VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Something in the Water music festival has been canceled for 2024, organizers announced.
The announcement was made in a social media post on Friday afternoon, hours after locals-only tickets went on sale.
A statement signed by Pharrell Williams said that "Virginia doesn't deserve better, Virginia deserves THE BEST. So SOMETHING IN THE WATER has to match that. It just isn't ready yet. That's why we as a team have decided we must postpone this year's SOMETHING IN THE WATER festival that was due to take place in October."
Hundreds of people had stood in line for hours ahead of the announcement. Some arrived at 2 a.m. to secure their tickets, while others traveled as far as Richmond to get in line.
Disappointed fans found out about the postponed festival while still standing in line at the box office.
"I won't lie, I was frustrated because it literally happened as I hit pay and the money left my account," said one person.
The statement went on to say that anyone who had bought festival passes will be automatically refunded. People who made cash purchases can get their refund at the Veterans United Home Loan Amphitheater at the Virginia Beach box office.
Additionally, organizers said anyone who bought passes for this year's event will have first access once new dates are announced.
While no new date was announced, Pharrell thanked the City of Virginia Beach and the festival's sponsors "for their continued support and trust in us to get this right, and that time is April 2025."
A spokesperson for the City of Virginia Beach told 13News Now in a statement, "The Something in the Water team has informed the City this afternoon that the festival will not take place in 2024. As far as next steps go, City Council will need to review staff guidance and feedback to determine next steps and consider future plans."
"We’re disappointed it’s not happening in October, but we completely understand Pharrell’s reasoning," said D. Nachnani, the president of the Atlantic Avenue Association. "He’s committed to giving the best to the city, and if it’s not going to be anything less than the best, I fully support his decision. We’re excited and look forward to April."