Firefly Music Festival Will Not Return in 2024

Delaware’s Firefly Festival may not be shut down for good.

After much anticipation, AEG Presents has officially declared the cancellation of this year’s Firefly Music Festival, which typically takes place at the Woodlands at Dover Motor Speedway. Initially reported by the Daily State News, the Los Angeles-based event organizer confirmed that the festival, known for attracting thousands of attendees to central Delaware and generating millions in economic activity, will not be happening this year.

A statement posted on Firefly’s social media channels expressed hope for the festival’s return when the timing is right. However, no further comment beyond that from AEG Presents Chief Communications Officer Dennis Dennehy.

AEG Presents, the company behind Coachella, acquired Firefly Music Festival in 2018, six years after its debut in 2012. At its peak in 2015, Firefly drew approximately 90,000 attendees with headliners such as Paul McCartney and The Killers. The COVID-19 pandemic led to the postponement of many live events in 2020. Firefly, which returned in the following year with reduced capacity and a shift from summer to late September.

For years, Firefly has significantly benefited central Delaware’s economy, with attendees contributing to local businesses through purchases of goods and services. While no one has conducted an updated economic impact study recently, a 2014 report estimated that guests spent an average of $850 each, totaling $68 million in the region. The festival has been a welcome addition to central Delaware, particularly as NASCAR’s popularity waned in the late 2000s. Dover International Speedway, which has been Firefly’s home for a decade, reduced its capacity in 2019 due to changing trends.

Despite the cancellation of Firefly, Dover International Speedway remains optimistic about future events at the Woodlands. Scheduled events for the year include a NASCAR race in late April, the Goodguys Mid-Atlantic Nationals car show in June, and the new Phish festival, Mondegreen, in mid-August.