FONTANA, CA - JULY 31: Electronic music artist Walshy Fire of Major Lazer performs during the Hard Summer Music Festival 2016 at Auto Club Speedway on July 30, 2016 in Fontana, California. (Photo by Michael Tullberg/Getty Images)

The HARD Summer Festival is set to take place this weekend at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, featuring performances from artists such as Busta Rhymes and Dom Dolla. Scheduled for August 5-6, 2023, the two-day festival will run from 14:00 to 22:00 local time. With more than 40 acts on the lineup, excitement is building among festival-goers, but residents in nearby neighborhoods are bracing for the potential disruption caused by loud music and bass.

Last year’s festival prompted significant noise complaints, with the sound reportedly traveling miles beyond the venue. This led to hundreds of complaints filed with the city, prompting the El Segundo Police Department to issue a social media alert advising residents not to call 9-1-1 to report the noise. The response from local authorities highlighted the impact that such events can have on communities.

Inglewood’s Mayor, James T. Butts Jr., stated that he has asked the concert organizers to take measures to mitigate the noise levels this year. “We want to ensure that the festival can be enjoyed by attendees while being mindful of the residents living nearby,” he said in a recent interview. The effectiveness of these measures will soon be tested as the festival approaches.

Residents have expressed mixed feelings about the event. Some welcome the vibrant atmosphere and the opportunity to enjoy live music, while others are concerned about the noise and potential disruptions to their weekend. The festival is expected to attract a large crowd, and with it, the accompanying challenges of balancing enjoyment with community peace.

As preparations for the HARD Summer Festival continue, the local community remains alert, hoping that the sound management strategies put in place will allow for a successful event that respects the needs of Inglewood’s residents. The outcome of this weekend’s festival will be closely observed, not just for its entertainment value but also for its impact on the surrounding neighborhoods.