Oaktopia Moves to Dallas
Denton has lost another festival. This morning Oaktopia announced their next event will take place November 17-18 in three Deep Ellum venues: Bomb Factory, Trees, and Canton Hall.
“It's really unlikely that Oaktopia ever comes back to Denton,” said Oaktopia co-owner Matt Battaglia. “We'll still be living in Denton, throwing shows in Denton, possibly hosting pre-topias in Denton... But as far as the entire festival, I don't see it coming back.”
Battaglia has plans to produce spin-off events in Denton in 2018.
“It's still too early to know where it will be held, but we're thinking multi-venue format and possibly some smaller outdoor stages,” said Battaglia.
Earlier this year The Dentonite reported that Sparky Pearson was no longer the primary investor for the festival. Pearson has been focused on opening new businesses and remodeling Andy’s Bar and The Labb.
The decision to part ways was a mutual one.
Co-owners Matt Battaglia and Brent Camp did what they could to stay in Denton, but the move to Dallas became necessary in order to go on without taking a hiatus.
The news will be bittersweet for local music lovers who have already lost 35 Denton. A few non traditional venues have stepped up to help replace the void left by beloved performance spaces such as Rubber Gloves and Hailey’s.
Those who are willing to visit Oaktopia in Dallas will still find a stacked lineup.
Oaktopia 2017 headliners will include New York electro rock, dream pop duo Phantogram and Atlanta based rapper 21 Savage. Other announced acts include Com Truise, DJ A-Trak b2b Baauer, and Boom Box.
More acts will be announced throughout the next month, and there will still be a focus on showcasing local music.
A limited amount of Early Bird General Admission tickets are on sale today and run $49.50 for 1-day and $89.50 for 2-day. VIP options will be announced later. Tickets can be bought through Ticketfly on Oaktopia's website.
Flyer courtesy of Oaktopia
Header image photographed by Emily Cline
Header image layout designed by Mateo Granados