Poppy did not perform her scheduled set at the Upheaval Festival after wildfire smoke created dangerous air-quality conditions at the event.
In a statement shared after the appearance, the singer said the Air Quality Index had climbed above 350 near her scheduled performance time. She explained that she was unable to breathe safely under those conditions and could not take the stage.
The festival itself continued as planned. Poppy’s backing band remained at the venue and performed an instrumental set without her while wearing respirator masks.
An AQI reading above 300 is considered hazardous, meaning the air can pose serious health risks to everyone, not only people with existing respiratory conditions. Outdoor performances can become especially difficult because singers and musicians often rely on sustained breathing and physical movement throughout a set.
Poppy thanked fans for their understanding and expressed disappointment about missing the performance. The situation highlighted how wildfire smoke can affect live events even when a festival is not canceled.
