Attempts to save the Something in the Water festival fail

The city holds firm on its decision to cancel the event despite pleas from Pharrell Williams and the festival’s planners.

Ava Edwards

February 28, 2025

Photo by Lev Radin on Shutterstock

The city holds firm on its decision to cancel the event despite pleas from Pharrell Williams and the festival’s planners.

Pharrell Williams and concert organizers recently attempted to reconcile with Virginia Beach’s City Council (yes, again).

Following the city’s cancellation of Williams’ Something in the Water festival, the event organizers made a final plea to reinstate the music fest.

In the end, the city stood behind its decision to keep Something in the Water out of Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer recently noted that the city is actively exploring entertainment options to replace the event.

The City of Virginia Beach pulled the plug on the festival earlier this year, after Williams unexpectedly postponed ticket sales in Sept. 2024 and failed to produce a performer lineup months later.

Dyer said the wave of postponements gave the area “a black eye,” as the coastal city provided funding and donations to help orchestrate the event.

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