Nor'easter Cancels East Coast Music Fests

A powerful nor'easter churning up the East Coast last week forced the cancellation of major live music events across Massachusetts and New York. Severe weather, including strong winds, heavy rain, and coastal flooding, prompted organizers to prioritize safety.

The cancellations impacted thousands of ticket holders, artists, crews, vendors, and staff.

Ed Sheeran’s two scheduled shows at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, set for Friday, Sept. 25, and Saturday, Sept. 26, were called off Friday due to severe weather warnings. Messina Touring Group, the promoter, consulted local officials before making the decision, citing safety as the top priority. Ticket holders who purchased through Ticketmaster received automatic refunds.

In New York City, the All Things Go NYC Festival at Forest Hills Stadium, scheduled from Friday, Sept. 25, through Sunday, Sept. 27, was canceled just hours before its opening. Organizers cited high winds. The Global Citizen Festival, planned for Saturday, Sept. 26, on the Great Lawn in Central Park, also was canceled. This marked the festival's first cancellation in 14 years, with organizers stating dangerous conditions made it impossible to safely bring tens of thousands of attendees, artists, and staff to the venue. Refunds were made available for both New York events. Global Citizen announced plans to donate food prepared for their event to local organizations.