Eric Clapton Announces 2026 Crossroads Guitar Festival with Pete Townshend

The legendary festival returns to Austin, Texas this September with a star-studded lineup.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:00pm

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An abstract close-up photograph of the highly textured surface of an electric guitar neck and fretboard, captured in dramatic studio lighting to create a glamorous, high-fashion aesthetic.The 2026 Crossroads Guitar Festival promises to be a dazzling celebration of the electric guitar, with a lineup of legendary players set to take the stage in Austin.Los Angeles Today

Eric Clapton is bringing back his acclaimed 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 a lineup of iconic guitarists including The Who's Pete Townshend, ZZ Top's Billy F Gibbons, John Mayer, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and more. This year's event 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.

Why it matters

The Crossroads Guitar Festival is one of the most prestigious and influential guitar-centric music events, bringing together some of the greatest players in the world for unforgettable collaborations and performances. Clapton's decision to host the festival in Austin, a city renowned for its vibrant music scene, will further cement the event's status as a must-attend destination for guitar enthusiasts.

The details

The 2026 Crossroads Guitar Festival will mark the first time that The Who's Pete Townshend has appeared at the event. Other notable artists on the lineup 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 first-time Crossroads performers Phish's Trey Anastasio, Tommy Emmanuel and Julian Lage. Clapton will perform both nights of the festival.

  • The 2026 Crossroads Guitar Festival will take place on September 26-27, 2026.
  • Tickets for the event 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 of The Who, making his first 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

“We're thrilled to bring the Crossroads Guitar Festival back to Austin and to welcome so many incredible artists to the stage. This year's lineup is a true celebration of the guitar and the incredible talent that continues to shape the instrument's legacy.”

— Eric Clapton

What’s next

Tickets for the 2026 Crossroads Guitar Festival will go on sale to the general 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 anticipated events for music fans and guitar enthusiasts alike, showcasing the virtuosity and creativity of some of the greatest players in the world. Clapton's decision to bring the festival to Austin, a city with a rich musical heritage, will undoubtedly elevate the event's profile and attract an even wider audience.