “All media reports suggesting our team has not been working with the government of PDC are simply inaccurate and based on misinformation.” Allegedly included in their communication were various documents suggesting progress, such as tourism and environmental permits and payment receipts submitted to the Playa del Carmen government.

However, the city of Playa del Carmen issued a press release that countered the claims, stating, “Neither this event nor any event with its name will occur in our city. After reviewing the situation, we can confirm that there have been no registrations, planning, or conditions indicating that this will happen in our municipality.”

At a press conference last week, McFarland originally stated that the event would be located in Playa del Carmen, although previous reports indicated a potential venue change to Isla Mujeres, a neighboring island. The Isla Mujeres government also denied any involvement in hosting the music festival.

On social media, McFarland posted partially redacted email screenshots to indicate negotiations with musical artists, but many followers noted that no lineup has been confirmed. One commenter quipped, “Imagine getting permits for a festival weeks before it happens.”

Fyre Festival 2 is marketed to run from May 30 to June 2, attracting attention with ticket packages, including one for eight people priced at over $1 million. The festival seeks to distance itself from the disastrous 2017 event in the Bahamas that promised luxurious accommodations but resulted in attendees enduring inadequate living conditions.

McFarland faced legal action following the original festival’s failures and has since attempted to reinvent the brand. He previously noted in September 2024 that planning for a follow-up event had commenced, indicating that an undisclosed private island in the Caribbean would host the festival. “We are developing and building out the private island for the actual festival festivities,” he said.

As anticipation builds and skepticism remains high, the future of Fyre Festival 2 hangs in the balance amid conflicting reports of its location and feasibility.