Eric Clapton Announces 2026 Crossroads Guitar Festival with Pete Townshend

The iconic festival will return to Austin, Texas with a star-studded lineup.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:00pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of the worn, textured wood grain and metallic hardware of a vintage electric guitar, bathed in dramatic studio lighting to create a sense of rock and roll glamour and history.The storied instruments and legendary performers that make the Crossroads Guitar Festival a must-see event for music fans.Los Angeles Today

Eric Clapton is bringing back his Crossroads Guitar Festival for its seventh edition, set to take place on September 26-27, 2026 at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. The festival will feature Clapton performing both nights, along with a lineup that includes the first-ever appearance from The Who's Pete Townshend, as well as other renowned artists like ZZ Top's Billy F Gibbons, John Mayer, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and more.

Why it matters

The Crossroads Guitar Festival is one of the most prestigious and anticipated events in the music industry, bringing together some of the greatest guitarists in the world for a celebration of the instrument and its impact on popular culture. The addition of Pete Townshend, a true rock legend, further elevates the festival's prestige and will likely draw even more attention and excitement from music fans.

The details

This year's Crossroads Guitar Festival will mark the 28th anniversary of Clapton's Crossroads Centre Antigua, a treatment and education facility for those struggling with chemical and alcohol dependency. In addition to Clapton and Townshend, the lineup includes ZZ Top's Billy F Gibbons, John Mayer, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Joe Bonamassa, Gary Clark Jr., Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughan, Marcus King, Phish's Trey Anastasio, Tommy Emmanuel, and Julian Lage.

  • The Crossroads Guitar Festival will take place on September 26-27, 2026.
  • Tickets for the festival will go on sale on Friday, April 4, 2026 at 10 a.m. local time.

The players

Eric Clapton

A three-time Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and one of the most influential guitarists of all time, Clapton is the founder and organizer of the Crossroads Guitar Festival.

Pete Townshend

The legendary guitarist and songwriter for the iconic rock band The Who, Townshend will be making his first-ever appearance at the Crossroads Guitar Festival.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to have Pete Townshend join us for the first time at this year's Crossroads Guitar Festival. His presence, along with the incredible lineup of artists, will make for an unforgettable weekend of music and celebration.”

— Eric Clapton, Founder, Crossroads Guitar Festival

What’s next

Tickets for the 2026 Crossroads Guitar Festival will go on sale to the public on Friday, April 4, 2026 at 10 a.m. local time. A full list of performers and additional details can be found on the festival's official website, CrossroadsGuitarFestival.com.

The takeaway

The Crossroads Guitar Festival has become one of the most prestigious and must-attend events for music fans and guitar enthusiasts alike. The addition of legendary guitarist Pete Townshend to the lineup, along with the return of iconic artists like Eric Clapton, further solidifies the festival's status as a premier destination for celebrating the art of guitar playing and the enduring impact of rock and roll.