2016 Austin Reggae Festival

Austin truly is the live music capital of the world. If there’s not a festival going on, then it takes just a short walk down town before you can hear a variety of live music blasting from a restaurant, venue, bar or even someone playing out on the street. There’s music for all tastes and the time for some reggae is almost here. The 2016 Austin Reggae Festival returns to Auditorium Shores April 15-17 and features anything from reggae, to dub to dance hall.

Besides exposing people from all over to local and national reggae acts, the festival embraces the belief that music can and should improve the lives of people that are in need. That's why, they continue to fight hunger in Central Texas by benefitting the Capital Area Food Bank. This event is the Food Bank’s largest fundraiser and in the last decade it has helped raise more than $1 million to help feed hungry families in Central Texas.

So far, Katchafire and Raging Fyah are confirmed to play on Friday, April 15. The rest of the lineup will be announced soon. In the meantime, for the first time, attendees can take part in an online voting contest that will help determine this year’s lineup. Fans need to cast their vote by Feb.8. Participants should review all the bands and their videos carefully before voting  since only one vote will be accepted per e-mail address. You can review the bands and vote here.

Tickets for the three-day event go on sale at 10 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 1. The first 150, three-day ticket buyers will receive a coupon for one free throwback festival T-shirt for the years 2013-2015. Although not required, participants are also encouraged to bring two non-perishable food donations to the festival. Celebrate the reggae spirit while fighting hunger in your community.