The Big Climate Thing, a festival aimed at engaging audiences in climate change activism, been postponed. The Roots, HAIM, and Sheryl Crow were set to headline the inaugural event at Forest Hills Stadium in mid-September. New dates have yet to be announced. “We felt that if we couldn’t produce the event in a way that met the high standards for participation, impact and sustainability that are the foundation of The Big Climate Thing, then it was the responsible choice to postpone until we can,” organizers wrote in a statement. Read the rest below.

Announced in June and produced by Climate Control Projects, the single-stage festival included climate-themed talks along with live music. Its main nonprofit partner is EarthPercent, an organization co-founded by Brian Eno to redirect funds from the music industry toward environmental causes. The War on Drugs, the Weather Station, the Flaming Lips, Khruangbin, and several more were among the other artists set to perform at the event.

Climate Control Projects:

The Big Climate Thing, scheduled for September 16-18 at Forest Hills Stadium, NYC has been postponed. 

The artists, climate movement leaders and partners of this event take the responsibility of representing those fighting for survival on the front lines of ecological disaster and environmental justice incredibly seriously.  Collectively, we felt that if we couldn’t produce the event in a way that met the high standards for participation, impact and sustainability that are the foundation of The Big Climate Thing, then it was the responsible choice to postpone until we can.  

Compared with the climate emergency itself, a concert postponement is hardly important news. However, for the fans who purchased tickets, the teams that have been working tirelessly behind the scenes, the climate organizations and activists who have been integral to the mission of this project and the speakers and artists who were the heart and soul of the event, we are so grateful to have had this chance to form a vital community with you centered on creativity and climate optimism.  If there’s one thing we’ve learned from the climate crisis it’s that one must adapt to survive.  

With humility and gratitude, we look forward to bringing a renewed The Big Climate Thing back in 2023 to create a platform for those who truly inspire us with their commitment to creating a more just, equitable and habitable planet.  And some of the best music on Earth.