Founder of Disastrous Fyre Festival Explains How It'll Be Better The Second Time Around: 'There Is A Risk Component'

The founder of the infamous Fyre Festival is attempting a comeback, set to take place in Mexico, despite skepticism stemming from his fraud conviction and the festival's disastrous 2017 debut.

Fyre Festival, originally promoted as a luxurious music festival in the Bahamas in 2017, became a symbol of fraud and mismanagement. Attendees, some of whom had paid up to $250,000 for VIP experiences, arrived to find subpar accommodations, minimal security and meager meals—most notably the infamous cheese sandwich.

Billy McFarland pleaded guilty to wire fraud in 2018, was sentenced to six years in prison and ordered to pay $26 million in restitution. He was released early in 2022.

Now, McFarland insists that Fyre Festival 2 will be different. The event is supposed to happen on Isla Mujeres, Mexico, sometime between May 30 to June 2, as reported by Today.

"I think it's always a risk. You're taking a risk because I made a lot of bad decisions and messed up the first festival. Until it's experienced, there is a risk component to it," he told the outlet.

McFarland claims to have secured a professional festival operator and established partnerships with travel, lodging and ticketing companies. He also promises an eclectic lineup featuring artists from hip-hop, rock, pop and electronic music, though no performers have been confirmed.

Beyond music, McFarland envisions activities such as skateboarding demonstrations and MMA training sessions.

"But once again, Fyre is not just about this, like, luxury experience," he told the outlet. "It's about the adventure. So you'll be scuba diving with me. You'll be bouncing around to other islands and other countries on small planes."

Ticket sales launched on February 24, with 2,000 available at prices ranging from $1,400 to $1.1 million. The highest-tier package includes luxury yacht accommodations and exclusive artist interactions.

The festival has yet to announce any headliners, and critics question whether McFarland is truly capable of delivering on his promises. Nevertheless, he remains confident, stating that at least $500,000 from ticket sales will go toward his debt repayment.