SACRAMENTO, Calif. — As expecting festival goers grow concerned over lack of communication with Sol Blume organizers, Sacramento city and county officials tell ABC10 they also haven't heard any updates about the event only two weeks away.
Organizers told ABC10 Wednesday they were working to get people answers as soon as possible.
The event, scheduled May 3 through 5 at Discovery Park, could be postponed for a second year in a row — making ticket holders more concerned for the events start date.
Organizers have been silent on their social media since the end of February and ticket purchasers haven't yet received their wristbands or additional information regarding the event.
Sol Blume's website, while still counting down until May 3, updated their FAQ page and linked to a Google Form for food vendor applications which now reads: "the festival has been postponed until a TBD date in the Fall of 2024. Applications will be valid for new dates once announced."
AJ Navarro, owner of Sacramento Gameday Burgers & Grill food truck, is planning to make this his third Sol Blume.
"I’m hearing they are postponing, each year in they get bigger and bigger so the plan is business as usual," said Navarro.
The festival reached out to him a short time after the 2023 festival and he accepted.
Now, just weeks away from the start of the festival, he has more questions than answers.
"We are just looking for parking instructions, loading times, once you hear that it’s going on," said Navarro.
He says they're waiting to place the food order with their supplier and need at least 48 hours advanced notice to make it happen.
But he says he’s eager to participate no matter when the festival is because it will bring in an estimated $15,000.
"You are dealing with a big event like this, there are only so many year so you want to be able to pivot and adjust," said Navarro.
The Sacramento County Parks Department tells us Discovery Park is unusable as a venue because the ground is too wet and unstable for a stage and large crowds, citing safety concerns.
They say they told Sol Blume organizers earlier this month and that it’s ultimately the festival’s decision. They also sent a letter.
"While my staff have been working diligently to clean the park and have it open for general use, the conditions of the park remain such that it cannot withstand a large festival with heavy infrastructure in early May," said the county in the letter to Sol Blume organizers. "This event is an invaluable experience for the Sacramento region and my staff stands ready to assist with re-scheduling the event to a mutually agreed upon weekend."
The county says the festival permit is still active they have not heard from Sol Blume about alternative dates or a request for an alternative venue.
When ABC10 was at the park Thursday, we saw significant ground work being done. The entire festival area was flagged, coned off and dirt was being moved.
Some concert goers are frustrated at the lack of information and impacts to their wallets and travel plans.
Alyssa Tafoya was planning to attend for the first time.
“Total cost like $367, if it is rescheduled I'd probably like a refund to go to a festival that’s better organized,” said Tafoya.
For those who booked accommodations through the hotel partnership last year, the hotel moved the date without fees.
For those who booked through AIRBNB, due to the short notice the cancellation policy, 25% of the total cost will still need to be paid.
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