LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Gazebo Festival canceled its second day of performances due to severe weather expected in Louisville.

Earlier Sunday, Gazebo Festival and Abbey Road on the River, delayed openings and developed plans in case severe weather hit on Sunday. At least one person died in Louisville as strong winds and severe weather moved through Kentuckiana on Sunday around noon.

In its first year, Gazebo Fest opted to cancel its second day of performances, which included Jack Harlow, due to the looming weather forecast.

"The safety of our patrons, artists and staff is paramount," Gazebo Fest posted. "Due to continuing hazardous conditions throughout the early afternoon and a second wave of weather expected this evening, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel the remainder of Gazebo Festival."

All Sunday ticket holders will receive a full refund. Weekend ticket holders will receive a 50% refund. Gazebo Fest said refunds will be issued within 30 days.

Jack Harlow posted on Instagram that the weather damaged the site.

"I'm trying to focus on the positive because all I felt was happiness yesterday. I'm grateful for our flawless first day and for the way this city came together," Harlow posted. "I'm sorry."

Sam Olson and Taylor Gilbert both attended the first day of Gazebo Fest.

"I thought right away it was very well put together, the whole garden that they had, all the merchandise it was all lined up with vendor," Olson said.

"A lot of thoughtful little touches that made it really special," Gilbert said. 

They visited Waterfront Park after it was announced that the music festival would be canceled on Sunday.

"I was looking before we even left to see what the weather was going to be like for the weekend, but we all know how that changes very quickly," Olson said. "They updated us continuously throughout the day."

Gilbert, from Australia, saw Harlow perform in her home country, but Olson missed his chance to see him for the first time.

Gazebo Fest after it was canceled.JPG

Entrance to Gazebo Festival after it was canceled due to severe weather in Louisville, Ky. on May 26, 2024.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch at 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday as Gazebo Festival and Abbey Road on the River were scheduled to be held. WDRB meteorologists expect another wave of storms to come later in the evening.

Abbey Road on the River in Jeffersonville will open the festival at 3:30 p.m., instead of 11:30 a.m. to avoid the line storms, according to festival spokesperson Ali Hawthorne. Shows start at 4 p.m.

Abbey Road on the River will post updates on its website, social media, schedule app and stage announcements throughout the day. Hawthorne said there is 20,000 square-feet of covered space at the park for people to watch shows under cover in case it rains. The music festival will evacuate if lightning is in the area.

Hawthorne said festival wristbands will allow reentry if attendees need to leave and return. While refunds for weather aren't offered, tickets can be honored another day. Abby Road on the River continues Monday.

On Sunday, Abbey Road on the River's schedule includes the Fab Four at 4:30 p.m., followed by Brooke Wright as Elvis Presley at 6 p.m. and Classicstone as Queen at 8 p.m.

Despite missing Harlow and other artists on Sunday, Olson and Gilbert enjoyed their time in Louisville.

"It was way better than I expected," Gilbert said. "As someone not from America, I think of the Midwest I think of nothing, so when I come to a new city, it was bigger and better than I expected. The food has been great, the atmosphere has been great. Everyone has been so friendly."

Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.