Jay Z’s Made In America Festival Canceled Again

A spokesman says organizers promise Philadelphia will return

Jay-Z’s annual Made in America festival, which takes place in Philadelphia over Labor Day weekend, has been canceled for the second year in a row.

On Wednesday, the festival announced the cancellation on social media and on its official website. No specific reason was given, and a Made in America representative referred inquiries to the statement.

“As changemakers, the Made In America executive producing team reimagines the live music experience that affirms our love and commitment to music and the work we do. We promise an exciting return to the festival,” the statement reads, without providing a timetable for the festival’s return.

The lineup has not been announced yet.

“Since its inception, this groundbreaking festival has celebrated music and community – from creating a space for fans to connect, to uplifting local small businesses and shining a light on important issues. “He strived to ensure accessibility by eliminating barriers through affordable ticket prices and location,” Wednesday’s statement read.

In August 2023, one month before the festival was scheduled to take place on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway with Lizzo and SZA as headliners, Made in America announced that the festival would not take place “due to serious circumstances beyond the production’s control”, according to a statement at the time.

“This decision was difficult and was not made lightly or without much consideration,” 2023 organizers said. They declared then that they couldn’t wait to return next year.

When the festival was abruptly canceled last year, then-Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney expressed disappointment but said the city “looks forward to having the Made in America Festival back on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway next year and larger than ever.” A spokeswoman for Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker did not immediately comment on this year’s cancellation.

The festival began in 2012 and was held annually until 2023, except in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic.

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