The 2020 LOCKN' Festival - originally scheduled for June 2020 to celebrate Phil Lesh's 80th birthday - was postponed due to coronavirus. Rather than rescheduling to 2021 - like most other festival are doing - LOCKN' is still planning on moving forward with an in-person festival October 2-4, 2020.
The festival has updated their website with a 'Policies for Health and Safety' section on their website - that focuses heavily on COVID-19. The site states:
We want to update everyone on the current state of our planning for LOCKN’ 2020. As we develop our plans to produce LOCKN’, the safety of our fans, staff, vendors, and artists remains our number one priority. Because the public health authorities are continuing to learn more about how the coronavirus spreads, the procedures for LOCKN’ must be flexible to ensure we are conforming to the latest guidance and recommendations. So with the understanding that things might change, here are some of the ways we are planning to make it possible to gather together and experience live music in a safe manner this October.
The site continues to explain the policies:
They are exploring the possibility of having mobile Covid testing labs at the main entrance - with on-site test rapid results being available. Additional health screenings will be administered throughout the grounds as well.
Face masks will be required to be worn (by all attendees, staff and partners) with reasonable exceptions for people eating or drinking while physically distanced from others.
The LOCKN' show field will be divided into sections, each having a limited capacity that will be filled daily on a first-come, first-served basis .. and physical distancing will be enforced.
Going cashless and using your wristband to for onsite purchases will be highly recommended.
The size and spacing in the camping areas will be increased.
Shared surfaces throughout the venue and campgrounds will be disinfected regularly and an increased amount hand sanitizing stations will be located throughout the grounds.
There will be no re-entry and only 3 day passes will be sold.
The site concludes with a message from the the LOCKN' Team:
This list is only a snapshot of our current thinking. As we learn more over time, we will continue to update you. We are here for you and we are excited to see you again soon. If anyone can follow the House Rules and have fun at the same time, it’s LOCKN’.
Holding a festival in 2020 still seems pretty ambitious - with other industry insiders saying live music won't return until 2022 - but for now - LOCKN' is holding out hope for a 2020 festival. They will make a final decision by August 31.
