The Classic Game Fest was one of the last holdouts for the usually packed fall Austin festival season. That is until yesterday when they announced the cancellation of their 2020 celebration of retro gaming.
CGF 2020 was originally scheduled for July until the pandemic made it clear it wasn’t going away without a fight. (Insert biting social commentary about the Trump Administration’s response not being much of a fight.) Positive thinking had organizers push the event back three months to October 10-11. Sadly, it’s not meant to be.
A press release sent yesterday said “We have really fought hard to stay optimistic & keep things on track for CGF 2020, but with the virus pandemic still not contained, we simply cannot in good conscience hold an event of this scale, at this time, and ensure the health of all attendees, staff, volunteers, vendors, special guests, bands, etc.”
The two-day event – usually featuring live music, tournaments, panel discussions, roughly 150 vendors, and a highly competitive costume contest – is scheduled to make its return to the Palmer Events Center in July of 2021
The Classic Game Fest normally has a no-refund policy, but they’re making an exception for the force majeure that is COVID-19. Anyone who bought tickets for CGF 2020 will automatically have their purchase rolled over to the 2021 event. Festival-goers who want a refund need to email info@classicgamefest.com before Nov. 30. No refunds will be given after that date. Vendors should also contact the organizers at that same email. See all the official refund details on the CGF website.
David Kaelin (the mind behind the Classic Game Fest) shares the news of the cancellation in the video below.
This article appears in August 21 • 2020.
