A performance by Pitbull was one of the casualties as the Sunday opening of Jazz Fest was delayed by four hours until 3 p.m. by storms that rolled across New Orleans.
His was among several dozen performances that were canceled.
The National Weather Service reported that nearly 3 inches of rain fell at the airport on Sunday.
Pitbull had been scheduled to perform on the Congo Square stage and he blamed his absence on a flight delay.
A statement from the artist said, "Pittbull is extremely sorry to disappoint his fans and the Jazz Fest community and looks forward to being at Jazz Fest in the future."
Thousands of people fill the Fair Grounds when the gates finally opened and they enjoyed performances by Dr. John, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
The last time a full day of the festival had to be canceled was in 2004.