The UTOPiA Festival in Burnet County, Texas announced that it was still planning on hosting the 2020 edition of its festival last month, however those plans have now been scrapped. This festival, like many others across the country this year, will be postponing their event until next fall due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While many other festivals were postponing their events to 2021, UTOPiA originally announced it was returning in fall with “enhanced safety measures at the front gate and food and retail vendors.” The only real measure that was detailed was the installment of hand sanitizer throughout the festival, however other precautions were not outlined. Their original statement read: “UTOPiAfest has always been known for its self regulating, responsible, and respectful attendees, and we will continue to encourage and empower everyone to have an amazing, wellbeing-conscious weekend.”

UTOPiA will now take place from October 14-16 2021, although festival organizers are planning on launching a spring event called Sweet Party 2 from March 25-27, 2021 as well. The cancelled event did not have a lineup announcement, while the 2021 lineup has yet to be announced. This Sweet Party 2 is announced as a family campout, which will host performances by a few bands and a special unplugged show called Tank Goodtimes.

“As we’ve been working with local leaders, and gathering feedback from our crew and all Utopians, we feel that this is the best decision for our community, staff, and festival neighbors,” organizers said in a press release. “Utopians are unlike any other family, and as much as we know the importance of coming together, this year we must come together in a different way. In the spirit of Utopiafest, we urge everyone to check in on each other, spread joy, and connect with nature as well.”

Other live events have been happening across the country, although many such as the Highway 30 Festival and the Chainsmokers recent show in the Hamptons, have received public scrutiny. Frank Turner recently held a socially-distant performance in London, as a test show that was ultimately deemed unsuccessful.