Lollapalooza 2025 Suspends Shows Due To Lightning Risk

On Friday, March 28, 2025, the Lollapalooza Brasil festival faced a significant disruption when performances were suspended due to a weather alert indicating the risk of lightning. The festival, held at the Autódromo de Interlagos in São Paulo, was in full swing when the alarming weather conditions prompted organizers to take immediate action to ensure the safety of attendees.

At approximately 3:20 PM, the band Jovem Dionísio was performing when their show was abruptly interrupted. MC Kako, who was also on stage, informed his fans about the situation, stating, "We received the information that there are a lot of lightning strikes at the stage. There is indeed a storm, so we will pause for a moment. It will be quick." This announcement came as the festival's screens displayed warnings urging attendees to avoid metal structures to prevent potential accidents.

The gates of the venue were temporarily closed as the organization announced that the show would only resume if fans moved away from metal structures near the fences. According to the weather service Climatempo, temperatures that day ranged between 18°C and 28°C, with a forecast predicting showers in the late afternoon and early evening. There was a 60% probability of rain between 4 PM and 7 PM, coupled with a risk of lightning.

In an official statement, the Lollapalooza organization emphasized its commitment to safety, declaring, "Lollapalooza is the first festival in Brazil to develop an evacuation and return plan for the public in case of storms, rain, lightning, or strong winds. The safety and well-being of the audience are our top priority." The organizers advised attendees to move to asphalt areas and stay clear of metal structures until the storm passed.

Fortunately, the storm warning lasted only about 30 to 40 minutes, and the festival resumed after a little more than an hour and 20 minutes of suspension. The headliners for the day included renowned artists Alanis Morissette and Shawn Mendes, who were set to perform later in the evening.

Past experiences with weather disruptions at Lollapalooza have heightened safety concerns. In 2024, a tragic incident occurred during the I Wanna Be Tour festival in Rio de Janeiro, where 25-year-old João Vinícius Ferreira Simões was electrocuted after touching a food truck amid adverse weather conditions. This incident led to the indictment of 14 individuals associated with the event's organization. Such events underscore the importance of having robust safety measures in place.

As festival-goers anxiously awaited the resumption of performances, many had arrived hours in advance, with some camping around the Autódromo to secure prime viewing spots. The anticipation for performances was palpable, especially for fans eager to see headliner Olivia Rodrigo later that evening. Despite the initial chaos, the festival's organization worked diligently to ensure that the event continued safely.

Looking ahead to the weekend, Sunday, March 30, 2025, promises to feature performances from Justin Timberlake and Tool, with temperatures expected to reach a maximum of 27°C and a minimum of 17°C. However, attendees should be prepared for isolated showers, with a 70% chance of rain forecasted between 2 PM and 7 PM.

The Lollapalooza festival, known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse lineup, continues to draw massive crowds, but it also faces the inherent challenges posed by unpredictable weather. As climate patterns evolve, the festival's commitment to safety and preparedness will be crucial in ensuring a successful and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

In conclusion, while the weather may have interrupted the festivities on March 28, the quick response from organizers and the resilience of fans highlight the festival's enduring spirit. As the music resumes and the sun sets over Interlagos, attendees can look forward to an unforgettable weekend filled with performances from some of the biggest names in music.