2020 Abita Fall Fest adapts for new normal during coronavirus, releases music lineup

Festival-goers on the North Shore can look forward to the return of the Abita Fall Fest at the Abita Springs Trailhead on Oct. 24.

Organizers say the second annual event will go on as planned, with modifications for the current coronavirus climate.

While many other festivals have canceled events due to COVID-19, Abita Fall Fest organizers say they’ve been thinking of ways to adapt their event for the new normal.

As part of the plan, organizers plan to limit ticket sales, place more hand sanitizer stations around the park and sanitize surfaces after use.

Anthony Essaied, the festival’s co-founder and president, said plans to limit the amount of ticket sales were already in motion even before the outbreak to ensure a good guest experience for attendees.

“One of the draws of the Abita Fall Fest is that you can spread out and not feel crowded,” Essaied said. “We want to always keep that small fest feel, even if we have to turn people away.”

Essaied said around 2,500 tickets were sold for last year’s event, and that amount allowed for plenty of space on the festival grounds.

“We feel comfortable with selling 4,000 tickets knowing that everyone will not be at the park all at the same time,” Essaied said. “So, people who are ok being around other people can be, and others that aren’t will have an option to spread out.”

Organizers also announced the music lineup for the second annual event. Ten bands are set to play across two stages at the Abita Springs Trailhead.

Country singer Drake White and New Orleans bilingual pop band Sweet Crude are set to headline the festival.

The music lineup also includes the Imagination Movers, Lynn Drury, Nathan Williams and the Zydeco Cha Chas, Sam Price and the True Believers, Crispin Schroeder, Ron Hotstream and the Mid City Drifters, Abita Stumps and Zach Bryson.

When the Abita Fall Fest launched for the first-time in 2019, organizers said the event was a creative endeavor to celebrate and showcase all of the rich heritage and brilliance found in the quaint town of Abita Springs.

With part of the overall mission to promote a warm family environment, the inaugural celebration aimed to educate and attract visitors, while simultaneously giving back to local residents.

“Now…. this is a festival and there will be hopefully lots of people,” Essaied said. “But we want to make sure that everyone feels safe and is safe.”

The second annual event is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 24.

Early bird general admission tickets are $15 before July 24. Then, general admission tickets rise to $20. Tickets are $25 on the day of the event, purchased online or at the gate. Children ages 10 and under enter for free.

A very limited amount of VIP passes will be available for $65. VIP guests will have the best view of the festival from the second story of the trailhead pavilion while enjoying Abita Beer, wine (3 drink tickets), non-alcoholic beverages, all day food, a festival swag bag, and more.

Festival-goers can take advantage of free parking located at the Abita Elementary School on Level Street, the Abita Springs Park and Ride on Highway 36 and the Abita Brewery. Shuttle service will also be available running continually from the three locations.

Organizers say proceeds from Abita Fall Fest 2020 will be donated to the construction of the Trailhead Tower.

For more information about the Abita Fall Fest, visit the website.