Katie Daly
Updated on: October 16, 2024 1:48 pm GMT
One Musicfest, a beloved annual celebration of Black music and culture, is moving from its usual venue in Piedmont Park to Central Park in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward this year. This change comes as a response to what the festival organizers describe as challenging logistics and economics faced by the festival industry.
New Location, Same Exciting Experience
The two-day festival will take place on October 26 and 27. The organizers believe this move will enhance the overall experience for attendees. “By moving to Central Park, we can continue to deliver the activations and experiences you love without compromising on quality,” the festival stated.
- Previous Location: Piedmont Park
- New Location: Central Park, Old Fourth Ward
- Festival Dates: October 26-27
Central Park has hosted the festival before, notably in 2022, featuring headliners like Lil Baby and Jazmine Sullivan. Last year marked the festival’s first time at Piedmont Park, which was seen as a milestone in its growth.
Understanding the Move
The founder of One Musicfest, J. Carter, emphasized that the decision to relocate is not solely about logistics. “We believe deeply in the power of culture and the significance of independently owned Black festivals. This pivot is not just about logistics; it’s about preserving the experiences that bring us together,” Carter said.
This year represents a special milestone: the 15th anniversary of the festival. Over the years, One Musicfest has attracted more than 100,000 attendees annually, showcasing prominent artists and celebrating Black culture. The lineup this year includes big names like Cardi B, Gunna, and Earth, Wind & Fire.
Ticket Information
Fans can purchase single-day tickets starting at $99 through the festival’s official website, onemusicfest.com/tickets/. This pricing aims to keep the experience accessible for fans while attracting a diverse audience.
Challenges in the Festival Scene
One Musicfest is not the only festival facing difficulties this year. The Music Midtown festival, usually held in Piedmont Park in September, was canceled entirely before announcing a lineup. Similarly, the Imagine Festival decided to take 2024 off, citing inflation and logistical challenges.
- Impacted Festivals:
– Music Midtown: Canceled
– Imagine Festival: On hold for 2024
– Sweetwater 420 Music Festival: Transitioned to a free model
Another recent report from NPR highlighted the struggle many festivals face. A saturated market and changes in demand among younger generations have prompted festivals around the country to be canceled or postponed. Examples include:
- Desert Daze in Southern California
- Sierra Nevada World Music Festival in Northern California
- Kickoff Jam in Florida
The report pointed to various factors contributing to this decline, such as rising costs and competition from artists’ own tours.
Looking Ahead
Despite these challenges in the festival landscape, One Musicfest remains optimistic about what this year will bring. The move to Central Park allows the festival to maintain its community-driven spirit while ensuring quality and enjoyment for all who attend.
This year’s celebration promises to be a vibrant showcase of music and culture, reinforcing the importance of such events in uniting people and honoring artistic expression. As the date approaches, excitement builds around the acts, atmosphere, and the community engagement that One Musicfest fosters.
Even though the festival industry has some tough times, One Musicfest is dedicated to changing and making great experiences for everyone who comes. Moving to Central Park is a smart choice that helps the festival stay strong and exciting for many years ahead.
