A little rain did not keep fans from enjoying Houston’s annual Free Press Summer Festival. After dangerous weather conditions that included lightning led to a brief postponement, the Summer Festival resumed around 7:30 PM and played out to completion.
Festival co-founder Jagi Katial cited safety of the attendees as motive behind the initial decision to suspend activity, stating “As disappointed as we are to suspend today’s performances, our first priority is the safety of our patrons, artists and staff.” Festival-goers were initially evacuated from Houston’s NRG Park and led by staff and security to both venue exits and shelters within an NRG Convention Center Exhibit Hall.
After some time, the festival management monitoring the storm deemed it safe to resume with the shows. “Organizers have been monitoring the storm and determined weather conditions are safe for patrons to return and Free Press Summer Festival to continue.” This weekend was not the start of summer rain in Houston; while the event is usually held at Eleanor Tinsley Park, it was relocated this year to NRG Park due to oversaturation from recent storms.
The Free Press Summer Festival began in 2009 as an annual event that features over 55 bands, both established and up-and-coming, over two days. The event integrates H-Town culture by including Houston food trucks and restaurants, photo booths, and a number of art installations by local artists. Additionally, a recycling program and a partnership with the Texas Campaign for the Environment have been realized by FPSF to promote green living among local citizens. Attendees are encouraged to carpool or bike to the festival and incentives are offered to those who recycle plastic bottles. The event is organized by Free Press Houston, a local independent newspaper, along with Pegstar.net Presents, a local concert promotion company.
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