Boston, August 21, 2025
News Summary
A concert by Shakira at Fenway Park was canceled shortly before the event due to safety concerns discovered during pre-show inspections. This led to the cancellation of subsequent performances, including one for Jason Aldean and Brooks & Dunn, and another Shakira concert scheduled in Washington, D.C. Organizers emphasized safety as the primary factor for these decisions. Fans expressed frustration over the late notice, especially those who traveled long distances. Refunds will be available at original points of purchase.
Boston — A concert by Shakira at Fenway Park scheduled for Thursday, May 29 was canceled just hours before the performance after safety issues were discovered during routine pre-show checks. The cancellation also led to the subsequent cancellation of a concert featuring Jason Aldean and Brooks & Dunn scheduled for Friday, May 30, and a separate Shakira performance planned for Saturday, May 31 in Washington, D.C.
Major details first
Organizers called off the Fenway Park show when structural elements failed to meet safety standards during pre-event inspections. Event promoters confirmed that the decision was made on safety grounds and that all team members involved in the concerts were accounted for and safe. Refunds for the Boston event are being made available at the original points of purchase.
The Washington, D.C. show at Nationals Park was canceled after organizers said complications stemming from the Boston cancellation affected the ability to transport the full tour production to Washington. Nationals Park indicated that refunds would be processed automatically for ticketholders of the D.C. performance.
Supporting details
The Fenway Park cancellation occurred hours before the scheduled start time. The Friday performance at the same venue headlined by Jason Aldean and Brooks & Dunn was also called off. Statements from venue and tour representatives identified structural concerns discovered in routine checks as the primary reason for the cancellations. Organizers emphasized that the safety of performers, crew, and fans guided the decisions.
Wyclef Jean had been scheduled to appear as a special guest during the Boston concert. Fans reacted with frustration on social media platforms about the late notice; some reported traveling long distances specifically for the May 29 show. One attendee who traveled from Connecticut described disappointment at arriving in Boston only to learn of the cancellation shortly before showtime.
Tour context and financials
Shakira is on the Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour, which began in South America in February and moved to the United States on May 13. The North American leg is scheduled to continue through June, with stops listed for Atlanta, Miami, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. The tour has generated significant revenue and was noted for leading weekly touring charts in March. Reported figures list the tour as having grossed approximately $70.6 million from 11 reported shows.
Logistics and refunds
Refund procedures differ by venue. Fenway Park directed ticket buyers to obtain refunds through their original purchase channel. Nationals Park announced it would process refunds automatically for ticketholders of the canceled Washington show. Fans with questions about refunds or future ticket validity were advised to contact their point of purchase or the venue box office for the most current information.
What this means for fans and upcoming dates
At present, organizers have not announced replacement dates for the canceled Boston or Washington concerts. The broader tour schedule remains planned to proceed, with additional U.S. dates set later in the month. Fans holding tickets for future shows should monitor official communications from the tour and venues and check their ticket provider for refund or rescheduling updates.
Safety and operational checks
The cancellations highlight the role of routine pre-show inspections in identifying risks that can affect large-scale events. Organizers reported that structural issues identified during these inspections were not up to the required standard, prompting the cancellations to prevent any potential harm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the shows canceled?
Shows were canceled after routine pre-show inspections identified structural and safety issues that did not meet required standards and after logistical complications affected the ability to move the full tour production to the next venue.
Will I get a refund?
Yes. Refunds for the Boston concert are available at the original point of purchase. Refunds for the Washington, D.C. show are being processed automatically for ticketholders at Nationals Park. Fans should contact their ticket provider or venue for details.
Are the tour dates after these cancellations still happening?
The tour is scheduled to continue in the U.S. through June, with upcoming stops listed for Atlanta, Miami, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. Fans should check official tour communications and ticket providers for any updates or changes to individual dates.
Were any people injured?
No injuries have been reported. Organizers confirmed that all team members involved in the concerts were safe following the inspections and cancellations.
How will I be notified of any rescheduled shows?
Notifications about rescheduled dates or other updates will typically come from the event promoter, the venue, or the ticket vendor where the original purchase was made. Fans should monitor those channels and their email for official notices.
Quick reference table
Event | Date | Venue | Status | Refund Information | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Shakira concert | May 29 | Fenway Park, Boston | Canceled | Available at point of purchase | Structural issues found during pre-show checks; Wyclef Jean was a scheduled guest |
Jason Aldean & Brooks & Dunn | May 30 | Fenway Park, Boston | Canceled | Available at point of purchase | Canceled following safety concerns at venue |
Shakira concert | May 31 | Nationals Park, Washington, D.C. | Canceled | Automatic refunds for ticketholders | Cancellation linked to logistical complications from prior cancellation |
Upcoming Shakira stops | TBD | Atlanta; Miami; Los Angeles; Las Vegas | Scheduled | Check point of purchase | Tour continues in the U.S. through June |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Celebrity Lineup Announced for FAN EXPO Boston 2025
Fenway Park Concerts Canceled Due to Safety Concerns
Shakira’s Concert at Fenway Park Canceled Due to Safety Concerns
Additional Resources
- CBS News: Shakira Concert Canceled
- BBC News: Shakira Concert Updates
- Billboard: Shakira Concert Cancellation
- USA Today: Shakira DC Concert Canceled
- Wikipedia: Shakira

Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.