Las Vegas’ Lovers & Friends Concert Canceled Due to Predicted Strong Winds, Dust

Posted on: May 4, 2024, 06:35h. 

Last updated on: May 4, 2024, 06:35h.

Ed Silverstein @casinoorgedsilv Read More

Expertise: Legal, Tribal Gaming.

Saturday’s sold-out Lovers & Friends music festival was canceled at the last moment after forecasted winds and dust made the event unsafe to hold in Las Vegas.

Friday night’s decision to cancel the yearly concert was made after the National Weather Service issued a high wind warning.

The latest weather forecast calls for sustained winds of 30-35 mph on Saturday. Gusts could reach 60 mph. There could be blowing dust which can pose a health risk to those out of doors. Forecasters also warn of the possibility of downed power lines and trees.

Following advice from the National Weather Service and in consultation with local public officials, we must make the safest decision for our fans, artists, and staff, and cancel tomorrow’s Lovers & Friends Festival,” the festival announced in an online statement on Friday.

Scheduled to appear were such well-known performers as Alicia Keys, Janet Jackson, Usher, Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, Lil Wayne, Nelly Furtado, and the Backstreet Boys. In total, 70 acts were scheduled to take the stage.

It was to be held at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds between noon and midnight. The festival grounds is located on the north end of the Las Vegas Strip. It holds about 85,000 people.

This was an incredibly heartbreaking decision to make as we are aware that fans have traveled from all over the world to enjoy this incredible lineup of superstars and have been looking forward to this event for several months,” organizers said in the statement.

The decision to cancel wasn’t spur of the moment. Concert organizers had been following Saturday’s weather forecast throughout the week. Preparations were made in case it was windy, but then it was predicted to be too “dangerous” to go ahead, organizers said.

Ticket holders who purchased tickets through Front Gate Tickets will receive a refund within 30 days, organizers promise.

Angry Responses

Upon hearing the news, ticket holders voiced their disappointment and outrage on online sites.

One Facebook poster, Joti Thind, said: “WTF!?!?! WE CAME FROM CANADA. who’d refunding us for hotel and flights and time off work? Is this a joke.”

In addition, another person posting on Facebook, Jovi Schuyler, said, “All of us who purchased our tickets from individuals on this page or via any other platform, I hope we can all get our monies back from those individuals.”

Unfortunate situation for everyone but since we’re already in Vegas, might as well enjoy it!”

Prior Incident

Back on May 14, 2022, the Lovers & Friends music festival was temporarily halted after fear broke out among thousands of attendees.

An unfounded shooting rumor led to some fleeing audience members getting trampled.

At least three concertgoers were injured and required treatment.