Vanilla Ice sees Freedom 250 concert scrapped due to bad weather

In The Know Vanilla Ice sees Freedom 250 concert scrapped due to bad weather Comments: by Finya Swai - 06/27/26 12:14 PM ET Comments: Link copied by Finya Swai - 06/27/26 12:14 PM ET Comments: Link copied

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A concert intending to commemorate America’s 250th birthday as part of President Trump‘s “Great American State Fair,” was abruptly canceled Friday just two hours before “Ice Ice Baby” rapper Vanilla Ice was set to take the stage.

Freedom 250 event organizers announced that the event would close early on Friday “due to inclement weather in the area,” and would reopen Saturday morning.

“The safety of our guests, staff, and partners remains our top priority. We are actively monitoring conditions and will provide updates as they become available,” the organizers said in a statement on the social platform X.

The event faced numerous setbacks after multiple artists canceled their performances, including Martina McBride, The Commodores, Bret Michaels and “Bust a Move” rapper Young MC, citing political ties to the event that they were not made aware of prior to committing.

Vanilla Ice, whose real name is Rob Van Winkle, was the lone holdout after other artists dropped out. Hours before the event was scrapped, he called the concert a “once in a lifetime opportunity” in a post on Instagram.

“We’re about to have a great party tonight,” the rapper said, showcasing a massive stage on the National Mall where he was set to perform. “This is gonna be epic.”

It is unclear whether his concert will be rescheduled for a later date.

The musician had previously said his decision to perform at the event was not influenced by politics, but came from a place of patriotism and wanting to celebrate America’s independence.

After multiple artists withdrew, President Trump called for the concert to be canceled and instead held a MAGA-style rally on Wednesday to kick off the celebrations.