Eric Clapton Announces 2026 Crossroads Guitar Festival with Pete Townshend

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

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:00pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of the shimmering, textured surface of an electric guitar string, captured in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting to create a luxurious, high-fashion aesthetic.The gleaming strings of a legendary guitar take center stage at the Crossroads Guitar Festival, a celebration of musical virtuosity and rock 'n' roll glamour.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 himself performing both nights, as well as a lineup that includes the first-ever appearance from The Who's Pete Townshend, along with 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, drawing top guitar talent from across genres. This year's festival will also celebrate the 28th anniversary of Clapton's Crossroads Centre Antigua, a treatment and education facility for those struggling with chemical and alcohol dependency.

The details

The 2026 Crossroads Guitar Festival will feature a diverse lineup of acclaimed musicians, including the first-ever appearance from Pete Townshend of The Who. Other artists set to perform include ZZ Top's Billy F Gibbons, John Mayer, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Joe Bonamassa, Gary Clark Jr., Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughan, Marcus King, as well as Phish's Trey Anastasio, Tommy Emmanuel and Julian Lage. Clapton will take the stage both nights of the festival.

  • The 2026 Crossroads Guitar Festival will take place on September 26-27, 2026.
  • Tickets for the festival will go on sale on Friday, March 30, 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 of The Who, making his first-ever appearance at the Crossroads Guitar Festival.

Crossroads Centre Antigua

A treatment and education facility founded by Eric Clapton to provide support for those struggling with chemical and alcohol dependency.

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What they’re saying

“The Crossroads Guitar Festival is always a highlight of the year for music fans, and we're thrilled to have such an incredible lineup for the 2026 edition.”

— Eric Clapton

What’s next

Tickets for the 2026 Crossroads Guitar Festival will go on sale this Friday, March 30th at 10 a.m. local time. Fans are encouraged to visit CrossroadsGuitarFestival.com for the full lineup and ticket information.

The takeaway

The Crossroads Guitar Festival has become one of the must-attend events for music lovers, showcasing some of the greatest guitarists in the world. This year's festival promises to be another unforgettable celebration of the instrument and the artists who have mastered it.