Seven Stars, the festival run by American bass artist GRiZ, is on indefinite hiatus after criticism of its venue. The event was held for a second year at Oak Ridge Farm in Virginia, a former slave plantation, and GRiZ now says the team will look for a venue that fits the festival's mission better.
At a glance
- Festival: Seven Stars, hosted by GRiZ
- Venue in question: Oak Ridge Farm, Virginia
- Status: indefinite hiatus while a new venue is found
- Still on: GRIZTRONICS at the Gorge Amphitheater next May
What we know
Many fans questioned how a festival built on inclusion and community could take place somewhere with such a painful history. GRiZ responded with a video of about two minutes and forty seconds on social media.
In it, he said he only learned about the venue's past this past Sunday. He explained that his team had researched the site earlier but did not pass that information on to him. He acknowledged that the festival supports inclusion, social justice and several charities, and said that holding it at Oak Ridge went against those values.
He also reaffirmed his support for a number of social causes, including Black Lives Matter, queer and LGBTQ+ inclusion and the Free Palestine movement, and spoke out against ICE raids.
What's next for GRiZ
The hiatus does not mean GRiZ is stepping back from touring and events. He returns to the Gorge Amphitheater next May for the second round of GRIZTRONICS, a three-day camping festival over Memorial Day weekend. He curated the lineup with Subtronics, and the invited artists include Cannabliss, Clozee, Whethan, Inzo, Eazybaked, Jkyl & Hyde and Daily Bread.
For more on that event, see our story on GRIZTRONICS 2027 growing to three nights at the Gorge.
Why it matters
Festivals increasingly face questions from their communities about where they are held, not just who plays. GRiZ's quick public response, and his decision to pause rather than carry on, shows how seriously fans and artists are treating that question. No timeline has been given for a new Seven Stars location.
