Austin Reggae Festival Canceled Amid Coronavirus Threat

AUSTIN, TX — The growing threat of new coronavirus has forced cancellation of the Austin Reggae Festival that had been scheduled next month, organizers announced on Monday.

The annual event that had been scheduled from April 17-19 doubles as one of the biggest fundraisers for the Central Texas Food Bank. The festival was canceled in compliance with a citywide prohibition of large-scale gatherings of 250 people and more.

Each year, the festival raises some $200,000 to help fight hunger in Central Texas, organizers noted. Festival officials noted the festival's suspension creates a significant revenue shortfall for the food bank at a time when the organization is strapped for resources as a result of its response to pandemic of the respiratory ailment that is now called COVID-19.

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“The Austin Reggae Festival is a great Austin tradition that has been incredibly generous to the Food Bank for decades,” Derrick Chubbs, president and CEO of the Central Texas Food Bank, said in a prepared statement “Even if we weren’t in a pandemic situation, a loss like this would be devastating for us. It’s made even worse at this time because of the extraordinary measures we’re taking to keep feeding those in need—a number that is bound to increase as more people find themselves unable to work or staying home to take care of loved ones.”

Added festival producer Pat Costigan: “Over the last ten years, the event has raised more than $1,000,000 for the Food Bank, which is equivalent to four million meals. We’re saddened by the need to cancel this year’s festival, but look forward to continuing our support of the Food Bank by coming back better than ever with Austin Reggae Festival 2021.”

Related story: Austin Reggae Festival Returns To Help Fight Hunger

Festival patrons who bought advance tickets will receive full refunds via Eventbrite, according to the event's organizers. Refunds will go directly to the credit card of the patron who purchased the ticket or tickets, officials added.

Festival fans can get the latest news on the event via www.austinreggaefest.com or by calling the festival hotline at (512) 684-2555. Fans also can follow along the festival's social media channels:

• https://www.facebook.com/AustinReggaeFest/
• https://twitter.com/austinreggae
• https://www.instagram.com/austinreggaefestival/