Ultra Music Festival has had a rough couple months. Back in September, the electronic music festival—which has been one of Miami’s biggest events for over 20 years—was kicked out of its longtime home at Bayfront Park thanks to growing complaints of the many wealthy residents who have moved into Downtown over the last few years.
It was a tough blow, especially with the festival happening in March.
But Ultra scrambled and eventually came up with a plan: to move the three-day event to Virginia Key and spread the festival grounds across the Miami Marine Stadium and Historic Virginia Key Beach Park. Yesterday, the Miami city commission approved Ultra’s move in a four to one vote. Ultra has officially found its new home for 2019.
This was not without controversy. There was opposition from Key Biscayne residents concerned about traffic as well as pushback from environmentalists and scientists concerned about the event’s impact on Virginia Key’s sensitive ecosystem. There have been concerts held on Virginia Key before. Just last week, House of Creatives celebrated its second edition in Historic Virginia Key Beach Park. But Ultra will be—by far—the biggest event to come to Key Biscayne in recent memory.
Naturally, issues like transportation will be a very steep hill to climb. Key Biscayne is an island, after all, with only one highway leading in and out. Ultra certainly has its work cut out for it—but now it has a guaranteed home and can start planning.
Ultra will take place from March 29 to March 31. Tickets are on sale now starting at $300 via ultramusicfestival.com. We’ll keep you posted on the lineup when it’s announced.
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