VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Several businesses along the Oceanfront are not happy about rapper Pharrell postponing the music festival Something in the Water until April 2025.
Music lovers' excitement turned into frustration on Friday after organizers announced the change on the social media platform “X.”
“I won’t lie, I was frustrated 'cause it literally happened as soon as I clicked pay and then the money left my account,” said one fan who purchased tickets.
However, the frustration did not end with fans. The update came as a surprise to businesses along the oceanfront.
“I was waiting to see the line up and then all of sudden I heard today that it was canceled so it was definitely a surprise,” said the co-owner of Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls Colt Leonard.
Leonard said he was looking forward to welcoming the large crowds. “So again, kind of when things slow down, down here it brings that additional tourist draw to not only the restaurants but also our partners with the hotels to kind of continue to create business in the off-season,” said Leonard.
D. Nachnani is the President of Coastal Edge and The Atlantic Avenue Association. He said plenty of businesses and hotels were shocked but understanding about the news.
“I think at first frustrating. But as you unpack it and look at the opportunities for that weekend and in the future and then considering bringing it back on that week 17 of April you start understanding that it is best for us to have October open and work with April,” said Nahnani.
Although several people are frustrated, many are looking forward to attending the festival next year.
“I want it to be done with excellence that I expect from Pharrell so I am not upset,” said one fan.
Pharrell has not announced an exact date for the music festival but has thanked the City of Virginia Beach and festival sponsors.