The Electric Zoo Festival went down in New York City this weekend, and things did not go as planned.
There were issues from the very start, as the fest’s first day (September 1) was canceled just hours before it was set to commence. A statement from festival organizers read in part, “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 for everyone. The global supply chain disruptions have impacted industries worldwide, and, sadly, our beloved festival has not been immune. These unexpected delays have prevented us from completing the construction of the main stage in time for Day 1.”
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
Then there was Day 2, which also hit a bit of a snag. Organizers explained, “We are thrilled to announce that we’re opening the festival doors today, but will need to do this two hours later than initially planned, at 3pm. […] We understand that yesterday’s delay has been disappointing, but rest assured that our production team has been working tirelessly to ensure that everything is in place for an extraordinary experience. Your safety, enjoyment, and the quality of our festival are our top priorities.”
Dear Electric Zoo Family,
First and foremost, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and understanding in the face of yesterday’s unexpected challenges. Your patience and dedication mean the world to us, and we cannot thank you enough for being… pic.twitter.com/n5SeRZsbYY
— Electric Zoo Festival (@ElectricZooNY) September 2, 2023
Things went sideways on Day 3 yesterday: At 6:35 p.m., organizers announced in a statement, “It is with deep regret that we need to inform you that due to the challenges caused by Friday cancelation, we have reached our venue’s capacity earlier than anticipated for today, Sunday. For the safety and well-being of everyone on site, we will not be admitting any additional attendees today. If you are on your way or were planning to come later, we kindly ask that you refrain from coming to the festival site.”
Dear Electric Zoo Family,⁰
We are so thankful for the overwhelming support and patience you’ve shown this year after the challenges we’ve faced over the weekend.⁰
It is with deep regret that we need to inform you that due to the challenges caused by Friday cancelation, we have…— Electric Zoo Festival (@ElectricZooNY) September 3, 2023
Some ticketholders didn’t take this news well: ABC7NY reports that after being told they wouldn’t be allowed into the festival, some attendees started “pushing their way in, rushing the gates, jumping over and crawling through a security checkpoint, then running into the festival.”
Check out some videos of the chaos below.
Hundreds (thousands?) of people have rushed the @ElectricZooNY gates after being told that the festival had reached its capacity on the final night, and valid ticket holders would no longer be granted entry. pic.twitter.com/uJJ8XWIV1y
— Festive Owl (@TheFestiveOwl) September 3, 2023
Gates down, chaos reigns on the final night of @ElectricZooNY 2023 — after valid ticket holders were told no more entry would occur after an announcement that capacity had been reached.
: r/electriczoo pic.twitter.com/XdXGjnxOvg
— Festive Owl (@TheFestiveOwl) September 4, 2023