The oompa loompas couldn’t be reached for comment, but a Chicago music festival has confirmed that a Willy Wonka-inspired golden coin is currently hiding inside a can of craft beer, waiting to either be swallowed by accident or used to unlock a coveted VIP experience.
The organizers of Summer’s Last Dance have partnered with local brewery 93 Octane on a limited-edition Cherry Limeade Shandy, a tart summer sipper inspired by the festival’s 2026 lineup. Somewhere in that run of cans, one lucky drinker will crack open a golden coin that functions as a real-life festival golden ticket offering backstage access, a meet-and-greet and a suite of VIP experiences.
It’s exactly like Willy Wonka, but with electronic music instead of chocolate. The lineup features Big Gigantic, Saxsquatch, Henry Fong, The Sponges and Rich DietZ, who top a lineup blending house, funk and livetronica. Now in its third year, the festival on September 19 will feature more than 20 artists across three stages at the Summer’s Last Dance Festival Grounds in Bridgeview.
Summer’s Last Dance founder Bobby De Maria and 93 Octane owner Nick Scudiero grew up together in Chicago and attended the same high school, the festival’s team tells EDM.com. De Maria’s company, Afterlife Entertainment, has also built a philanthropic track record by raising more than $100,000 over the years for causes including Ronald McDonald House Charities and Hope For The Day.
This year’s festival continues its partnership with the Miracle Michael Fund, a charity supporting families affected by Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a rare connective tissue disorder also known as brittle bone disease. Back in 2021, EDM.com profiled DJ Huguito, an electronic music artist touring with the disease. A portion of every ticket and sponsorship goes directly to family assistance and ongoing research.
You can purchase tickets to Summer’s Last Dance here.
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