Ultra is canceled, but the party is still going down in South Beach for Miami Music Week.
On Wednesday, City of Miami officials announced that Ultra Music Festival 2020 would be canceled amid fears of coronavirus COVID-19. Today, Ultra has officially released a statement stating that Ultra would be postponed until March of 2021. Shortly after the announcement by city leaders to cancel the major music event, Miami Beach officials communicated that Miami Beach is “open for business” to attend pool parties, nightclubs, sporting events, and more. You can expect South Beach to be in full swing during Miami Music Week.
According to the Miami Herald, Miami Beach city leaders went on to encourage springer breakers and “jilted electronic music fans” to spend money in the city, opening the city up to some criticism that Ultra was canceled for reasons other than just coronavirus.
Over the last several years, the City of Miami and Ultra have been battling over the festival location at Bayfront Park where Ultra was set to return this year after a relocation to the Virginia Keys. Due to the excitement from fans, the festival this year was being broadcast as the “Return to Bayfront.” Approximately two months ago, several publications released news that Ultra Music Festival had not yet obtained the proper permits with the city to host in Bayfront Park. Several lawsuits have also ensued from Miami locals to shut down the festival over the last year.
Regardless of the festival cancelation, the majority of Ultra attendees will still be heading to Miami March 20th to 22nd to take advantage of their non-refundable airfare and accommodations. The festival draws in approximately 170,000 people across three days from around the world, bringing the city an average of $168 million in revenue each season. This leads to much speculation regarding the intentions of the City of Miami, since the risk is not eliminated yet Miami Beach proactively welcomes travel to their city.
