Lucidity Festival, an electronic music festival held at Santa Barbara’s Live Oak Campground since 2012, will cease operations and will not issue refunds for its canceled 2024 event, according to a statement released by organizers.
Lucidity cited “unforeseen last-minute changes to requirements” imposed by Santa Barbara County that “made it impossible for us to proceed, leading to a postponement from which we cannot financially recover.”
After postponing this year’s Lucidity Festival from April to late June, organizers canceled it due to safety concerns from the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, which denied permits and cited heightened risks during the city’s pandemic. Peak fire seasonThe festival campground is located along the Santa Ynez River, which blocks one of the festival's evacuation routes and could hamper evacuation protocols in the event of a fire-related emergency, the department said at the time.
Organizers eventually announced a move to a new venue, Lake San Antonio North Shore in Monterey County, and revealed the festival’s rescheduled dates of April 25-27, 2025. However, they have now ceased operations and are facing backlash over the decision not to issue refunds.
“We understand the trust you placed in us when you purchased your tickets and we are deeply saddened to inform you that we are unable to provide you with refunds,” reads Lucidity's statement, shared on Facebook on August 30. “We deeply regret that we are unable to provide you with the solution you deserve and are sincerely sorry for the disappointment and frustration this causes you.”
Hundreds of outraged ticket holders are now airing their grievances in the comments section of a Facebook post by the music festival's watchdog. Festive OwlMany have mentioned the possibility of a class action lawsuit.
It is worth noting that the FAQ section of Lucidity website includes a disclaimer for its no-refund policy: “If you are unable to join us for the event, we have given you the option to transfer your ticket to someone else, as we do not offer refunds on tickets.”
In a last-ditch effort to rescue the festival, organizers have left the door open for a return in 2025. However, barring a “miracle,” its owners will soon begin the process of dissolving.
“If anyone reads this and thinks, 'I know the solution,' please reach out immediately to info@lucidityfestival.com as there is still a miraculous chance of saving Lucidity before we officially begin the process of closing the business,” this week's statement reads.
You can read Lucidity’s full announcement below.
Follow the Festival of Lucidity:
Facebook: facebook.com/lucidityfestival
Instagram: instagram.com/lucidityfestival
unknown: x.com/lucidityfest
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