A multiday nor’easter is expected to bring heavy rain and wind to the East Coast, leading to widespread event cancellations. From Virginia all the way north to Rhode Island, over 33 million people are currently in areas with coastal flood alerts, particularly affecting places like the Jersey Shore and New York’s Long Island.
The severe weather alerts are driving organizers of large events like concerts or gatherings to cancel ahead of the weekend, some with very short notice.
Here are some of the large-scale events that have been canceled due to expected severe weather. (Note: The list below is not complete. If you were planning to attend an event this weekend, check with the organizers to see if it’s still happening.)
Oceans Calling Festival
The music festival set to take place in Ocean City, Maryland, announced it was canceling its programming on Friday—the same day it was set to start.
The lineup included artists like the Dave Matthews Band, Ludacris, Hootie & the Blowfish, and Shwayze. Ticket holders who purchased through Front Gate Tickets will be automatically refunded in full to their original method of payment within 30 days.
“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,” festival organizers said in their announcement.
Global Citizen Festival
The annual advocacy event and music festival held at Central Park’s Grand Lawn in New York City announced the cancellation of the event on Friday.
The cancellation is the first in 14 years.
“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: “Forecasts predict dangerous conditions and circumstances in which we cannot safely bring tens of thousands of Global Citizens, artists, crew, vendors, partners, and staff onto the Great Lawn, let alone all of the equipment required. Safety has to come first.”
According to the statement, those who purchased tickets will be refunded, and food intended for the festival will be donated to local organizations in NYC.
IRONMAN 70.3 New York
The famed 70.3-mile triathlon was set to take place in Jones Beach on Saturday, and has been canceled by organizers due to severe weather forecasts.
“We recognize the significant commitment athletes have made in preparing for race day, but the anticipated conditions present risks that cannot be mitigated to the standards required to safely operate the event,” organizers said about the cancellation.
They added: “Registered athletes will receive a separate communication outlining their options, including details regarding the possibility of a rescheduled event and other available registration alternatives, as those details become available.”
All Things Go Festival
The annual music festival set to take place in Forest Hills, New York, announced a cancellation to the weekend-long programming. This year’s music lineup included Lucy Dacus, Djo, Lola Young, The Marías, and Clairo.
“After consultation with local officials, Forest Hills Stadium, and trusted weather advisors, we have made the difficult decision to cancel All Things Go NYC . . . due to severe weather conditions in the New York Metro Area throughout the weekend, including high winds,” organizers said in a statement.
If you purchased tickets via AXS online or by phone, you will receive an automatic refund to your original form of payment within 30 business days.
Ed Sheeran Gillette Stadium Concert
Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, announced on Friday the cancellation of Ed Sheeran’s Friday and Saturday concert dates as part of the Englishman’s 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 in a statement.
The statement added: “Refunds are available now at the point of purchase. Ticketholders who purchased through Ticketmaster will be automatically refunded.”
Gillette Stadium is owned by Robert Kraft, the same billionaire who spoke out against American rapper Macklemore’s comments in support of the Palestinian people, urging Sheeran to drop the rapper from his tour. Sheeran’s decision to comply with Kraft has earned him widespread criticism from fans and industry leaders alike.