Reggae Rise Up Acquires Austin Reggae Festival, Expanding its National Footprint to 5 Markets

Austin, TX – Reggae Rise Up (RRU), North America’s premier reggae festival producer, announces today the acquisition of the Austin Reggae Festival (ARF), the integral Austin-based reggae celebration running for 30 years at Auditorium Shores. The move marks RRU’s first expansion into the Texas market and reinforces its mission to celebrate reggae culture across the country through world-class live experiences.

Founded in 1994, Austin Reggae Festival has long been a cornerstone of the Central Texas music scene. What began as a local tribute to Bob Marley evolved into a three-day celebration, drawing tens of thousands of fans each spring to Auditorium Shores while supporting the Central Texas Food Bank through charitable donations and community engagement.

“Austin Reggae Festival is a respected and historic event with deep community roots,” said Vaughn Carrick, Founder and CEO of Reggae Rise Up. “We’re honored to carry that legacy forward, preserving what fans have always loved while introducing new talent, production elements and experiences that align with Reggae Rise Up’s brand.”

Under RRU’s stewardship, the festival will retain its Austin location, charitable focus, and commitment to community while benefiting from RRU’s expanded artist network, proven production capabilities, and marketing reach.

“It’s been an honor for us here at Leprechaun Productions to be able to present this great event and working with everyone involved over the years, especially for our great friends at Central Texas Food Bank” said Pat Costigan, Founder of Austin Reggae Festival.

Next year’s Austin Reggae Festival will take place April 17-19, 2026 in downtown Austin at Auditorium Shores. The official lineup will be announced in the coming weeks, showcasing a dynamic mix of reggae bands that reflect the diverse evolution of reggae culture.

In appreciation of all who built this festival into a cornerstone community event over three decades, Reggae Rise Up will offer all past Austin Reggae Festival ticket buyers the opportunity to purchase loyalty tickets at previous festival year’s prices for a limited time ahead of the 2026 lineup announcement.

ABOUT REGGAE RISE UP:

Since its inception in 2015, Reggae Rise Up has evolved into a nationally recognized festival brand, creating unforgettable experiences for hundreds of thousands of fans across the country. Beyond its flagship Florida event and Utah roots, Reggae Rise Up has expanded its influence with major festivals in Las Vegas, Oregon, and Arizona. Over the past decade, RRU has hosted a diverse lineup of both legendary and emerging talent, cementing its place as a driving force in the reggae music scene nationwide.