Skillet at Night of Joy in 2014Walt Disney World has announced the end of Night of Joy. The concert series started in 1983, and has been held annually ever since. It was a two night event that featured the hottest names in Christian music. In 2017, Night of Joy was shortened to one night because of Hurricane Irma, so the final date was Friday, September 8. In the past, the dates for the next event were usually announced just days after the concerts, so the cancellation announcement was expected by many.
All is not lost in September for fans of Christian music. MercyMe will perform at Epcot on September 4 and 5 as part of the Eat to the Beat concert series. Tauren Wells will take the stage on September 8 and 9. There are three Eat to the Beat shows nightly, weather permitting.
While Night of Joy might have ended its run, Rock the Universe will still take place at nearby Universal Orlando Resort. That will be held on September 7 and 8. Acts include Bonray, Red, TobyMac, Family Force 5, and Casting Crowns. It is a separate ticketed event. That is most likely also the weekend that Night of Joy would have been held, the two events have run simultaneously for years. Rock the Universe takes place at the end of the Momentum Conference, which is held in Orlando each September and is a showcase for Christian broadcasters.