Poppy’s scheduled performance at Upheaval Festival in Grand Rapids, Michigan, did not proceed as planned on Friday, July 17, after wildfire smoke created hazardous air quality conditions. The singer was scheduled to perform ahead of Gojira at the rock and metal festival, but her band ultimately played an instrumental set while wearing respirator masks.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 350+ around the time of Poppy’s set. Under the U.S. Air Quality Index, readings above 300 are classified as hazardous, the most severe category. The EPA’s AirNow resource describes that range as a “health warning of emergency conditions,” with everyone more likely to be affected.
Poppy addressed her absence on Instagram Stories: “Due to ‘hazardous’ AQI reaching 350+ around our set time I was unable to join my band on stage. I was unable to breathe in those conditions.” She added: “You might’ve noticed our set was instrumental only. For those who braved the conditions — I applaud you.”
Michigan was under a statewide air quality alert on Friday and Saturday due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter from wildfire smoke. Upheaval organizers had told attendees before doors opened that the festival would proceed while officials monitored the situation, stating: “Your safety is our number one concern.”
The disruption marks the second time this festival season that severe conditions have interrupted one of Poppy’s sets. In May, her performance at Welcome to Rockville in Daytona Beach, Florida, was cut short after severe weather and lightning protocols were activated.
See Poppy live
Upcoming Poppy events with tickets available:
- Jul 19, 2026 — The Fillmore – Detroit, Detroit, Michigan · Get tickets
- Jul 21, 2026 — The Rave – Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin · Get tickets
- Jul 22, 2026 — The Fillmore – Minneapolis Presented by Affinity Plus, Minneapolis, Minnesota · Get tickets
- Jul 24, 2026 — Riviera Theatre – IL, Chicago, Illinois · Get tickets
- Jul 25, 2026 — The Pageant, St. Louis, Missouri · Get tickets
Source: Billboard
