Virginia Beach will no longer host Pharrell Williams’ celebrated Something In The Water Festival, following the city’s termination of its hosting agreement with the event’s organizers. The festival, which debuted in 2019 as a cultural celebration and musical showcase in Pharrell’s hometown, has faced significant challenges in recent years.
City officials announced that the festival organizers failed to meet the “cure notice requirements” within a five-day deadline. In a public statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Virginia Beach officials said, “While the city values the positive impact and visibility the Something In The Water Festival has had on Virginia Beach in years past, regretfully organizers did not meet the cure notice requirements. SITW team will receive an official termination notice from the city.”
A Festival Rooted in Virginia Beach
The festival’s debut brought immense attention to Virginia Beach, showcasing artists like Missy Elliott, Chris Brown, and Pharrell himself. It quickly grew into a highly anticipated event, drawing fans from across the nation. Pharrell’s vision extended beyond entertainment—it was a tribute to his roots and a platform to foster community and creativity.
However, tragedy struck in 2021 when Pharrell’s cousin, Donovon Lynch, was fatally shot by a Virginia Beach police officer. The incident deeply affected Pharrell, who described the city’s response as “toxic.” At the time, he stated, “I wish the same energy I’ve felt from Virginia Beach leadership upon losing the festival would have been similarly channeled following the loss of my relative’s life.”
The fallout from Lynch’s death led to a temporary relocation of the festival to Washington, D.C., in 2022. Pharrell explained the decision, saying, “Where our solutions are not necessarily wanted, we respect that and will take it to a higher platform.”
After returning to Virginia Beach in 2023, featuring acts like Lil Wayne, Wu-Tang Clan, and Jazmine Sullivan, the festival’s future is once again uncertain. Despite cancellation in 2024 due to weather issues, organizers promised a return in 2025.
Pharrell has yet to comment on the recent termination, leaving fans wondering where the next chapter of Something In The Water will unfold.