Coronavirus: Coachella and Stagecoach postponed until October as host county confirms six virus cases
Coachella and Stagecoach has been pushed back to October after six confirmed coronavirus cases have emerged from the music festival’s home county of Riverside, Southern California, as of Tuesday, March 9.
Goldenvoice, the organizers of Coachella, in an official press statement said: “At the direction of the County of Riverside and local health authorities, we must sadly confirm the rescheduling of Coachella and Stagecoach due to COVID-19 concerns. While this decision comes at a time of universal uncertainty, we take the safety and health of our guests, staff and community very seriously. We urge everyone to follow the guidelines and protocols put forth by public health officials.”
Coachella has been postponed to this fall. It is now slated for October 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18. Stagecoach, the country music festival, will take place on October 23, 24 and 25. Purchased tickets for the April shows will be valid for the rescheduled dates, and those unable to attend in October will be notified about obtaining refunds by Friday, March 13.
Coachella had been urged to postpone the annual music festival after the organizers of the ULTRA Music Festival in Miami and the SXSW in Texas pulled the plug on their respective events due to coronavirus concerns. Approximately 16,000 people reportedly signed an online petition towards canceling Coachella's scheduled April dates.
“No doubt it will impact many people, but my top priority is to protect the health of the entire community.” said Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser.
In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, several music festivals have been called off or postponed indefinitely. Last week, organizers have announced the cancellation of the Korean Times Festival at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, Ultra Music Festival and Calle Ocho in Miami, Edinburgh Harp Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland and the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas.