September EDM festivals take a hit as severe weather sweeps the U.S.
From Lost Lands to ABGT700, severe weather puts festival organizers and attendees on alert across the 2026 EDM season
As a stacked festival weekend comes to an end, the number of events impacted by weather skyrocketed this month. If you’ve ever been stuck in a severe weather emergency at a festival, especially while camping, you know all too well the dreaded “attention festival” announcement.
Festivals like Lost Lands, ABGT700, and Louder Than Life all dealt with severe weather this month that resulted in interrupted programming. From heavy rain and flooding to high winds, conditions forced organizers to pause programming and make quick decisions about keeping attendees safe.
At Lost Lands, the response continued long after the rain stopped. Crews worked throughout the campgrounds to clear large pools of accumulated water, using massive vacuum trucks to remove the flooding and help keep areas accessible. That behind-the-scenes work earned praise from Ravenscoon, who commented that the team “literally STAYS doing the most to ensure things go well,” calling it “one of the best well ran feats” he’s played from an artist perspective.
Often the severe weather comes quickly so first comes the rushing back to your campsite for safety. A carefully planned campsite can go from cozy and vlog-worthy to soaked, scattered and nearly impossible to salvage after hours of heavy rain and high winds. For campers, waiting out a storm can feel like an eternity but there’s always hope the severe weather passes quickly with minimal damage.
And this isn’t an isolated September problem. Earlier this year, Elements, Electric Forest and Bonnaroo were all impacted by severe weather, showing how quickly conditions can change at outdoor events across the country. Festival organizers can monitor forecasts, coordinate emergency responses and work to restore grounds, but attendees also have to prepare for the possibility that weather could change their weekend.
Checking forecasts, packing proper rain gear, protecting valuables and knowing where to go during an emergency can make a major inconvenience more bearable. Weather has always been part of the festival gamble, but with more events facing serious disruptions, preparation is becoming another part of the festival experience.
About The Author
Alejandra Benitez
My name is Alejandra Benitez and I was born and raised in the DMV. Having close proximity to Washington D.C. means I am accustomed to a fast paced environment as things are constantly changing. For me, the EDM scene has provided so much comfort and space to really find myself even amongst chaos. My first ever show was Zeds Dead and it truly changed my outlook on community and further affirmed my love for music. I am a basshead at heart but enjoy exploring new genres and artists. Being a writer for Exron has given me an amazing opportunity to learn more about the electronic music industry and I love being able to express myself creatively. Some of my favorite artists include Levity, Rezz, Tape B, Disco Lines, and Sub Focus.
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