Pharrell Williams at the previous SITW. Credit: VIBE
The cancellation of Something in the Water (SITW), one of the most highly anticipated music festivals of the year, has sent ripples through both the music industry and the communities of Virginia Beach. The festival, originally set for spring 2025, was supposed to be another cultural milestone in its history, attracting top-tier talent and music fans from around the country.
However, the event was abruptly canceled, leaving fans and festival attendees wondering what occurred and what the future holds for this highly anticipated event.
This decision comes after a succession of missed deadlines and delays. Organizers had earlier requested an extension beyond the deadline of December 31, 2024, to announce the lineup and begin ticket sales for the event, which was set for April 26-27, 2025. Despite being granted a five-day grace period by the Virginia Beach City Council, the organizers failed to fulfill the city’s requirements, resulting in the festival’s cancellation.
Pharrell Williams launched the Something in the Water music festival, which quickly grew into one of the most anticipated cultural events on the East Coast. Originally held in Virginia Beach, this yearly event draws thousands of attendees from all over the country, bringing a mix of live music, art, and community interaction.
The “Something in the Water” festival, organized by Williams, premiered in 2019 and was praised for its considerable cultural and economic impact on Virginia Beach. However, current organizational issues have resulted in its termination.
The city is currently considering new events to replace the festival and promote cultural involvement and tourism in the area. Residents and potential attendees are invited to stay up to speed on future events and activities by following the official city communications.
Spartan Echo 