Weather at Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic Results in Multiple Cancellations – Resumes After Rain

Willie Nelson’s 2018 4th of July Picnic in Austin, TX was disrupted by heavy thunderstorms that moved through the area on Wednesday, resulting in cancellations in numerous performances. Being held at the Circuit of the Americas just south of Austin proper, fans were told to take shelter at roughly 2:30 p.m. as a line of thunderstorms approached. By 2:50 it began to rain with numerous lightning strikes, and the weather resulted in a 3-hour delay of the festivities.

Organizers re-opened gates at 5 p.m., and Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real took the main stage at 5:25 p.m., but all performances at the 2nd stage for the event were canceled, as were the performances for artists affected by the rain delay. Gene Watson, Johnny Bush, Jamestown Revival, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Asleep At The Wheel, and The Wild Feathers all had their sets canceled. David Allan Coe—who was scheduled to open the festivities on the side stage at 11:30 a.m., did not perform for undisclosed reasons.

Some attendees sat out the nearly 3-hour rain delay, while others left, including some who complained why all side stage performers had to be canceled when there was still opportunity for many of them to perform. Light rain continued to fall on the soggy site as live music resumed, with a 40% chance of continued showers remaining in the forecast for the rest of Wednesday evening. Additional main stage performers at the event include Margo Price, Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians, The Head and the Heart, Sturgill Simpson, and of course Willie Nelson, who was originally scheduled to take the stage at 11:30. All of these performers were able to make their respective set times.

The good news is the rain significantly cooled temperatures down. Unbearable heat and humidity plagued the first few hours of the fest, but showers left Austin in the very pleasant mid 70’s. Those that stuck around enjoyed one of the coolest temperatures for a Willie 4th of July Picnic in history.

The event was broadcast live on SiruiusXM via Willie’s Roadhouse.

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