Festival operations reopen after unfavorable weather hits Boots and Hearts Music Festival

What began as a promising day of country music turned into an unexpected downpour.

Environment Canada issued a rain warning stating 50 millimetres of rain could be in the forecast on Friday.

According to the national weather agency, “slow-moving showers and thunderstorms will continue to move through the region producing locally heavy rainfall amounts.” The conditions across Simcoe County are being watched closely.

In response to the unfavorable weather, Boots and Hearts Music Festival organizers in Oro-Medonte announced a delayed opening of the entertainment area gates on Friday.

Just after 2 p.m., the official Boots and Hearts account posted to X “Delayed opening! Due to expected weather conditions, entertainment area gates are being held. We will continue to monitor the weather and advise when gates are opening.”

The festival issued another update asking attendees to seek shelter. “Weather update, seek shelter. Due to weather we are asking fans to seek safe shelter.”

Just before 3 p.m., the festival announced that operations were fully closed. “We will continue to monitor the weather situation and provide further updates,” the team stated.

Event-goers were being asked to stay in sheltered areas.

Nearly an hour later, the gates were reopened and some of the event schedules were revised for the evening.

Environment Canada says heavy rain, hail, wind, and lightning poses a serious risk to outdoor activities. Drivers are being warned to take extra caution when out on wet roads.