Hurricane Isaias Is Coming—Here’s Which Weekend Festivals and Games Are Canceled or Still Happening

Pensacola, Florida — Tropical Storm Isaias is expected to rapidly strengthen into a Category 2 hurricane before making landfall in the Southeast on Friday, putting numerous festivals, concerts and sporting events across the region at risk of weather-related disruptions.

From Florida and Alabama to Tennessee and Louisiana, organizers are closely watching the forecast as strong winds, dangerous surf and heavy rain could affect outdoor events throughout the weekend.

Some events have already been canceled or rescheduled, while others remain scheduled to continue despite the approaching storm.

Events Already Canceled

One of the events forced to change its plans is Festa Italiana in Pensacola, which has been canceled because of the incoming storm and rescheduled for November.

“New dates, new location, same wonderful celebration of Italian food, culture and community. Mark your calendars and spread the word!” the event said on Facebook.

The National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama, has also been canceled for the weekend.

Organizers said they made every effort to keep the festival going but ultimately decided that the forecast of high winds, dangerous surf and heavy rain created too much of a safety concern.

Some Alabama and Florida Events Remain On

Not every event has been called off.

In Mobile, Alabama, the LoDa Artwalk is still scheduled for Friday. The monthly event offers a free showcase featuring visual and performance arts.

The Pensacola Beach Songwriter’s Festival in Florida is also scheduled to continue as planned. The two-week event concludes Sunday and brings musicians and songwriters to venues throughout Pensacola and Pensacola Beach.

However, conditions could still affect individual performances depending on the storm’s timing and intensity.

Nashville Concerts Could Face Weather Problems

The storm could also affect events farther inland.

Dermot Kennedy is scheduled to perform at Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville on Sunday, as Isaias is expected to move farther into the United States following landfall.

Because the concert is an entirely outdoor event, heavy rain in Nashville could create significant weather concerns even after the storm moves inland.

Nashville is also scheduled to host a major college football matchup Sunday when Vanderbilt takes on Ole Miss. The FOX Weather ROWI gives the game a high likelihood of weather impacts.

Huntsville and Tallahassee Events Still Scheduled

In Huntsville, Alabama, rock band Phish is scheduled to perform at Orion Amphitheater at 7 p.m. Saturday.

The Jubilee Music Festival III in Tallahassee, Florida, is also still scheduled for Saturday night. The event features Tye Tribbett and special guests at The Adderley Amphitheater at Cascades Park.

Weather conditions could still lead to changes if the storm’s track or intensity creates unsafe conditions.

New Orleans Has a Busy Weekend Planned

New Orleans has several major events scheduled despite the approaching weather.

The National Fried Chicken Festival on the New Orleans Lakefront is planned for the entire weekend, rain or shine. The festival was originally scheduled for Oct. 2 through 4 but was moved to this weekend because of severe weather and flood advisories.

The Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival is also scheduled throughout the weekend at Lafayette Square Park. The free event features live music, food and art and has not been canceled or rescheduled.

Meanwhile, Gentilly Fest remains scheduled at Pontchartrain Park. The free community event celebrates New Orleans’ Gentilly neighborhood with live music, local restaurants, caterers, and arts and crafts.

Miami Could See Several More Rounds of Rain as a Slow-Moving Front Stalls Over Florida

Oktoberfest at Deutsches Haus is also expected to begin this weekend, with the event scheduled on Fridays and Saturdays from Oct. 9 through Oct. 24.

College Football Games Face Weather Concerns

College football is also being closely watched as the storm moves through the Southeast.

One of the biggest matchups of the weekend is scheduled for Saturday night when the Georgia Bulldogs face the Alabama Crimson Tide.

The game currently has a medium risk of weather impact, according to the FOX Weather ROWI. Athletics officials said they are monitoring the forecast, while kickoff remains scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

Another SEC matchup is scheduled Saturday afternoon when the South Carolina Gamecocks take on the Florida Gators in Gainesville, Florida.

With Isaias expected to strengthen before reaching the Southeast, conditions could change quickly.

For eventgoers, the biggest factors will be storm timing, wind speeds, rainfall and local safety decisions. Even events that remain scheduled could experience delays, cancellations or changes if conditions deteriorate.

Are you planning to attend any of these events this weekend? Which festival, concert or football game do you think is most likely to be affected by Hurricane Isaias? Share your plans and thoughts in the comments.