Philadelphia’s Made in America Festival Canceled Over ‘Severe Circumstances’

The annual festival had been scheduled for Sept. 2-3 with Lizzo and SZA as the headliners.

Citing “severe circumstances outside of production control,” Jay-Z ‘s annual Made in America festival, scheduled for Labor Day weekend in Philadelphia, has been canceled.

Made in America had been scheduled for Sept. 2-3 on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway with Lizzo and SZA as the headliners. Miguel, Tems, Metro Boomin, Ice Spice, Coi Leray, Latto, Lil Yachty, Doechii, Lola, and many more were also scheduled to perform.

“This decision has been difficult and has not been made lightly nor without immense deliberation,” MIA organizers said in a statement announcing the cancellation. “Made in America has a legacy of delivering exceptional experiences for music fans and concert goers, and it is our commitment to always deliver a top-tier festival experience.”

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— Made In America Festival (@MIAFestival) August 8, 2023

A specific reason for the cancellation was not made immediately clear. Promoter Live Nation referred questions back to the Made in America statement. 

Organizers said all tickets will be refunded, and that the festival will return next year.

Lizzo was recently sued by former tour dancers alleging sexual harassment and a hostile work environment. The singer dismissed the allegations last week as “false” and “too outrageous to not be addressed.”

Made in America has been held over Labor Day weekend in Philadelphia every year since 2012, with the exception of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney expressed disappointment at the abrupt cancellation. “Since 2012, Made in America has grown into a Philly tradition on Labor Day Weekend celebrating music and promoting worthwhile social causes,” Kenney said in a statement.

“We are grateful for all the partners and festival goers who have contributed to this event’s incredible success over the years, especially our partners at Roc Nation, and we look forward to bringing Made in America back and bigger than ever to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway next year.”

A representative from Jay-Z’s entertainment company Roc Nation did not immediately return AP’s request for comment.

Keystone senior community manager Patrick Berkery contributed to this report.