The Big Barn Dance is back this year

Albeit with COVID-safe adjustments

‘IN ORDER FOR US TO MOVE forward with the event, there are specific guidelines set forth by the state of New Mexico that we must abide by,” said Michael Hearne, musician and founder of the event.

To do so, they have had to make some major adjustments to their usual festival layout and ticketing process.

Event organizers sent Tempo the current guidelines and information on tickets and lineup:

1. NO MAIN TENT – Due to current social-distancing requirements, we are unable to properly accommodate all the attendees under our usual big tent. All main seating will be uncovered and spread out across the lawn in the same area of the park. Umbrellas will only be allowed if it rains. Our bar/dining areas will be tented providing some coverage should you need to retreat from the sun for a bit. Bring a good sun hat and dress in layers!

2. “POD” SEATING SYSTEM – Currently, the state is requiring a 6-foot perimeter around each group. Therefore, instead of rows of seats, we will have rows of “pods,” or sectioned spaces that are sized according to the number of people in the group. We will only be selling 2-person pods, 4-person pods and 6-person pods. The plus side is, you’ll have extra room to stretch your legs! These pods will be first-come, first-served each day. Due to space limitations, we are encouraging people to purchase larger pods by offering those at a lower cost per person. See pricing information below.

3. MASK AND SOCIAL DISTANCING REQUIREMENTS – You will NOT be required to wear a mask while inside your pod, or when eating/drinking in a designated area. MASKS WILL BE REQUIRED AT ALL OTHER TIMES. Social distancing measures will also be in place throughout the venue including in entrance lines, food/bar lines, merchandise tent, vendor lines, etc.

4. SEATS/CHAIRS – Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs. We ask the chairs be standard “camping style” chairs and we will have specifications on height, width etc. (basically no director’s chairs, or long lounge chairs that would interfere with another attendee’s experience). We will have standard folding chairs available for free use if you don’t bring a chair, plus we will have custom BBD [foldup] souvenir camping chairs available for purchase at the merchandise tent (while supplies last).

PLEASE NOTE: Due to social-distancing restrictions, we will not be holding the traditional big dance on Saturday evening. We WILL however, have two large dance floors in a prime location throughout the weekend and many, many great dance bands, so be sure to dust off the ol’ boots for some sociallydistanced boot scootin’!

These rules and regulations are subject to change as restrictions are lifted. However, if you do not agree to them as they stand, we ask that you do not purchase a pod at this time. By purchasing a pod you agree to follow the rules we have set in place.

This is a rain or shine event. Please note we plan to 100 percent revert back to our usual way of doing things in 2022. Although we are confident and excited that this year’s event will be spectacular, we know it’s just not the same, and we always want to keep the intimate, unique experience the Big Barn Dance is known for. Thank you for sticking with us and supporting us during these unprecedented times. We promise to do our best under the circumstances.