Festivals Canceled As European Governments Issue Heat Warnings

With authorities and France placing large parts of the country under a heat alert, and the Netherlands’ Meteorological Institute issuing a code red heat warning, a number of festivals have been forced to cancel this weekend.

The French government left it to local authorities to decide whether events had to be canceled or take place with precautions in place. In the case of Solidays, which was scheduled for June 26-28 at the Hippodrome de Longchamp Racecourse in Paris, France, authorities opted for the former.

“While this decision by the administrative authorities is costly and affects us, it is necessary in the face of the heatwave, due to the pressure on healthcare workers and the hospital system. We understand and accept this,” the Solidays organization informed fans earlier today, June 26.

The festivals is organized by Solidarité Sida, a non-profit organization dedicated to the fight against AIDS. Artists performing at Solidays traditionally donate parts of their fees or play for free to support the cause. The festivals also generates 70% of Solidarité Sida income each year.

“As you can imagine,” the festival’s statement continues, “this decision plunges Solidarité Sida into a harsh reality. The future of the organisation and the numerous programs it supports in 21 countries is at stake.”

The statement concluded with a call on festivalgoers, the public, private partners, and service providers to get involved. ” We are going to need you ,” said Luc Barruet, the founding director of Solidarité Sida and Solidays, “this new challenge cannot be overcome without you.”

Other French events currently affected include Paris Pride 2026, which will be postponed to September, as well as the Fete de la Musique street festival, which so far only banned alcohol consumption as a precaution. Several sports events are affected as well, according to local news reports.

In the Netherlands, the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) issued a code red warning today, June 26, due to extreme heat for at least the next 24 hours. Authorities therefore decided to pull the plus Defqon.1, one of the world’s largest hardstyle events that was already in full swing since Thursday, June 25.

Organizers initially announced that single-day ticketholders for Friday and Saturday wouldn’t be admitted, in order to reduce crowd sizes, but on midnight, June 26, the festival’s full cancellation was announced due to the extreme heat warning issued by the KNMI.

“We are absolutely devastated by this development. Tens of thousands of dedicated Weekend Warriors are currently staying on the Camping Grounds, many of whom have travelled far and prepared for this weekend for months. Asking them to return home tomorrow is the worst-case scenario, especially with a fully operational festival and everything in place to welcome them,” organizers wrote in a statement.

It continues, “This is a blow felt on every level. Not only by our visitors, but also by the artists, crew, creatives and everyone else who has worked tirelessly over the past year to bring this edition to life.

“To all Weekend Warriors: we’ve got your back. We understand that you didn’t plan for this, and we will do everything we can to help you get home safely. On Friday, the Camping Grounds and part of the Festival Grounds will remain open, without musical programming but with all essential facilities available. This gives you the time to make arrangements for your journey home on Friday. We’ll be there every step of the way.

“For now, we urge you to rest. Spend time with your friends, make a plan, cry on each other’s shoulders if you need to, get a proper night’s sleep, and prepare for the journey tomorrow.”

A FAQ page has been set up to answer the most pressing questions guests currently on site at the event grounds of Walibi Holland in Biddinghuizen, Netherlands, including all questions around refunds, which will be issued.

“This is not the journey we imagined, and the reality has barely sunk in. Nevertheless, it is our duty to take care of you. That is our sacred oath,” the statement concludes.

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