Fyre Festival's Billy McFarland Responds to Local Officials Over Permit Claims for Upcoming Concert
Billy McFarland, the controversial figure known for his involvement in the infamous Fyre Festival, has recently fired back at city officials in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. This comes amid claims that he lacks the necessary permits for his much-publicized follow-up event, dubbed Fyre Festival 2.
Nearly two years after McFarland first announced plans for a sequel to the disastrous 2017 festival, local government officials issued a statement on April 2 stating that they have “no records, plans, or conditions” that indicate such a concert is scheduled to take place in their city. The Fyre Festival, which aimed to be a luxurious music festival, ended in chaos, leaving attendees stranded and disappointed.
The Playa del Carmen City Hall made its position clear through a translated Facebook post, which read, “Regarding the information that has begun to circulate about a supposed event called ‘Fyre 2,’ the municipal government of Playa del Carmen informs that no event of that name will be held in our city.” This declaration raised eyebrows and cast doubt on the feasibility of McFarland's ambitious plans.
In response to the city’s comments, McFarland took to Instagram on April 4, where he vehemently defended his position. He asserted that he and his team have been in direct communication with local government officials since March 5, 2025, working diligently to ensure that the event will be safe and successful. He stated, “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. All media reports suggesting our team has not been working with the government of PDC are simply inaccurate and based on misinformation.”
The planned dates for Fyre Festival 2 are set for May 30 to June 2, and despite the skepticism, McFarland’s conviction seems unwavering. He remains hopeful that the concert, which promises to be a significant revival of the Fyre brand, will come to fruition, even as he navigates the challenges imposed by the city’s statements.
As the situation unfolds, many are watching to see whether McFarland can indeed pull off a successful event this time around or if it will be another chapter in the saga of the Fyre Festival’s tumultuous history.
