The Show Must Go On: GearFest 2021

We write the spring SweetNotes in late winter, so as I’m writing this note to you, we’re feeling the winter chill here in Sweetwater’s home of Fort Wayne, Indiana. And things are cranking up in preparation for our huge GearFest two-day-long celebration, which we hold each year in June. (We actually start planning each year’s GearFest the week after the previous one ends!) With all that’s been going on over the past year, a common question I’m getting is, “Will there be a GearFest in 2021?” My answer is that the show must go on! So yes, GearFest is on and will be held on June 25 and 26, 2021!

For those who haven’t been able to join us for GearFest in the past, GearFest is a celebration that takes place over two days — two days that are filled with seminars, workshops, performances, artist appearances and interviews, and above all, gear! Hundreds of manufacturers participate, showing all of their latest and greatest equipment — there’s no other event like GearFest. And best of all, GearFest is completely free and open to anyone who wants to attend!

So yes, the show will go on, but what form will GearFest 2021 take? In 2020, due to lockdown and travel restrictions and, most of all, out of consideration for the safety of our employees, manufacturer partners, artist friends, and customers, we held GearFest as a completely online event. And we were thrilled with the response we received — nearly 160,000 visitors took part in the online event. GearFest 2020 was an incredible success thanks to everyone who tuned in to watch and take part.

What does this mean for GearFest 2021? This year, with safety and comfort still our primary concerns, GearFest will once again be an online event. Of course, we’ll miss seeing our friends and customers in person, but the good news is that with GearFest 2021 taking place online, many, many more music makers from all around the world can join in the fun! We’re incredibly excited for you to experience GearFest 2021 online with us. It’s going to be two fantastic days packed with artist events, exciting opportunities to expand your knowledge of music and music making, and yes, tons and tons of great new gear!

Stay tuned to our GearFest page at Sweetwater.com/gearfest for the latest, up-to-the-minute information and all you need to know about registration, the schedule of events, and much more.

I hope you’re as excited as we are to spend two full days celebrating the music, musicians, and gear we all love. GearFest is an incredible event — consider this my personal invitation to you! I hope we’ll see you there!

Learn more about GearFest Online 2021