The Big Climate Thing Festival, Set Next Month In NYC, Is Postponed To 2023

The Big Climate Thing, a festival focused on climate change featuring Khruangbin, HAIM, The Roots, Sheryl Crow, The Flaming Lips and Gary Clark Jr. scheduled Sept. 16-18 at Forest Hills Stadium in New York City, has been postponed, organizers announced this morning.

While there is no rescheduled date, organizers say they hope to stage The Big Climate Thing in 2023 when conditions are hoped to be more favorable. Tickets purchased through AXS will automatically be refunded to the credit card used for the purchase within 30 business days. Otherwise, refunds are available at point of purchase.

The Big Climate Thing is produced by Climate Control Projects, founded by a group of music industry vets and activists in 2020 to work within popular culture to create awareness, accountability, and action around the issue of climate change. In addition to The Big Climate Thing festival, CCP produces content and events that engage mainstream audiences and connect them on a personal level to the climate crisis, and includes among its projects The Big Climate Lab.

See also: The Big Climate Thing: Khruangbin, HAIM, Sheryl Crow, Flaming Lips, Gary Clark Jr. And More Shine A Light On Climate Change

“The artists, climate movement leaders and partners of this event take the responsibility of representing those fighting for survival on the front lines of ecological disaster and environmental justice incredibly seriously,” reads a statement posted on the festival’s website. “ Collectively, we felt that if we couldn’t produce the event in a way that met the high standards for participation, impact and sustainability that are the foundation of The Big Climate Thing, then it was the responsible choice to postpone until we can.”

The Big Climate Thing was also to feature artists including Courtney Barnett, Princess Nokia, Antibalas, Guster, Seratones, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, Valerie June and more. 

“Compared with the climate emergency itself, a concert postponement is hardly important news,” the statement continued. ‘However, for the fans who purchased tickets, the teams that have been working tirelessly behind the scenes, the climate organizations and activists who have been integral to the mission of this project and the speakers and artists who were the heart and soul of the event, we are so grateful to have had this chance to form a vital community with you centered on creativity and climate optimism.If there’s one thing we’ve learned from the climate crisis it’s that one must adapt to survive.  

“With humility and gratitude, we look forward to bringing a renewed The Big Climate Thing back in 2023 to create a platform for those who truly inspire us with their commitment to creating a more just, equitable and habitable planet.  And some of the best music on Earth.”