Lucidity Festival Faces Backlash After Cancelling Event Without Refunds
Lucidity Festival, an electronic music festival held at Santa Barbara's Live Oak Campground since 2012, will cease operations and not issue refunds for its cancelled 2024 event, according to a statement released by organizers.
Lucidity cited "unforeseen last-minute changes in requirements" imposed by Santa Barbara County that "made it impossible for us to proceed, leading to a postponement that we can not financially recover from."
After postponing this year's Lucidity Festival from April to late-June, organizers pulled the plug due to safety concerns from the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, who denied permits and cited increased risks during the city's High Fire Season. The festival's campground is situated beside the Santa Ynez River, which blocks one of the festival's evacuation routes and could hinder evacuation protocols in the event of a fire-related emergency, the department said at the time.
Organizers ultimately announced a move to a new venue, Monterey County's Lake San Antonio North Shore, and revealed the festival's rescheduled dates of April 25-27, 2025. However, they've now ceased operations and face backlash for the decision not to issue refunds.
"We understand the trust you placed in us when you purchased your tickets, and it deeply saddens us to inform you that we are unable to provide refunds," reads Lucidity's statement, shared to Facebook on August 30th. "We deeply regret that we cannot offer you the resolution you deserve, and we are truly sorry for the disappointment and frustration this causes."
Hundreds of incensed ticket-holders are now airing grievances in the comment section of a Facebook post by the music festival watchdog Festive Owl. Many have mentioned the potential for a class action lawsuit.
It's worth noting that the FAQ section of Lucidity's website includes a disclaimer for their no-refund policy: "If you are not able to join us for the event, we have empowered you with the ability to transfer your ticket to another person, as we do not offer refunds for tickets."
In a last-ditch effort to rescue the festival, organizers left the door open for a return in 2025. However, save for a "miracle," its proprietors will soon initiate the dissolution process.
"If there is anyone reading this who thinks to themselves, 'I know the solution' please contact [email protected] immediately, as there is still a miracle chance to save Lucidity before we officially initiate the process of going out of business," this week's statement reads.
You can read Lucidity's full announcement below.
Follow Lucidity Festival:
Facebook: facebook.com/lucidityfestival
Instagram: instagram.com/lucidityfestival
X: x.com/lucidityfest
