Electric Zoo Cancels First Day Citing Construction Delays

Electric Zoo was set to kick off today, but due to supply chain issues leading to unfinished construction of the main stage, the first day has been canceled.

Update 5:30pm PT: This article has been updated to include the statement from a City Hall Spokesperson who had an official statement regarding the cancellation of Electric Zoo today.

New Yorkers and thousands more from around the country have been flocking to the city over the past few days to attend this year’s edition of Electric Zoo. Excitement had steadily built for the party that would ensue on Randall’s Island with plenty of teases and a stacked lineup of talent set to perform all weekend long. But those attending will now have to wait a bit longer to enter its gates because the first day has been officially canceled.

Earlier this morning, Electric Zoo took to their social media accounts with a statement regarding the cancellation of Friday due to the festival’s main stage being incomplete. According to the festival organizers, global supply chain disruptions were the root of the construction delays, and because of this they cannot open their doors to the thousands of dance music lovers who were ready to dance the day and night away today.

“We know how much today meant to all of you, and seeing your excitement made it all the more special for us,” the statement reads. “Sharing this tough news is honestly heartbreaking. We feel the weight of the disappointment and frustration, and we’re so sorry to let our Electric Zoo family down.”

Refunds will be given for Friday tickets, with credit being given to those who had weekend passes. Additionally, all ferry and bus ticket holders will receive a refund for Friday, including those who purchased multiple-day transportation tickets.

All is not lost, though, as Electric Zoo is still planning to open its doors on Saturday and Sunday. “Starting from 1pm on both days, we look forward to uniting with all of you to celebrate life and music, and dance through the sunset with the iconic backdrop of the New York skyline, right in the heart of New York City,” they said. “Let’s come together, stronger than before, to create moments that will be etched in our memories forever.”

We ask for your forgiveness and understanding during this challenging time. We are profoundly sorry for all the inconvenience and disappointment this will cause. Your unwavering support has always been the backbone of Electric Zoo, and we pledge to make the remaining days of the festival an unforgettable experience.
Electric Zoo

After the announcement of the first day’s cancellation, a spokesperson for City Hall shared an official statement with PIX11 News regarding their account from earlier this morning when doing a walkthrough of Electric Zoo.

New Yorkers’ safety is always the top priority of the Adams administration, and we respect that the organizers of Electric Zoo have made the responsible decision to cancel the first day of the festival while they continue working to provide a safe environment for all attendees. When city agency teams were on site this morning, construction on the stages was not complete, and the grounds were not prepared to safely host thousands of attendees. We have been and continue working closely with the festival organizers to create a safe environment for all attendees to enjoy and to provide all appropriate approvals as quickly as possible. Our teams are on standby to walk through the site again this evening and determine whether the festival can proceed on Saturday, and we hope the thousands of New Yorkers and visitors will be able to enjoy the festival.
City Hall Spokesperson

Artists slated to perform on Friday at Electric Zoo included Excision, Adventure Club, Kx5, Chris Lake and FISHER, Mau P, and more. Stay tuned for more details surrounding Electric Zoo this weekend.

Read the full statement from Electric Zoo on Twitter:

Dear Electric Zoo Family,

It is with a broken heart that we deeply regret to inform you that, despite our tireless efforts and round-the-clock commitment, we have made the painful decision to cancel the first day of Electric Zoo.

This year has presented unparalleled challenges… pic.twitter.com/m5tunuANZY
— Electric Zoo Festival (@ElectricZooNY) September 1, 2023

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