Maha Festival 2020 is Canceled

Even though the festival is still four months away, this is the best route to make sure Maha can happen in future years. Here’s why: 

1. We’re currently lacking solid evidence that big events will be safe again — or allowed to occur — by August. Even if we get the green light to have a festival, it might not be “business as usual” yet for many of Maha’s community partners: the nonprofits, restaurants, bars, stores, and so many more that help take the festival to the next level.
2. Maha is different from most festivals and concerts. As a nonprofit, we rely on a mix of big-hearted sponsors, generous donors and community grant programs, and the loyal ticket-buying public to help bring in the kind of national acts you know and love. The current pandemic is affecting all of this in a way that has created significant risks to staying the course.
3. If we took on that risk and were forced to cancel later on, financially speaking, it could mean the end of the line for our 12-year-old festival. Canceling now ensures that Maha can come back in 2021, and come back strong. We think you’ll agree that taking a year off is better than going away.

We know this is disappointing, but the good news is there is plenty to focus on right now.

1. Let’s continue to work on flattening this curve! By following recommendations and staying home, we have the best shot at being able to rustle up some other fun Maha stuff for later this year.
2. Support your local arts community however you can. For many, purchases and donations might not be possible right now. But you can always help spread the word on social media — more on that soon.
3. Stay positive. Keep looking ahead to sunny days next summer, and plan to attend Maha Festival 2021. ‘Til then, we’ll be hard at work building it, along with the help of our many community partners and volunteers. 

Thank you for hanging in there with us. The other side of this is bright. Take care of yourself and those around you and it’ll be Maha again in no time!

And now for a sunny little reminder of what’s to come.

 

Huge thanks to the heroes at Hurrdat Films for creating this video moment.

Music: Two-time Maha artist The Mynabirds, “Wild Hearts,” from the 2017 album Be Here Now on Saddle Creek Records.