J. Cole’s Dreamville Festival canceled for 2020 with hopes for a 2021 return
The coronavirus pandemic already postponed J. Cole’s Dreamville Festival to the fall, but Friday night, organizers announced that the festival at Raleigh’s Dix Park won’t happen this year at all.
“After much deliberation and careful monitoring of the current situation, we have decided to cancel Dreamville Festival 2020,” according to a message on the event’s social media channels and website.
“Although we originally hoped it would be possible to bring you the festival this August, the ongoing uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 pandemic has made this timeline no longer possible,” organizers wrote. “This decision has been extremely difficult to make, but the safety of our fans, artists and staff is always our top priority, and nothing will ever take precedence over your well-being.”
The festival was originally scheduled for April 4, but as the coronavirus shut down major events, and state and leaders put stay-at-home orders in effect, organizers announced March 13 that it would be postponed.
A new date had been set for Aug. 29. A lineup had not been announced.
Last year’s inaugural festival featured the Grammy-winning rapper J. Cole, artists on Cole’s Dreamvillle label, and national acts like SZA, Big Sean, 21 Savage, 6LACK, Nelly and the Triangle’s Grammy-nominated Rapsody.
The daylong event attracted 40,000 people to the 308-acre park and was deemed a success — the first time an event of that scale had been held there. At least 70% of the attendees were from out-of-town. Cole, who grew up in North Carolina, said the event was a way for him to give back to his home state with some of the proceeds going to his Dreamville Foundation and the Dorothea Dix Park Conservancy.
But as more than 1.4 million people have been diagnosed with COVID-19, and thousands more have died, health officials and leaders have cautioned against large gatherings. They’ve expressed concerns about loosening social distancing restrictions too soon for fear of spreading the virus and causing a new spike of cases later this year.
Other national music festivals also have been canceled with many acts rescheduling tours for 2021. Locally, the North Carolina Museum of Art has canceled its annual summer concert series, and concerts set for area venues have been called off or pushed to the future.
Dreamville organizers hinted they hope a return to Raleigh is possible, though not until next year.
“Please stay safe, healthy and sane so we can reunite with you in 2021,” they wrote.
Raleigh’s next major event
As for the International Bluegrass Music Association’s annual conference and IBMA Bluegrass Live! free street festival, organizers say an event will still take place Sept. 29-Oct. 1, according to a news release earlier this week. On May 12, IBMA announced the first round of acts for the Bluegrass Ramble, the shows that take place in downtown music venues.
“The events remain as scheduled as we build plans for live and/or virtual formats, depending on what is allowed and prudent for the health of our community,” said IBMA president Paul Schiminger, in a news release. “However, we are aware that a return to normal operations remains uncertain, and we are monitoring measures and recommendations issued by government and health officials.”
Last year, the events drew more than 218,000 people to Raleigh and generated a record $18.65 million in 2019 in direct economic impact, IBMA and Visit Raleigh said in November. The amount doesn’t include spending from local residents.
Schiminger, in a release, said this year’s IBMA World of Bluegrass “will be more important for our industry than ever” and “will be a key part of our industry’s recovery effort.”
How to get Dreamville Festival refunds
According to organizers, all ticket-holders, including those who already have requested a refund, will receive their money back on or before May 22.
“We understand that this is a difficult time for many and sincerely apologize to those who were waiting on their refund as we worked through unforeseen delays in processing due to the pandemic,” organizers said.
Those who bought tickets through street team members, retail outlets or military sales must fill out a form at dreamvillefest.com.
