Summer Fest Moves
"The show must go on:" Houston's Great Storm forces Free Press Summer Fest to new location
Houston's historic — and freakish — storm swamped Eleanor Tinsley Park, but that's not stopping Free Press Summer Fest.
Officials for the two-day music extravaganza announced Friday night that it will relocate from its soggy location along Buffalo Bayou on Allen Parkway to the Yellow Lot at NRG Park, adjacent to the Astrodome. Dates are the same: June 6 and 7 and all original tickets will be honored at the new location.
"We come from the school of thought that the 'show must go on,' " FPSF co-founder Omar Afra said in a statement. "We're looking forward to coming together as we do every June for a great festival."
"Moving forward with the show underlines the perseverance that we as Houstonians have and the dedication we have to our community," co-founder Jagi Katial added.
The temporary move for the seventh annual festival was aided by the Mayor's Office Of Special Events and NRG Park. After the storm ended Tuesday morning, leaving the newly renovated Eleanor Tinsley Park in more than 35 feet of water, officials realized a new location must be found in a hurry.
Officials said a portion of proceeds will be donated for flood relief throughout the area.
Doors will open at 11 a.m. both days. The schedule is set to include acts ranging from R&B legend R. Kelly and singer-songstress St. Vincent to indie rock darlings The Decemberists and house superstar Steve Angello.
Paid parking will be available on site and the new location is a short walk from the METRO rail line — providing a perk for festival goers who don't want to drive.
