Whigfest returns President’s Day Weekend, 2018 with headliners Umphrey’s McGee. WhigFest is a celebration of freedom through art, music, creativity and expression. The festival name is a quirky play on the 19th century political party, the Whig Party, which was chosen to echo the American Whigs of 1776, who fought for independence and opposed tyranny. The word “Whig” was then a widely recognized label of choice for people who identified themselves as Patriots, Rebels, and Revolutionaries.

The 2018 event marks the return of the festival following a two year hiatus after the promoters needed all their time, energy and resources to open Rock Brothers Brewing Company and The Attic Concert Venue in Historic Ybor City.

“Earlier this year when Umphrey’s came through Jannus, it was sold out before the gates opened. In addition, Umphrey’s McGee is one of our beer partners at Rock Brothers, so were very excited to share some upcoming news about a new beer release between RBB and UM during the festival as well.” said Kevin Lilly the event co-founder and partner in local St. Petersburg record label Attic Records and Whig Party Presents, the events promoters.

This show is a special one for Umphrey’s as the band and Rock Brothers will launch their new limited release beer at WhigFest, as well as pouring the bands current beer UM’s Nothing Too Fancy Pale Ale through out the fest, a collaboration between Rock Brothers, the band, Cigar City Brewing and Boulder Beer Company.