By Megan Cartwright
The Outlaw Music Festival’s concert in Oklahoma on Tuesday was canceled because of an “extreme weather event,” Willie Nelson said in a statement posted on social media.Newsweek has contacted Nelson’s representative for comment outside regular working hours.The ContextNelson, 92, co-founded the Outlaw Music Festival and was set to headline the July 1 event. The tour, which celebrates the festival’s 10th anniversary, began in Arizona in May and concludes in Wisconsin in September. Other musicians scheduled to perform throughout the festival include Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow and the Turnpike Troubadours.According to Blackbird Presents, the event’s production company, the Outlaw Music Festival “is North America’s largest touring music festival.”What To KnowOn Monday, Nelson and the Outlaw Music Festival’s official Instagram accounts released a statement about the cancellation.”The Outlaw Music Festival’s 10th Anniversary concert event scheduled for July 1, 2025 at Lucky Star Amphitheater in El Reno, OK has been canceled due to unforeseeable circumstances,” the statement said. “An extreme weather event on the evening of June 29th in Ridgedale, MO at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena produced heavy rains and high winds forcing the crowd to evacuate.””Unfortunately, much of the Outlaw Music Festival’s equipment and artists’ instruments were damaged and waterlogged, making their condition difficult to assess in time to accurately and safely use for tomorrow’s show,” the statement continued. “The potential damage has halted the festival production as they recover and replace what’s necessary for the tour to resume.””Blackbird Presents, Lucky Star Amphitheater, and DCF Concerts are disappointed to have to cancel the engagement and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this cancellation may cause,” the statement added. “Refunds will be issued to the point of purchase. Please allow 7-10 business days for the refund to appear on your statement.”Last year, Nelson missed the opening of the Outlaw Music Festival because of an illness.”We regret to inform you that Willie Nelson is not feeling well and, per doctor’s orders, has been advised to rest for the next four days,” a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, said at the time. “He is expected to make a full recovery and join the Outlaw Music Festival tour next week.”What People Are SayingInstagram users commented on Nelson’s post, with many fans expressing concern over Trigger, the “On the Road Again” singer’s beloved guitar.User @nathantwomack wrote: “The real question: is Trigger okay?”User @gregmcgarvey wrote: “Trigger, if you read this, please let us know you’re OK.”User @nolanelliscollins wrote: “Just tell me trigger is okay.”Nelson confirmed in a comment: “Trigger is marked SAFE from the damage suffered to other instruments and equipment in the MO storm.”User @berta_v wrote: “Oh no! I’m glad to hear everyone is ok. Disappointed we’ll miss the concert. Stay safe and keep making music.”User @d_d_20251 wrote: “I’m deeply sorry to hear. Willie is the very best on earth. I hope all of the equipment will be fixed soon also. My heart is with you.”User @epacak wrote: “So sorry to hear this! You are all amazing & bring so much joy to all!!!”What Happens NextThe Outlaw Music Festival is scheduled to resume in Austin on July 4.