All the Music Festivals That Have Been Canceled in 2019
55
Woodstock 50 isn't the only major music festival to have been canceled this year.
So far, 10 music festivals — including Massachusetts' Mad Decent Block Party and Barcelona's Doctor Music Festival — have called it quits in 2019, citing reasons from ICE-induced fear to endangered birds.
See the full list below.
Woodstock 50
After a tumultous timeline of events, including an attempted move to Maryland's Merriweather Post Pavilion as a free benefit concert, it was announced July 31 that Woodstock 50 had been canceled. "We released all the talent so any involvement on their part would be voluntary," Woodstock co-founder Michael Lang said in a statement. "Due to conflicting radius issues in the DC area many acts were unable to participate and others passed for their own reasons. I would like to encourage artists and agents, who all have been fully paid, to donate 10% of their fees to HeadCount or causes of their choice in the spirit of peace."
Mamby on the Beach
Chicago's Mamby on the Beach Festival, set for Aug. 23 and 24 with three stages and headliners including Troye Sivan, Brockhampton and Flying Lotus, announced its cancellation July 19. Higher-than-average Lake Michigan water levels and the hatching of three Great Lakes Piping Plover shorebirds, a federally endangered species, sparked tension with the city, and the fest was unable to find a new location.
OZY Fest
OZY Fest in New York City promised performances from Miguel and Tove Lo and speakers such as Beto O'Rourke and Spike Lee, but was canceled a day before its start due to a heat wave. Though refunds have been promised, the festival claims to have a new fall date coming soon.
Coney Island Music Festival
Also planned for the weekend of July 20, Coney Island Music Festival, featuring The Feelies, The Mystery Lights and Bane's World, was canceled because of the heat wave as well.
El Tour de Idaho de Los Inquietos
Set to take place in Jerome, Idaho, El Tour de Idaho de Los Inquietos was canceled shortly ahead of its July 18 date, citing fear over potential raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. A video message was posted to Colombia Event Center's page, saying the event was canceled until further notice.
Mad Decent Block Party
Diplo's Super Mega Ultra Giant Mad Decent Block Party announced its cancellation July 10, three days after headliner Kodak Black pulled out. Though the lineup still had Billie Eilish, G-Eazy, Major Lazer and Miguel, among others, festival organizers said in a statement that "unfortunately putting this event on in the way it was envisioned has become impossible, due to circumstances beyond our control. All parties involved have agreed that moving forward would be a disservice to fans and artists alike, and cancellation is in everyone's best interest."
Roxodus
Rainy weather kept Ontario rock festival Roxodus from happening as planned, as the event announced its cancellation July 3. Fab Loranger of promotion company MF Live Inc. said in a press release that they had "worked tirelessly to find a solution in which the show can go on but unfortunately we could not make it happen this year. Our dream of producing a 'once in a lifetime experience' has been put on hold as we take the time to nurture our venue." The lineup included Nickelback, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kid Rock, Aerosmith and Alice Cooper.
VestiVille
Belgian fest VestiVille was canceled day of on June 28 by the mayor of Lommel due to fraud and security concerns over headliner A$AP Rocky. Cardi B, Migos and Future were also set to play the fest.
Float Fest
Float Fest in Gonzales, Texas, canceled a month in advance on June 20, citing production issues due to rainy weather that prevented the site from being ready in time. Major Lazer, Portugal. The Man, Gucci Mane, Ice Cube and The Flaming Lips were among the fest's performers. Festival organizers said in a statement that they would continue work on the site to ensure the event's success in 2020.
Doctor Music Festival
Another revival festival that was not realized, Doctor Music Festival in Barcelona was canceled on June 13 due to low ticket sales and promised refunds after the fest changed its venue from mountain pastures to a racetrack. Though its lineup included The Strokes, The Smashing Pumpkins and Rosalía, it was not enough to keep the fest from going under.
