Toronto officials cancelled the FIFA Fan Festival on Thursday afternoon due to the risk of lightning, evacuating the site at Fort York and The Bentway.
The City of Toronto announced the decision on social media shortly after 4 p.m., stating that safety was the top priority. The fan fest will not reopen tonight.
According to the Weather Network, a storm cell with heavy rain passed through the area during the afternoon.
Performances by Toronto DJ Skratch Bastid and Burlington indie pop band Walk off the Earth were scheduled for the main stages between 5 and 7 p.m., following the broadcast of the Mexico and South Africa match. Friday's lineup had included Canadian rock band Big Wreck, WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus, singers Choir! Choir! Choir!, and Toronto singer-songwriter Jessie Reyez.
Both free and premium ticket reservations were required for entry. Team Canada is set to play Bosnia-Herzegovina on Friday afternoon at Toronto Stadium to open their tournament.
Toronto is hosting six World Cup games, while Vancouver will host seven. The remaining matches are in the United States and Mexico.
