Ultra Music Festival proposes move to Miami’s Virginia Key

For Ultra Music Festival‘s flagship event, it seems time is running out. When Miami’s City Commission voted “no” on a proposed five-year contract to remain in Downtown’s Bayfront Park, two roaring responses resounded. On the part of global festival goers was mourning for the end of an era. On the other side was cheers and applause by disgruntled residents.

Now UMF organizers have proposed a move of the three-day dance music festival over to the Miami Marine Stadium on the nearby Virginia Key, per pending negotiations between organizers and city officials.

There are two major complications, however. Rapture Festival, a smaller electronic music event, has already booked the same location on the same dates, March 29-31. While Ultra organizers were confident that a smaller event would oblige to switching venues, Rapture’s organizers do not share the same sentiments.

“We have a signed contract with Historic Virginia Key Beach Park dating back to March 2018 for March 29 and March 30, 2019. We’re very much looking forward to returning to this beautiful beachside setting for our third edition,” said Youssef Khamis, CEO and Founder of Rapture Electronic Music Festival.

Additionally, the Miami International Boat Show takes place at the same time and venue. Ultra released a statement on Friday noting their desire to run the festivals “in tandem” with one another, in two separate spaces on the key: the park next to the Miami Marine Stadium and Historic Virginia Key Beach Park.

A vote to determine whether the move is viable will take place will be held on November 15.

H/T: Miami Herald, Photo: aLIVE Coverage/Ultra