FORMAT Festival Announces a Break in 2024 for Reimagining

FORMAT Festival, held annually in Bentonville, has recently announced that there will be no event in 2024. This decision comes after two years of activity, with the festival taking a break to reimagine and innovate its offerings for the future.

Production Challenges Lead to Change

The 2023 festival faced difficulties when unforeseen production challenges prompted a last-minute change in venue. Initially set to occur at the expansive 250-acre Sugar Creek Airstrip, the festival was moved to the smaller Momentary grounds in downtown Bentonville. This shift occurred three months after the lineup announcement and led to frustration among ticket holders when refunds were not offered. This shift in location represented a significant departure from the previous year's setup that participants had anticipated.

A Festival of Music, Art, and Technology

FORMAT Festival has been a celebration combining music, art, and technology. Over the years, it has featured performances from a diverse array of artists. In 2022, attendees enjoyed acts such as Phoenix, Khruangbin, Beach House, The War on Drugs, The Flaming Lips, Thundercat, and Elle King. The subsequent year saw LCD Soundsystem, Jamie XX, Alanis Morissette, Modest Mouse, and Leon Bridges taking the stage.

A Year Off to Reinvent

While the festival will be on hiatus in 2024, the organizing committee emphasized that the pause is a strategic step to enhance and reimagine the event. This pause aims to ensure the festival remains on the cutting edge of providing innovative experiences for its audience. The festival's dedication to growth and progression in music, art, and technology remains steadfast, and fans can anticipate new and revitalized experiences upon its return.

FORMAT, festival, hiatus