Ultra Music Festival, one of the world’s top electronic music festival brands in the world, has announced its return to downtown Miami next year. In addition, they have received the blessing from neighbors who have previously complained about the event. Ultra Music Festival has taken place in Bayfront Park for nearly two decades until 2018 when city commissioners ruled not to renew the festival’s contract because of resident complaints.

Ultra then moved the festival to Virginia Key in 2019, but there were other logistical issues resulting from the 2019 festival location site. Ultra was already set to return to Bayfront Park in 2020 before COVID-19 forced all music festivals to cease all activity that year. On Tuesday, organizers of the festival announced an agreement put in place to settle tensions between the Downtown Neighbors Alliance. The association, which represents thirteen condominium towers in downtown Miami, has opted to allow Ultra Music Festival to take place at Bayfront Park once again.

Ultra has released a statement saying that they will address previous issues such as construction schedules, noise monitoring, traffic problems, etc. The residents of downtown Miami and Ultra’s festival organizers seek to find a balance between hosting large-scale music events and protecting residents’ local lifestyles. Ultra spokesperson, Ray Martinez, indicated that having two years off from the festival probably helped these negotiations take place. The COVID-19 pause on festivals gave both sides a chance to take a breath and come to a compromise. Both sides want Miami to continue to be a great place to work, live, and play. The Downtown Alliance President, James Torres, believes that the agreement will allow Ultra and its neighbors to coexist peacefully.