Houston Chronicle

ASTROWORLD

Travis Scott is trying to re-create our memories of this theme park, we think.

- BY JOEY GUERRA | STAFF WRITER

Travis Scott is promising plenty of thrills at his inaugural Astroworld Festival.

He’s been steadily hyping it on his Instagram account and even giving away tickets to locals. It’s all happening Saturday at NRG Park, on multiple stages, in the yellow parking lot off Main.

But what can fans expect when they enter the gates? We still don’t know. Scott and his team have so far kept everything under wraps.

Will he re-create Astroworld? Will there be roller coasters? Carnival games? A karaoke recording studio? No idea.

Scott, who grew up in Missouri City and attended Elkins High School, has yet to even reveal other performers for the event. A recent Instagram post only said “LINEUP TBA.”

No hints. No clues. Just the promise of Scott performing and lots of Astroworld nostalgia. And maybe a family appearance. Girlfriend Kylie Jenner has created limited-edition Astroworld lip kits that will be sold at merch stands.

General admission is sold out solely on the strength of his name. VIP tickets (which run $350$650) are still available.

David Stromberg, Scott’s manager and GM of Cactus Jack Records, said in a statement that the “ultimate goal in launching this Fest is to bring some welldeserv­ed recognitio­n to Travis’ hometown of Houston, the place that has made him both the man and creative artist he is today. H-Town has an incredible rich cultural history, and we look forward to showcasing to residents from Travis’ own backyard and across the globe what

makes this city so special.”

For clues, look to Scott’s current Astroworld Tour, which kicked off this month in Baltimore, Md. It boasted several eyepopping effects, including an onstage roller coaster that Scott performed on and fans were able to ride. But the trek has run into some problems. Scott recently canceled four shows “due to technical production issues.” Another show in Raleigh, N.C., was delayed for several hours while the stage was being set up. Scott finally appeared around midnight.

Local fans got an early peek at the Astroworld process when Scott hosted a surprise release party in August at Revention Music Center. He played cuts from the “Astroworld” album and performed for more than an hour amid acrobats, stilt walkers and snake charmers.

Fans also received free, exclusive merch. Jenner and singer/actor Jaden Smith were among those in attendance. The giant gold Travis Scott head was there, too. Expect to see it Saturday. Maybe.

“It was so exhilarati­ng, and I’ve never experience­d anything like it,” said Didi Hamel, who attended the circus-themed event.

It all leads up to Houston’s inaugural Astroworld Festival. But until we get the official word, here are a few guesses on what we’ll see. And what we’d like to see.

12 acts we might see at Travis Scott’s Astroworld Festival Drake

Because, duh. “Sicko Mode” is everywhere. The video was filmed in Houston. And Drake loves the city as much as anyone does.

Amanda Lepore

Scott was criticized for removing transgende­r icon Lepore from a version of the “Astroworld” album art. He later apologized. This could be another way to make up for it.

Rihanna

They reportedly dated. And a “BBHMM” could be fire, y’all.

Quavo

The “Huncho Jack, Jack Huncho” joint album makes the Migos rapper an obvious choice.

Space Kiddettes

Because the Houston synth-pop duo is as wacky as Scott when it comes to music. And into fashion, too.

SZA

Because we need a “Love Galore” duet live onstage in Houston.

Don Toliver

The Houston-area rapper has worked with Scott and is on the verge of a breakout.

Fat Tony

He’s talented and funny and thinks outside the box. And he reps Houston all day.

Bun B

Like it or not, it just wouldn’t be a Houston party without Bun B.

Kanye West

He gave Scott a big early career boost. Though we’re not sure how popular West would be onstage these days due to recent antics. Guilla

He’s an adventurou­s rapper and producer. He’d probably find a receptive crowd. And if it birthed a collaborat­ion with Scott, even better. Just Brittany

Love her or hate her, she’d make some noise. And maybe bring VH1 along.

8 Astroworld attraction­s we’d love to see re-created at Astroworld Festival

Greezed Lightnin ’

This coaster looped upside down and is reminiscen­t of the current Astroworld Tour stage design. Texas Cyclone

One of the park’s most popular rides, with lots of peaks and valleys. Ultra Twister

A coaster with steep drops and many twists and turns. AstroNeedl­e

One of the park’s original attraction­s, the AstroNeedl­e was one of the tallest rides in the world and gave visitors a leisurely view of the entire park. Skyscreame­r This thrilling ride took a 10-story free fall at lightning speed. Your stomach usually lagged behind. Thunder River Sure, it might be cold.

But who doesn’t love faux white-water rafting? Karaoke recording studio

How about a Houston rap-themed studio featuring hits from Slim Thug, Paul Wall, Trae Tha Truth and, of course, Scott? Funnel cakes

Because it just isn’t Astroworld without funnel cakes, y’all.

Astroworld Festival do’s and don’ts

You may bring: one sealed 20 ounce water bottle, sunscreen, blankets, small umbrellas, strollers, binoculars, e-cigarettes/ vapes, posters/signs/flags (no poles), ponchos, instant cameras, pocket cameras.

There will be free waterrefil­ling stations.

On-site lockers will be available to store personal items. Reserve at astroworld­fest.com/#faq You may not bring: weapons, illegal substances, selfie sticks, alcohol, glass containers, food or beverages, bikes, scooters, skateboard­s, personaliz­ed motor vehicles, large chains or spiked jewelry, fireworks or explosives, coolers, wagons, tents, large umbrellas, chairs, pets, audio or video recording equipment, profession­al cameras, aerosol containers, laser pointers, remote controlled vehicles. No backpacks, large purses or bags, except for small clutches or fanny packs (5.5 inches x 4.5 inches); 1 gallon, clear zip-top bags; drawstring or clear backpacks with one additional

pocket; empty hydration packs with one additional packet.

No crowd surfing, moshing or stage diving. Entry

General admission sold out. VIP tickets are available for $350-$650.

Children shorter than 3½ feet tall will be admitted free if accompanie­d by a ticket-holding adult. No children younger than 14 will be allowed in without an adult.

Re-entry will not be permitted.

Visit astroworld­fest.com for more details. Parking

$20, cash only, in the green lot; enter gate 13.

Rideshare and drop off/pickup will be in the red lot; vehicles enter gate 11.

Bike parking will be available near the festival site; bring your own lock.

Astroworld is a rain or shine event, but “should inclement weather, which poses a risk to your health and safety, force the cancellati­on of programmin­g or evacuation of the festival grounds, no refunds will be issued.”

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Travis Scott
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Courtesy photo In the world of Travis Scott’s Astroworld Festival, concertgoe­rs should expect the unexpected.
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David Lachapelle
 ?? Air Jordan ?? Travis Scott has a special place in his heart for all things Houston.
Air Jordan Travis Scott has a special place in his heart for all things Houston.

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