Vaccination rates are on the rise and Covid cases continue to fall in most areas. With this, live events are making a huge comeback in 2021. While it depends on the specific area, the majority of events are still taking Covid safety precautions. Small outdoor events may not be much of a cause for concern. But when it comes to large music festivals, safety measures must be taken seriously to keep attendees safe and companies out of legal trouble.
This article goes over some of the updates and safety measures being taken by music festivals in the United States. With the future state of the pandemic largely unknown, many festivals have kept the announcement of safety measures until closer to the events. Most of these festivals seem to have similar verbiage.
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival is a 4-day music festival that takes place in Manchester, Tennessee on September 2-5. This festival features a wide variety of genres and musicians. They also offer camping, making it a favorite for festival goers. Some of this years headliners include Tame Impala, Tyler, The Creator, and Lana Del Rey.
To assure that this event follows local guidelines and prevents the spread of Covid, multiple safety measures will be put into effect. Safety instructions must be followed by all attendees. Not complying may result in removal from the festival.
Bonnaroo’s site states, “By attending Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.”
Bonnaroo Farms, where the event is hosted, states, “Masks are required for all attendees. Mask must be worn whenever moving about the venue but can be removed while in the household’s reserved area. Hand sanitizer stations will be available at each restroom location. Attendees are not to attend the event if they feel ill.” While this doesn’t specify whether Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival will follow these exact guidelines, you should expect similar safety measures.
Electric Daisy Carnival
Insomniac and EDC fans were on their feet waiting for the announcement of whether EDC Las Vegas will be taking place in 2021. Founder of Insomniac, Pasqualle Rotella, announced earlier this year that EDC LV will be taking place in May 2021. This came as a surprise to most.
But just a few weeks ago they announced that the rate of Covid cases in Las Vegas wasn’t where it needed to be to make it safe enough to continue with EDC in May. Instead it will now being taking place October 22-24. With EDC Orlando taking place shortly after on November 12-14.
Dreamstate Las Vegas
While Insomniac’s largest festival may have been postponed due to Covid, they are still throwing smaller events. One of these events being Dreamstate, which also takes place in Las Vegas. This 1-day festival takes place on Memorial Day weekend on the 28th. Headliners include Cosmic Gate, Gareth Emery, and Paul Oakenfold.
This festival is enforcing strict Covid safety protocols. All attendees will be required to wear a mask. Attendees will also be required to either show proof of their 1st vaccine dose or a negative Covid test.
Lollapalooza
One of the world’s most iconic festivals, Lollapalooza, just announced their return for 2021 in an exclusive Variety article. Lollapalooza will take place at Grant Park on July 29 to August 1. While safety measures are not yet fully announced, they are dedicated to achieving a safe experience for attendees and citizens of Chicago.
Variety states, “The city of Chicago gave the event the greenlight at near-to or -full-capacity, insiders report, and an official announcement, likely with headliners, is expected to come next week.”
EDM.com states that, “According to a guidance memo issued by the city on May 14th, outdoor festivals will permit 30 people per 1,000 square feet and fully vaccinated individuals do not have to count towards COVID-19 capacity limits across all industries.”
Rolling Loud
Rolling Loud is the largest and most famous hip-hop festival in the world. This festival takes place in Miami, Florida at the Hard Rock Stadium on July 23-25. Rolling Loud was originally set to take place in May. With a rise in Covid cases in South Florida, it was quickly rescheduled to June.
Rolling Loud states, “We’re currently working with local and state officials to help ensure the safety of our fans at Rolling Loud! Please keep an eye on our social media for updated information and on what to bring and what not to bring.”
With all restrictions lifted in the state of Florida, we may see a more lenient approach taken in comparison to other festivals. But at this time, this is still unknown.
Firefly Music Festival
Firefly Music Festival is a 4-day music festival that takes place in Dover, Delaware. This festival covers a variety of genres and offers camping. Headliners include The Killers, Billie Eilish, and Tame Impala.
Similar to other festivals, Firefly states, “It’s too early to tell exactly what precautions will be in place at the festival. However, your health and safety remain our top priority, and we continue to monitor the evolving health regulations and are working closely with state and health officials to develop COVID-19 protocols for the festival. We will follow all COVID-19 related mandates applicable to the festival and will provide more information as the festival approaches so you know what to expect.”
With the future state of the world and the pandemic widely unknown, it is uncertain what exact safety measures each festival will take. Though it is certain that each festival will have varying guidelines based off of their location and size. Some festivals may require proof of vaccination while others won’t even require masks.
Make sure you are staying up-to-date with the festival’s social medias for any updates.
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