Thunder Bay Festival Apologizes for Flo Rida’s Props
The world of music festivals often walks a tightrope between celebrating artistic freedom and upholding community values. Recently, the Wake the Giant Music Festival in Thunder Bay faced a moment that brought these tensions sharply into focus, prompting a public apology and a deep reflection on the nature of artistic expression at large.
The incident centered around the performance of headliner Flo Rida during the festival. On Saturday, September 12, 2026, Rida used alcohol bottles as props during his set at an event explicitly designed to be sober. This action immediately generated significant discussion about boundaries and the expectations placed on performers within a community committed to safety and inclusion.
In response, the organizers of Wake the Giant issued an apology. They acknowledged the harm caused by the performance, stating clearly that the props used were not approved by the organizers and that they had communicated that the event was sober and alcohol was strictly prohibited on the stage.
The statement went further, expressing shared disappointment with those affected and taking full responsibility for the booking. The organizers committed to learning from this experience and ensuring that their core values—which center on creating a safe and inclusive environment for Indigenous students—will be at the forefront when selecting future artists.
However, the impact of the incident extended beyond the official statement. Local residents felt the weight of the event keenly. Esther Maud, a local resident who attended the festival to support the community and her son’s youth drum group, Charging Thunder, expressed appreciation for the festival’s efforts but felt the apology was insufficient.
Maud described the performance as “really heavy and very triggering for a lot of people.” She recounted leaving the event shortly after the performance, noting that she had gone in expecting to see an artist she grew up listening to, and the presence of alcohol bottles quickly shifted her experience. For Maud, the performance lacked the context necessary to understand the artist and the message being conveyed.
The episode served as a powerful reminder that events focused on creating safe spaces must balance artistic freedom with the well-being of all attendees. As the festival plans to go on hiatus next year due to necessary waterfront upgrades, the conversation shifts toward how community events can continually evolve to ensure that they remain true to their commitment to inclusivity and respect.
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