Austin Area Cancellations and Other COVID-19 Updates

The city identified its first two cases of COVID-19 this morning and with that another wave of event cancellations in and around Austin have been confirmed.

You can find yesterday's updated list of cancelled events right here.

We also have a complete list of events – big and small – that are no longer happening. Or you can look at our usual daily listings and see what's still happening around town. Attend responsibly!

For more info on the local effects, reactions, and actions, you can find them on our COVID-19 coverage page.

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Updated Friday, March 13, 4:30pm:

More Local Arts Cancellations:

• ColdTowne Theater has canceled all of its comedy performances this weekend and postponed the start of its next session of classes until April 6. ColdTowne will reassess the performance situation after this weekend.
• Penfold Theatre has postponed its production of the one-man show Vincent, scheduled for March 26-April 18 at Ground Floor Theatre, until July.
• Malvern Books has canceled all in-store readings and book club gatherings through March 31.
• ZACH Theatre has canceled performances of Every Brilliant Thing, Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show and will postpone camps and classes through March 31.

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Updated Friday, March 13, 2:20pm:

The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum is suspending all public programs, tours, field trips, and theatre shows through April 30. According to their press release, the museum itself will remain open and "continue to implement rigorous cleaning routines in accordance with CDC recommendations."

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Updated Friday, March 13, 1:50pm:

At an afternoon press conference, Gov. Greg Abbott declared a statewide public health disaster. He announced Texas was “building on the state’s preexisting infectious disease capabilities” and that more access to testing for COVID-19 would be rolling out starting today. Watch video.

Read the latest from Texas Health and Human Services.

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Updated Friday, March 13, 12:20pm:

Local Arts Cancellations:

• The Blanton Museum of Art is closing completely to the public from March 13-31. That includes all programming.
• The Harry Ransom Center is closing completely to the public from March 13-31.
• The Contemporary Austin has canceled its Art Free-for-All event scheduled for Saturday, March 14 at its Laguna Gloria campus.
• TAK, a concert by the New York new music ensemble, has been canceled by presenting organization line upon line percussion. The concert was scheduled for Sunday, March 22.
• No Mud, No Lotus, a concert by the music group Revel, has been canceled. The concert was scheduled for Sun., March 22.

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Updated Friday, March 13, 12:00pm:

Austin's beloved children's museum, the Thinkery, announced that it will be closed starting today and will remain that way through at least March 22. The closure includes all programs, events, and Spring Break Camps.

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Updated Friday, March 13, 11:45am:

H-E-B has said it will be limiting the number of certain items individuals can purchase per visit (or transaction). In sage words that we expect from our beloved grocery store they say, "Texans must continue to prepare, but panic does not promote progress."

Here's the list of limited items:

• Disinfecting & Antibacterial sprays/wipes – 4 units per transaction (including Baby)
• Liquid Bleach – 2 units per transaction
• Toilet Paper – 2 units per transaction
• Hand sanitizer – 4 units per transaction (including Baby)
• Hand soap – 4 units per transaction
• Water (including Baby) – 4 multipacks and 4 gallons per transaction, for a total of 8 items
• Hydrogen Peroxide – 4 units per transaction
• Rubbing (Isopropyl) Alcohol/wipes – 4 units per transaction
• Latex Gloves – 4 units per transaction
• Face Masks – 2 units per transaction

The LBJ Presidential Library on the UT campus has followed suit with other university closures (like the Erwin Center, Cactus Cafe, and all athletic events). LBJ's museum and reading room will be closed to the public but according to a press release the "staff will continue to serve our public by answering reference and other requests via phone or email." All events scheduled for the venue will also be halted until further notice.

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Updated Friday, March 13, 11:40am:

In sort of an anti-cancellation, the city of Austin has said it will not be disconnecting utilities. "We are here to respond in times of need and support our customers who are experiencing difficulty paying their bills,” said Jackie Sargent, Austin Energy General Manager, via press release. Actions include the ability for customers to be placed on a deferred payment plan and receive assistance through our Customer Assistance Programs.

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Updated Friday, March 13, 11:30am:

The annual ABC Kite Festival at Zilker Park has announced it is cancelling its 2020 event scheduled for March 29. In a press release organizers expressed concern for public safety, but stated they "look forward to seeing a sky full of kites at Zilker Park in 2021!"

The University of Texas, who cancelled all upcoming events at the Frank Erwin Center yesterday, said they would be suspending athletics activities until Sunday, March 29 in accordance with a directive from the Big 12. That includes the UT baseball series scheduled to start today, the Texas Relays, and spring football practice.

Cirque du Soleil also cancelled their upcoming run of shows at the Circuit of the Americas. The show, called Alegria, was slated to run from April 22 to May 25. A press release announcing the cancellation also said that ticket holders would be contacted about a refund.