The organizers of last year’s chaotic Capulet Music Fest must refund fans in full following the event’s dramatic implosion.
Videos by American Songwriter
In a settlement announced Thursday (July 18), Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said that Capulet Entertainment and its owner, Estevan Vega, will pay ticket holders up to $50,000 “for unused admission tickets and associated fees, unused parking passes and fees, and camping passes and fees.”
Anyone seeking a refund should send a written request to Vega’s attorney, Mark A. Balaban, Esq., c/o The Balaban & Raczka Law Firm, 425 Main Street, 4th Floor, Middletown, CT 06457.
Additionally, the settlement bars Vega and Capulet Entertainment from hosting any music festivals for the next five years unless they secure a performance bond to cover potential ticket refunds. They also are not permitted to promote any future events unless they ensure all performers will take the stage.
“Going forward, Vega and Capulet are going to be under strict orders to secure performance bonds and tight commitments from contractors before promoting anything,” Tong said. “And if they screw up again, you better believe we’ll come down on them like a ton of bricks.”
Attendees have another avenue to seek restitution through a separate pending private class action lawsuit.
What Happened With the Capulet Music Fest?
Last summer, fans headed to Thompson, Connecticut, for the three-day Capulet Music Fest. Skillet, August Burns Red, and Senses Fail were among the performers set to take the stage at the Thompson Motor Speedway.
[RELATED: Skillet Keeps Rocking Harder Than Other (Christian) Bands]
However, a day ahead of the kickoff, Vega announced on social media that his company was moving the festival 50 miles away to the Webster Theater in Hartford—a significantly smaller indoor venue.
Well if anyone is bored and wants to watch some music fest drama, check out Capulet Fest on FB. 3 day fest originally supposed to be at a speedway and is now last minute being moved to a smaller venue in Harford. Smaller bands paid to be on it. Vendors paid.
— Encrypted Cryptid (Ry) (@ncryptdcryptd) June 27, 2024
After multiple bands announced they were dropping out, Capulet Entertainment ultimately canceled the event’s final day. Later, Vega filed for bankruptcy in February 2025.
The New England entertainment company “made major promises they couldn’t deliver,” Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said.
“Our investigation has always been about two things—making sure this never happens again and getting refunds to fans. The state is taking nothing from this settlement,” Tong said in a news release. “Every dollar we could squeeze out of Vega and Capulet is going to fan refunds and restitution.”
Featured image via NBC Connecticut
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.