Raise your hand if you miss attending live concerts and fair.

Yeah... us too.

The good news is that with Covid-19 vaccines becoming more widely available, there’s at last a light at the end of the tunnel, as some venues have tentatively begun scheduling events again.

Here’s a breakdown of all the things happening (or not happening) in summer 2021 in several states. 

alABAMA

Alabama is seeing a return of many large scale events while some counties are still under tight restrictions. The mask mandate is lifted state-wide.

California

California will reopen on June 15. Attendees of large events must show proof of vaccination.

The Gold Country Fairgrounds in Auburn has begun scheduling events and rehiring laid-off staff.

However, it’s going to be a while until California is back on track. The High Sierra Music Festival has been cancelled for the second year in a row, but will return in summer 2022.

Colorado

A tiered system in Colorado means restrictions differ from county to county. The Montrose County Fair will return in full force this summer, and the Red Rocks venue has been cautiously scheduling live concerts again.

Delaware

Large outdoor gatherings are still banned in Delaware; however, organizers can get special permission from the Division of Public Health. The M&T Bank Grandstand is making changes to their ticketing policies to accommodate social distancing requirements.

Florida

There are no limits on outdoor gatherings in Florida, although organizers are urged to observe social distancing guidelines. The Central Florida Fair is on this year; and the Pecan Park Flea Market and the Waldo Flea Market are in full swing.

Georgia

The ban on large gatherings in Georgia was lifted on April 8. The historic North Georgia State Fair will take place as usual this summer, as will the Imagine Festival.

Illinois

Presently, gatherings of 50 or more are still banned in Illinois; but plans are in place to gradually lift these restrictions over the summer.

The Illinois and DuQuoin State Fairs are in the works. The Logan Square Farmers Market is ongoing with some social distancing restrictions in place.

Indiana

Local officials will determine restrictions for events in Indiana this year. Look for the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival to take place in October.

Kentucky

Kentucky has no restrictions or bans on outdoor gatherings, but things are not fully back to normal yet. The Forecastle Festival has been cancelled for the second summer in a row, with plans to return in 2022.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts now allows outdoor gatherings of no more than 150, and indoor gatherings of no more than 100. Popular events like the Boston Calling Music Festival have been postponed for yet another year.

Mississippi

Mississippi has had zero restrictions on indoor or outdoor gatherings since March 3. The Iona Free Fair Association Board has expressed optimism that fairs might start up again this summer.

Nebraska

Outdoor events are now allowed in Nebraska at 100% capacity. Though the NE State Fair has run into financial troubles resulting from the pandemic, plans are in the works for its return.

Nevada

Nevada is set to reopen on June 1, with individual counties making decisions about capacity. The popular Electric Daisy Carnival, originally scheduled in May, has been pushed back until October.

New Jersey

Outdoor gatherings of up to 200 are allowed in NJ; indoor gatherings are limited to 25. A series of drive-in concerts is scheduled to take place at the Sussex County Fairgrounds.

New York

Venues in New York are currently allowed to open at 33% capacity for concerts and fairs. The Excelsior mobile pass is an option for streaming live events. The Erie County Fair is scheduled to take place in August.

North Carolina

There is no cap on gatherings in North Carolina; however, a mask mandate remains in place. The North Carolina State Fair will be back in full force this October.

Ohio

While capacity limits have been lifted in Ohio, social distancing and mask mandates remain in place. The 175th Canfield Fair will take place in September as planned.

Pennsylvania

Events in PA are allowed at 25% capacity for indoor events and up to 75% outdoors. The Elements Music & Arts Festival is one of many events scheduled to go on in 2021.

Texas

All facilities in Texas have been operating at 100% capacity since March. All summer events, including the Old Gruene Market Days on the third weekend of every month, are on.

Virginia

Entertainment venues in VA are operating up to 30% capacity right now. Masks and social distancing are required. Many popular events are happening this summer, including the Rockingham County Fair.

Washington

Gathering restrictions in Washington vary from region to region. The Northwest Washington Fair is scheduled to take place; however, it will be limited to only 9000 attenders at a time.

Wisconsin

Restrictions in Wisconsin vary depending on the region. The Elkhorn Flea Market is still open during several weekends this summer.

West Virginia

Large gatherings are only allowed in WV if they have been deemed essential. The Calhoun County Wood Festival and the West Virginia Renaissance Festival will both take place; however, attendance is limited.

Don’t forget to check out FestivalNet for details about your favorite fairs in the summer of 2021.

photo courtesy: Olia Nayda