Another Morrissey show has been canceled – but this time it wasn’t his fault. He was set to headline Saturday’s CBGB Festival in Brooklyn, but that event is one of three New York City fests that has been canceled due to an approaching Nor’easter, alongside All Things Go NYC and Global Citizen Festivals.
All three cancelations come as forecasts call for over two inches of rain and dangerously high winds. In their respective announcements, each of the events cited “consultation with local officials” and the “safety of our fans, the artists, and local crews” for calling off the shows. Refunds will be automatic for those who purchased through AXS (CBGB and All Things Go) or Global Citizen, while others can seek refunds through their points of purchase.
Cancelations and Lineups
All Things Go was the first to pull the plug, canceling the event scheduled for Forest Hills Stadium in Queens. (As of this writing, the event’s Maryland edition is still set to go on as planned this weekend.) “We don’t really know how to put into words how heartbroken we are,” read the festival’s statement. “Thank you for understanding, and thank you to the fans, artists, and crews who make this festival what it is.” The 2026 edition was to be headlined by Zara Larsson, Lola Young, Brandi Carlile, Ethel Cain, MUNA, and Carly Rae Jepsen (who was due to deliver a “special sunset performance”).
Global Citizen followed closely thereafter, marking “the first time in 14 years” the annual Central Park concert has been canceled. “We have spent this week working through countless contingencies, which were ultimately not possible, and cancelling is a decision we have not taken lightly,” event organizers said. They also pointed out that the nonprofit actions and financial commitments taken in support of the festival secured over $208 million to aid over 9.5 million people across the world; that said, those who donated to secure a ticket can also ask for a refund.
Global Citzen 2026 was to feature Ms. Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean (celebrating the 30th anniversary of The Score), Lenny Kravitz, John Legend, Lainey Wilson, Shaboozey, and TOMORROW X TOGETHER.
CBGB held out the longest, likely in hopes that its location Under the K Bridge in Brooklyn could shield it from the worst of the storm. However, they ultimately also aborted plans, also scraping the Friday night launch concert set to feature The Prodigy playing their first NYC show in 17 years. “Thank you to the fans and all those involved who have supported the shows,” read the cancelation notice. This would have been only the second edition of CBGB Festival, with this year’s lineup featuring Morrissey, Interpol, Patti Smith, Mannequin Pussy, Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter (who also pulled out of the 2025 festival due to injury), The Return of Jackie and Judy, and more.
Impact and Other Cancelations
It’s undoubtedly a major bummer for New York music fans and a detrimental financial situation for organizers, vendors, and others who were anticipating an economic boost from the events. The trio of cancelations also add to the sample size of 2026 music festivals canceled or impacted by severe weather. Down the coast, Ocean City, Maryland’s Oceans Calling Festival canceled earlier in the day, while up North, Ed Sheeran’s Gillette Stadium gigs were canceled. Last weekend, Chicago’s Riot Fest, Louisville’s Louder Than Life, and Atlanta’s Shaky Knees Festival all experienced schedule changes or temporary evacuations because of weather. Earlier in the year, Bonnaroo canceled its 2027 edition “to recuperate from back to back year of storms, including the heavy rainstorm on Sunday this year…”
In conclusion, the cancelation of these three music festivals in New York City due to severe weather is a significant blow to the music industry and fans alike. The financial impact will be felt by organizers, vendors, and local businesses, and the loss of these events will be deeply felt by music lovers who were looking forward to attending. As the frequency and severity of extreme weather events continue to increase, it’s likely that we’ll see more cancelations and disruptions to outdoor events in the future.
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