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Amidst the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in Texas and the Austin’s ban on events with 250 or more attendees through Friday, May 1, Austin events are canceling or postponing for safety concerns. Here’s a running list of food- and drink-related events around Austin that are being canceled or postponed (along with many SXSW-adjacent ones):
South by Southwest — The 10-day technology, film, music, and art festival was supposed to start today. However, Austin Mayor Steve Adler declared a state of “local disaster” last Friday, thus canceling the conference. Badges aren’t being refunded, but can be used next year. (originally meant to take place from Friday, March 13 through Sunday, March 22)
Rodeo Austin — The annual livestock show, rodeo, concert series, and carnival is now canceled, but will take place next year. Refunds are being figured out. (originally meant to take place from Saturday, March 14 through Saturday, March 28)
Luck Reunion and Potluck — Willie Nelson’s one-day music festival and related potluck dinner had originally still been scheduled to take place, but it has now been canceled as of yesterday. Tickets can be used for next year’s event. (originally meant to take place on Wednesday, March 18 [potluck] and Thursday, March 19 [festival])
Live Fire — In light of SXSW and the mass gathering ban, Austin Food & Wine Alliance decided to postpone the beef-focused food event. Refunds are being issued. (originally meant to take place on Thursday, April 2)
Far East Fest — The Austin Asian food festival was one of the first events to cancel because of concerns over spreading the novel coronavirus. Refunds are being issued. (originally meant to take place on Sunday, March 29).
Wonder Women of Wine Conference — The women-focused wine organization is postponing its conference to a future date. Current tickets will be applicable to that to-be-determined date. (originally meant to take place from Saturday, March 28 through Sunday, March 29)
Austin Food & Wine Festival — Finally the food festival announced it was postponing the three-day event to November. (originally meant to take place from Friday, April 24 through Sunday, April 26)
Hot Luck Festival — The food and music festival from Aaron Franklin, James Moody, and Mike Thelin, is postponed to next year. (originally meant to take place from Thursday, May 21 through Sunday, May 24)