Leadership / 05.19.21

As Summer Events Heat Up, Organizers Contemplate the Future of Festivals in a Post Pandemic World

Access Staff

Aspen Public Radio (CO) (05/11/21) Dobroth, Kirsten

With the pandemic winding down, event organizers are considering new models for festivals in Colorado, with some eager to return to live attendance while others remain virtual, or follow a live-online hybrid model. Many agree that the third option is likely to become a permanent fixture of the post-pandemic world. For example, the 5Point Adventure Film Festival plans to screen this year's offerings in person in October, but also will provide a virtual version. 5Point Executive Director Regna Jones said even if they did get permission for full-capacity seating at the Carbondale Rec Center, they would still offer an online version. Meanwhile, the Aspen Ideas Festival will stay virtual and free this summer, but last year's online interest was so enormous that Executive Director Kitty Boone said a online component will be held next summer alongside the live festival. Still, the enthusiasm to return to live gatherings after the pandemic year is undeniable. It will be the festivals' responsibility to navigate whatever health regulations are in place, and organizers advise anyone attending or traveling for an event to be familiar with local public health protocols ahead of time.

Read the full story from Aspen Public Radio (CO). 

Tags: Music , News , COVID-19 , Coronavirus