Arts & Culture

Something in the Water Day 2: Clear weather expected; Pharrell's headlining performance scheduled for Saturday night

WHRO | By Mechelle Hankerson

Published April 29, 2023 at 2:56 AM EDT

Tens of thousands of people still attended the opening night of Something in the Water to see artists like Doechii (pictured), Wale, Jazmine Sullivan and Mumford & Sons. (Image: Mike Diller)

Despite starting a few hours late because of weather, city officials estimate 25,000-30,000 people came out to the first night of Something in the Water.

That was the peak of attendance during the 2019 festival.

“I know the weather’s been crazy today, but thank you, Pharrell, for having us out,” country-pop artist Maren Morris said during her set. She was one of the first performers to go on once gates opened in the early evening.

“We’re going to give you, like, 20 minutes of fury on this one.”

HANKERSON SITWCROWDHANDS JOOMLA — An estimated 25,000-30,000 people came out for the first night of Something in the Water, which was the peak attendance during the 2019 festival.

Virginia Beach native Kimani Stephenson was excited to see Morris, as well as the Pharrell and Phriends set planned for Saturday night.

Stephenson said even though he’ll have to run from stage to stage to catch all the performers he wants to see, this year’s Something in the Water festival was starting on a positive note.

“It brings people from other parts of the country to the city that usually won't come to the city. It brings a whole different vibe,” he said.

Stephenson came to the festival in 2019. This year, he had a local barber shave “SITW” and a shark into his hair.

“Even with the rain delays, I felt like people are really positive,” he said.

HANKERSON SITW MERCH JOOMLA — Attendees browse Something in the Water merch designs, many made as collaborations with Pharrell Williams' other brands, like Billionaire Boys Club.

Something in the Water is Pharrell Williams’ replacement for College Beach Weekend when students – usually Black – came to the Oceanfront for a spring break celebration.

Because of the history of College Beach Weekend and events from the 1980s, Chesapeake native Ashanti Sallee said she grew up discouraged from spending too much time at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.

“My mom always told me, ‘They don't want you there, so be aware of that because people do not want, like, people like us there,’” she said.

“So I do appreciate the fact that Pharrell has brought this festival here, because I do think it is a step in the right direction — to bring more positivity and positivity that includes Black youth as well.”

Weather for day two is expected to be clear and performances are scheduled to start at 12:15 p.m.

For information on parking, schedules and more, read WHRO’s Something in the Water guide.