Atlanta Music category interest

Written by: E. George

Published October 11, 2024 @ 6:35 PM ET

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. – One Musicfest, the celebrated annual festival spotlighting Black music and culture, has announced a significant change for its 2024 edition. The event, originally set to take place in Piedmont Park, will now be held in Central Park, located in the Old Fourth Ward, on October 26 and 27.

This adjustment follows a social media announcement by the festival’s organizers, who cited “challenging logistics and economics facing the festival industry” as key reasons for the relocation.

In a statement, the festival emphasized its commitment to maintaining the quality of experiences it offers attendees. “By moving to Central Park, we can continue to deliver the activations and experiences you love without compromising on quality,” the statement read.

The organizers expressed a strong belief in “the power of culture and the significance of independently owned Black festivals,” highlighting that the decision was not solely logistical but also a means to preserve the unique experiences that bring the community together.

Central Park, while smaller than Piedmont Park, has a history with One Musicfest. The venue hosted the festival in 2022, featuring prominent artists like Lil Baby and Jazmine Sullivan.

When the festival expanded to Piedmont Park last year, it was considered a milestone for the event, showcasing its growth and ambition. J. Carter, the festival’s founder, previously mentioned, “A lot of people supported us at Central Park. We were sold out, but we knew that we would not be able to go back to Central Park just based on the size of the event and how fast it’s growing.”

This year’s festival is particularly noteworthy as it marks the 15th anniversary of One Musicfest, which draws over 100,000 attendees each year. Headliners for this year include notable names such as Cardi B, Gunna, and Earth, Wind andamp; Fire, with single-day tickets starting at $99, available for purchase through the festival’s official website.

One Musicfest’s relocation symbolizes a challenging year for music festivals in the Atlanta metro area and beyond. The once-popular Music Midtown festival, traditionally held in September at Piedmont Park, was canceled outright this year before announcing a lineup.

Similarly, the EDM-focused Imagine Festival opted to take 2024 off, citing inflation and logistical challenges. The Sweetwater 420 Music Festival faced hurdles, transitioning to a free model shortly before its April event when presale ticket sales fell short, resulting in the withdrawal of artists like Black Pumas and Beck.

An NPR report from last month noted a troubling trend for festivals globally. Many are facing cancellation or postponement as big-name acts increasingly focus on their own tours at amphitheaters, arenas, and stadiums.

The NPR article highlighted various canceled festivals across the country, including the Desert Daze Festival in Southern California and the Blue Ridge Rock Festival in Virginia, among others. Contributing factors cited include escalating operational costs, a saturated market, and a shift in demand, particularly among Gen Z audiences who seem less inclined to participate in traditional festival experiences.