Officials in Austin, Texas, announced Friday that they’re canceling the 34th annual South by Southwest festival due to the coronavirus. The city also declared a local disaster even though there hasn’t been a major coronavirus outbreak in Austin yet. SXSW organizers seemed shocked by the news. “Austin Public Health stated ‘there’s no evidence that closing SXSW or any other gatherings will make the community safer,'” they said. “However we honor and respect the city of Austin’s decision.” The festival was set to take place March 13-22.
Also with the 2020 Coachella Music & Arts Festival set to begin on Friday, April 10, the festival’s producers are considering canceling the event amidst the pandemonium surrounding the novel coronavirus. Frank Ocean, Big Sean, Roddy Ricch, DaBaby, and more were all set to perform.
