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Nor'easter Forces Cancellation of Global Citizen, Oceans Calling and Other East Coast Events
A multi-day nor'easter has prompted organizers to cancel major outdoor events along the East Coast, including the Global Citizen Festival in New York and Oceans Calling in Maryland, affecting millions under coastal flood alerts.
A powerful multi-day nor'easter sweeping the East Coast has forced the cancellation of major outdoor festivals and concerts from Virginia to Rhode Island, as organizers cited dangerous weather conditions and safety concerns. More than 33 million people are currently under coastal flood alerts, with the Jersey Shore and New York's Long Island among the most affected areas.
The severe weather system, expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds through the weekend, led to a wave of cancellations announced with little notice. Among the most prominent events called off was the Global Citizen Festival, the annual advocacy and music gathering held at Central Park's Great Lawn in New York City. Organizers said the decision marked the first cancellation in the event's 14-year history.
«Due to the extreme weather forecast for New York City this weekend, we have made the difficult decision, in consultation with the City of New York and NYC Parks, to cancel this year's Global Citizen Festival,» organizers said in a statement. They added that forecasts predicted conditions in which tens of thousands of attendees, artists, crew, vendors, partners, and staff could not be safely brought onto the Great Lawn, along with the equipment required for the event. Ticket holders will be refunded, and food intended for the festival will be donated to local organizations in New York City.
In Maryland, the Oceans Calling Festival in Ocean City announced it was canceling its Friday programming on the same day it was set to begin. The lineup had included the Dave Matthews Band, Ludacris, and Shwayze. Organizers said they acted on the advice of the National Weather Service and in cooperation with local public officials. «Following the advice of the National Weather Service and in cooperation with local public officials, we must make the difficult decision to cancel Oceans Calling 2026,» they said. Ticket holders who purchased through Front Gate Tickets will receive automatic full refunds to their original payment method within 30 days.
The IRONMAN 70.3 New York triathlon, scheduled for Saturday at Jones Beach, was also canceled. Organizers acknowledged the significant commitment athletes had made in preparing for race day but said the anticipated conditions presented risks that could not be mitigated to the standards required to safely operate the event. Registered athletes will receive separate communication outlining their options, including the possibility of a rescheduled event and other registration alternatives.
In New York's Forest Hills, the All Things Go Festival canceled its weekend-long programming, which had featured Lucy Dacus, Djo, Lola Young, The Marías, and Clairo. Organizers said the decision followed consultation with local officials, Forest Hills Stadium, and trusted weather advisors, citing severe weather conditions in the New York metro area throughout the weekend, including high winds. Tickets purchased via AXS by phone or online will receive automatic refunds within 30 business days to the original form of payment.
Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, announced on Friday the cancellation of Ed Sheeran's Friday and Saturday concert dates as part of his Loop Tour. «Due to the severe weather warnings in place in Boston and across New England throughout the weekend and following consultation with local officials, the promoter and tour have made the difficult decision to cancel the Ed Sheeran concerts at Gillette Stadium,» the stadium said. Refunds are available at the point of purchase, and Ticketmaster purchasers will be automatically refunded.
The widespread cancellations reflect the severity of the storm system, which has placed millions under alerts and prompted local officials and event organizers to prioritize safety over scheduled programming. Organizers across the region urged ticket holders to check directly with event websites and social media channels for the latest information, as the list of affected gatherings continues to evolve.
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