KCBX Public Radio has cancelled the 2027 Live Oak Music Festival.
The station released a statement today saying the decision is in response to the loss of federal funding and the rising cost to produce the event.
“We are deeply grateful for the care, passion and commitment the Live Oak volunteers and community have brought to this festival, year after year,” according to KCBX general manager Chris McBride.
The Live Oak Music Festival website has posted a statement that “what comes next is not settled” and asks for feedback through an online survey.
The loss of federal funds means KCBX must raise an additional $420,000 annually to maintain its current operations and programming. In addition, producing the Live Oak Music Festival has become increasingly difficult for a small public radio station.
Staffing demands, operational, and liability commitments are no longer feasible, according to the statement. It also says festival attendance has declined while costs of talent, supplies, services, and insurance have continued to rise.
KCBX is exploring whether the festival could return in a different form in 2028. “We look forward to the reimagination of this wonderful event that brings us together around music and community,” McBride said.
The station’s priority is to preserve its public radio service and build a financially sustainable future. “We are grateful for your care and belief in KCBX, your local, 100% community-supported public radio station,” McBride said.
The family-friendly, three-day music and arts festival began as a one-day concert at Biddle Park in Arroyo Grande in 1989. It later moved to Live Oak Camp in Santa Barbara before relocating to El Chorro Regional Park in San Luis Obispo in 2019. The three-day camping festival has traditionally been held on Father’s Day Weekend.