2023 Made in America festival in Philadelphia canceled due to 'severe circumstances'

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The 2023 Made in America festival in Philadelphia has been canceled, according to a statement posted online Tuesday.

Organizers said the cancelation was due to "severe circumstances outside of production control," but did not elaborate.

All ticket holders will be refunded at the original point of purchase.

Made in America had been scheduled for Sept. 2-3 on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway with Lizzo and SZA as the headliners.

"Due to severe circumstances outside of production control, the 2023 Made In America festival will no longer be taking place. This decision has been difficult and has not been made lightly nor without immense deliberation," the statement said.

"Made in America has a legacy of delivering exceptional experiences for music fans and concertgoers, and it is our commitment to always deliver a top-tier festival experience," the statement continued. "We look forward to returning to Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the great city of Philadelphia in 2024."

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said he was disappointed by the announcement but looks forward to "bringing MIA back to the Parkway next year."

Some are speculating headliner Lizzo's recent lawsuit played a part in the cancellation.

A major vendor for the event tells Action News financial reasons are to blame.

Held over Labor Day weekend in Philadelphia every year since 2012, with the exception of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the news arrived two months after its lineup was revealed.

Miguel, Tems, Metro Boomin, Ice Spice, Coi Leray, Latto, Lil Yachty, Doechii, Lola, and many more were also scheduled to perform.

"A cancellation like this will have a big impact on our industry," said Ed Grose, the head of the Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association.

6abc's data team found that since rapper Jay-Z launched the event in 2012, it pumped $180 million into the city's economy.