The 2020 edition of J. Cole’s North Carolina Dreamville Festival has been canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The festival posted the announcement on Twitter, Instagram, and on the event’s official website. “Dear Dreamville Family,” the statement begins, “After much deliberation and careful monitoring of the current situation, we have decided to cancel Dreamville Festival 2020. Although we originally hoped it would be possible to bring you the festival this August, the ongoing uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 pandemic has made this timeline no longer possible. This decision has been extremely difficult to make, but the safety of our fans, artists, and staff is always our top priority, and nothing will ever take precedence over your well-being.” Find the full announcement below.
Dreamville 2020 was originally slated to take place on April 6 at Raleigh’s Dorothea Dix Park. Following the rapid spread of coronavirus, the event was postponed until August 29. Now, the festival is scheduled to return in 2021.
In September 2018, the inaugural Dreamville festival was postponed until the following April due to Hurricane Florence. The 2019 event featured performances from J.Cole, SZA, 21 Savage, Saba, Teyana Taylor, J.I.D, and more. The lineup for Dreamville 2020 had not yet been announced at the time of its postponement or eventual cancellation.
North Carolina is currently in the process of reopening under certain restrictions. Under Phase 2 of the process, gatherings will reportedly be permitted at houses of worship and entertainment venues at reduced capacity.