Severe weather forced Chipotle to cut its "Cultivate Festival" a few hours short on Saturday in Scottsdale.
"The event was cut short because of severe weather in the area. It is a very open and exposed venue and we simply cannot take the chance with peoples' safety given the weather in the area," a spokesperson for the brand said in an email.
The main concern was lightning in the area from a fast-moving storm system.
Phoenix, due to lightning strikes nearby, today's #ChipotleCultivate is unfortunately and officially cancelled.
— Chipotle (@ChipotleTweets) May 1, 2016
The free event was held at WestWorld of Scottsdale. At the event people could go through a series of displays focused on food preparation, GMOs and the difference between factory- and farm-raised livestock. There were also food demonstrations featuring local and national chefs and concerts from Jared & The Mill, Holychild, Betty Who and Lukas Graham.
Didn't have strong enough service to post earlier, but this was as storm came into Chipotle Cultivate Fest. pic.twitter.com/mcCRYapT86
— Josh Frigerio, ABC15 (@JoshFrigerio) April 30, 2016
Echosmith and Young The Giant were unable to perform because the event was canceled, but apologized to fans shortly after the decision was made.
. @chipotletweets we are so bummed today's show has been cancelled due to storms and lightning. #chipotlecultivate
— Young the Giant (@youngthegiant) May 1, 2016
Chipotle Cultivate Festival
We are so sorry. Due to weather conditions and lightning, the show has been cancelled.We will be back soon ??
— ECHOSMITH (@echosmith) April 30, 2016