Isaias Event Tracker: What's Canceled and What's Still On This Weekend

Weekend plans in the Gulf Coast or the Southeast? You might want to think again. Here is a look at what events have already been impacted by the imminent arrival of Hurricane Isaias.

Food Festivals and Concerts Impacted by Hurricane Isaias

From food festivals to concerts to college football games, there are a lot of outdoor events that are being threatened by Hurricane Isaias. While some event organizers vow that the events will go on, other plans have already been cancelled or postponed as the storm bears down on a late Friday landfall along the Gulf Coast.
 
There are a few major food festivals that have already been cancelled or postponed. Festa Italiana in Pensacola, Florida, has been postponed until November 13 and 14. Organizers posted on the official Facebook page noting the change, writing, "New dates, new location, same wonderful celebration of Italian food, culture and community. Mark your calendars and spread the word!"

Likewise, the much-anticipated National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama, was also cancelled. The concern now is that thousands of tourists had already descended on the popular beach town for the event. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey issued an evacuation order Thursday for visitors to the coastal region, prompting the cancellation of the festival.  

As of late Thursday, the LoDa Artwalk in Mobile, Alabama, was still on as planned. This showcase of visual and performance arts happens monthly. The Pensacola Beach Songwriter's Festival in Florida is also scheduled to go on as planned.  

The impacts of Isaias are expected to push well into the interior portions of the Southeast, putting other outdoor events in question. Nashville's Ascend Amphitheater is set to host Dermot Kennedy on Sunday, right on the tail end of the rainy and stormy conditions. Rock band Phish is scheduled to perform on Saturday evening at Orion Amphitheater in Huntsville, Alabama, another event that could end up being terrible timing as Isaias chugs to the north.

Music fans are also in town in Tallahassee, Florida, for Saturday's Jubilee Music Festival III. The event is scheduled to take place outside at The Adderley Amphitheater at Cascades Park. While there is a chance that the heaviest rain bands will have moved to the north by this time, attendees should still stay abreast of the latest developments.

Organizers of the National Fried Chicken Festival cannot catch a break. This event was originally scheduled for October 2 - 4 on the New Orleans Lakefront, but had to be rebooked to this weekend due to severe weather at the time. Organizers said that they are planning to go forward with the festival this weekend, rain or shine.

Also in New Orleans, the Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival is scheduled to take place throughout the weekend in Lafayette Square Park. Event organizers have not yet announced any changes, following the wait-and-see approach for this part of the Gulf Coast.

College Football Game Updates

In addition to all of the food festivals and concerts, there are also several big college football games that could be impacted by Isaias on Saturday. One of the biggest match-ups of the season is set to kick off on Saturday night in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, when the hometown Alabama Crimson Tide hosts the Georgia Bulldogs. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 pm ET at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Officials with both schools' athletics departments said that they are closely monitoring the rapidly changing situation.

Also in the region, Ole Miss will travel to Nashville on Saturday to take on Vanderbilt University. This game could also be affected by heavy rain and thunderstorms rumbling through the Music City.

Another game that bears watching is the contest between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Florida Gators in Gainesville, Florida. The forecast in this part of the Sunshine State is calling for scattered thunderstorms that could delay the game.

Weather changes fast, so help your community stay prepared. Share this story with friends, family, or your group chat, and keep your forecast in the now with Weather Forecast Now.