Texas Eclipse Festival Canceled Due To Severe Weather

UPDATE: April 11

Following Texas Eclipse Festival’s cancelation in Burnett, Texas, on Monday, April 8, the festival has released a formal statement regarding the weather-related events that led to them ending two days early. The festival and promoter James “Disco Donnie” Estopinal also addressed fan feedback pertaining to the festival.

“We appreciate every single person who responded to our request and left the site following our weather announcement and cancellation,” the festival said in its statement. “Your assistance in a calm and orderly departure demonstrated true respect for your lives and the lives of others, as well as the emergency responders in the County and state. By 9 p.m. on Tuesday, 4/9, 99% of our guests departed the site safely and avoided all risk created by the storm. Our primary goal was to avoid a weather-triggered disaster and we accomplished it.”

According to those on site, a two-hour rainstorm hit the area the evening of April 8 with heavy rains and hail. “We canceled because of the high likelihood of multiple days of severe weather including tornadoes and damaging winds, large hail, lightning and heavy rain,” the statement said. “The forecasted weather would have created extremely dangerous and catastrophic results for our guests and staff, many of whom were camping in fabric tents and some without cars. We had to make a decision early enough to allow for all guests to leave safely before the forecasted weather made that impossible.”

Following fan complaints on social media, which included allegations of the festival being oversold and alleging “artists [were] being turned away and the ones that stay don’t have places to sleep,” according to fan comments shared on the social media platform Reddit.

“Burnet County approved our permit with capacity at 40,000 people,” the statement said. “We were well under that number.”

Pertaining to allegations claiming a lack of accommodations for artists, the statement said, “We understand that some artists’ accommodations varied due to the complex coordination among multiple groups, compounded by late advancements. Despite these challenges we worked to secure as many resources locally to do the best we could to rectify the situation. We acknowledge any inconvenience caused and extend our sincere apologies to those affected.”

Texas Eclipse, a one-time music festival taking place in Burnett, Texas, was forced to call off its final days of programming due to severe weather, according to an announcement made on Texas Eclipse’s official Instagram page April 8. The announcement was made hours before the event’s namesake, the Great North American Eclipse, was to be viewed in full totality.

The festival, which was scheduled April 5-9, opened its doors on April 3 and included performances by Zeds Dead, Subtronics, Skream, Tipper and more.

“We regret to inform you of the severe weather forecast, including risks of high winds, tornado activity, large hail and thunderstorms for later today, including during the eclipse, Tuesday and Wednesday,” festival organizers said in a statement shared to social media. “Your safety is our top priority. With the support and coordination of Burnet County officials, local safety agencies and The National Weather Service, we’ve agreed to end the festival today in a calm and orderly manner. Leave early for safety and to beat traffic. Guests may stay for the eclipse provided they pack and are prepared to depart after totality. This guidance may change based on weather.”

An announcement on the festival’s website noted that all programming for April 8 and April 9 were canceled and attendees “will receive an email with a partial refund policy soon, addressing details and timing.”

The event was promoted by Disco Donnie Presents in partnership with Probably Nothing.