After months of little to no information on the annual Float Fest, it is back on in a new location. Previously, it had sparred with the Guadalupe County Commissioners Court and has its permit denied, prompting the search for another venue.
This year, Float Fest will move to Gonzales, Texas, about an hour outside of Austin and San Antonio. The festival will take place July 20-21 at a private ranch.
Headliners are Major Lazer, Portugal The Man, Gucci Mane, Kaskade, Zeds Dead and Ice Cube. With supporting artists including GroupLove, Big Boi, Jungle, Missio and others.
Float Fest is going on its sixth year of the festival. It brings the Texas love of floating the river with music in the summer. More than 20,000 festival goers have attended in the past and more are expected this year with the venue being three times larger than past festivals.
Unlike past years, river access is available on-site at this year’s festival. The camp grounds have more than 200 trees of shade and 20×20 spaces available. And it is all by the Guadalupe River.
Marcus Federman, Float Fest’s founder, said his team has been working on getting another location for months.
“We have been thinking about moving the festival for some time now to allow for an expansion and more attendees, and a great opportunity presented itself with Gonzales,” Federman said. “Gonzales is known as the birthplace of Texas independence and we can’t think of a better place to celebrate a festival rich in Texas traditions such as live music, floating the river, and camping.”
In the past, Float Fest has had issues obtaining permits from the hosting city. The festival has previously been held in Martindale, but in February, the Guadalupe Commissioners Court, on a 3-2 vote, neither approved nor denied the permit for Float Fest. Martindale faced issues including traffic, drug usage, neighborhood trespassing, water pollution and public indecency.
However, Float Fest gives back to the community by organizing a river cleanup project. Divers and boats ensure the cleanliness of the river before, during and after.
More information on Float Fest and tickets can be found on the Float Fest website.