Organizers made the announcement on Thursday, April 16, that Jazz Fest 2020 has officially been canceled.
The decision was made, according to the festival, out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of the community, including musicians, fans, participants, and staff due to COVID-19.
"It takes something truly momentous to interrupt a 50-year New Orleans tradition as special as the Festival, but we feel strongly that the most prudent course right now is to allow more time for the situation to stabilize," the Festival says. "We thank everyone for their patience as we have considered all of the matters necessary to making this difficult decision."
The festival is expected to return to New Orleans from April 22 through May 2, 2021.
An official release states that 2020 tickets will be valid for next year’s Jazz Fest. Purchasers of 2020 tickets will receive notification no later than April 22 regarding the refund process if they cannot attend in 2021.
Those who purchased tickets at the Smoothie King Center are advised to monitor the Festival's social media platforms for refund information in the next few days.
Jazz Fest was originally postponed to the Fall of 2020 following the initial outbreak of COVID-19 in Louisiana. No dates had been set before Thursday's cancellation.
On Tuesday, April 14, New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell announced that the city would not host any large events for the remainder of 2020.
The Essence Festival of Culture, following Cantrell's recommendation, officially announced the cancellation of their festival on Wednesday.
READ MORE: Essence Festival officially canceled for 2020 due to COVID-19
