Dr. Phillips Center of the Performing Arts on Tuesday announced plans for an outdoors, socially distanced festival that will take place on the lawn areas in front of the Dr. Phil. And this fest won't just happen over a long weekend, but stretch out over the course of six months.
The Front Yard Festival is set to kick off in December and offer up music, film, comedy, health & wellness, and arts events, though no acts have been confirmed yet. The plan at the time of announcement is to eventually offer programming – mostly ticketed events – for 7 days a week.
Local restaurants and food trucks will be on site daily, to offer concessions for attendees.
The festival will sprawl over the three "parcels" of lawn in front of the Dr. Phil, including Seneff Arts Plaza.
Seating will consist of 380 socially distanced seating pods. Each elevated pod is 5’ x 7’ and can accommodate a five-strong group, maximum. Ticketing is offered per pod only, to keep groups together and discourage mingling.
Masks will be required of all parties involved, through attendees can remove masks once they enter their pod.
The pod design is inspired by that of the seating utilized at the Virgin Money Unity Arena for massive outdoor concerts in Newcastle, U.K. over the summer – which generated quite a bit of buzz.
And while the photographs of shows at the outdoor venue admittedly looked incredible, it should be noted that the Arena shut down after a few months of operation in September due to a COIVD spike in Newcastle and accompanying lockdown restrictions and curfews. (The promoter said in an interview at the end of September that there are plans for the shows to return there, in the "not too distant future.")
Orlando City Commissioners are all in as well, unanimously approving a $250,000 grant on Monday night to go toward construction of the Front Yard Festival's staging and setup as a way to re-energize an ailing downtown entertainment district.
“To keep our mission moving forward, our team has come up with a unique way for guests to re-connect and re-engage with one another and enjoy live entertainment and culture again," said Dr. Phillips Center President and CEO Kathy Ramsberger in a press statement. “This big idea is gaining fantastic support by sponsors, partners and artists.”
Watch the Dr. Phillips Center website and Facebook page for updates on the Front Yard Festival.
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