Freaks of Nature cancels Freakyard edition in full as organisers unable to proceed with event

Freaks of Nature has cancelled its Freakyard edition in Riyadh in full after organisers said final regulatory alignment and operational approvals could not be secured. This follows the festival’s week one cancellation.

In a statement today (February 9), the festival team said the decision followed extensive attempts to keep the event running and explore alternative solutions, but they were ultimately unable to proceed with the event.

Organisers described the past week as devastating after months of preparation and confirmed that all ticket holders would receive full refunds, with details to be handled through ticketing partners.

Confusion around permits and approvals had already begun to surface online in relation to the festival’s pre-party. Responding to questions on social media about whether the pre-party on February 4 caused the festival permit to be withdrawn, festival director Yazeed Alhashim said that “the permit was suspended, but for a reason beyond our control, not because of the pre-party.”

Attendee reactions on social media reflected confusion around the situation. One pre-party attendee wrote, “There is something weird, I attended the pre-party and everything seemed more than fine. You guys should be more clear and transparent with us.”

Headliners scheduled across the cancelled February 5-6 and February 12-13 dates included Alesso, ARTBAT, Hot Since 82, Eric Prydz, MEDUZA, MORTEN, Alan Walker, Amelie Lens, Kasablanca, Martin Garrix, Mathame and The Freaks (Live).

Mixmag MENA has reached out to festival director Yazeed Alhashim, but had not received a response at the time of publishing.