The one-night music event 100% funded by and benefitting Weish4Ever's mission of uplifting families battling cancer. WeishFest blends concert and fundraiser, proving that you can have a great time while also doing good. It's a purpose-filled party that's highlighted by our headline artists.
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.
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.