Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival Returns With Star-Studded Lineup

The iconic music event will take place September 26-27 in Texas, featuring Pete Townshend's festival debut.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:34pm

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Eric Clapton announced the return of his Crossroads Guitar Festival, set for September 26-27 at the Moody Center in Texas. The lineup includes first-time performer Pete Townshend, as well as other acclaimed artists like Billy Gibbons, John Mayer, Buddy Guy, and Tedeschi Trucks Band. Proceeds from the festival will benefit Clapton's Crossroads Centre Antigua, a treatment facility he founded in 1998 to help those struggling with addiction.

Why it matters

The Crossroads Guitar Festival is one of the most prestigious and star-studded guitar music events, bringing together legendary artists to celebrate the instrument and raise funds for an important cause close to Clapton's heart. The festival's return after a three-year hiatus is exciting news for music fans, especially with the addition of iconic rocker Pete Townshend to the lineup.

The details

The 2026 Crossroads Guitar Festival will take place over two nights, September 26-27, at the Moody Center in Texas. In addition to Clapton, the lineup includes first-time performer Pete Townshend, as well as returning artists like Billy Gibbons, John Mayer, Buddy Guy, and Tedeschi Trucks Band. Other acts set to perform include Joe Bonamassa, Gary Clark Jr., Jimmie Vaughan, Marcus King, Trey Anastasio, Tommy Emmanuel, and Julian Lage, among others.

  • The Crossroads Guitar Festival will take place on September 26-27, 2026.
  • The festival marks the 28th anniversary of the Crossroads Centre Antigua, the addiction treatment facility founded by Eric Clapton in 1998.

The players

Eric Clapton

A legendary British guitarist and singer-songwriter, Clapton is the founder of the Crossroads Guitar Festival and the Crossroads Centre Antigua addiction treatment facility.

Pete Townshend

The iconic English rock guitarist and songwriter, known for his work with the band The Who, is making his debut appearance at the Crossroads Guitar Festival.

Crossroads Centre Antigua

A treatment facility founded by Eric Clapton in 1998 to provide services to chemically and alcohol dependent persons, their families, and significant others.

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What’s next

Tickets for the 2026 Crossroads Guitar Festival will go on sale on Friday, April 5th at 10 a.m. local time. More information is available on the festival's official website, crossroadsguitarfestival.com.

The takeaway

The return of the Crossroads Guitar Festival, with the addition of iconic rocker Pete Townshend to the lineup, is an exciting event for music fans. The festival's continued success in raising funds for Clapton's Crossroads Centre Antigua addiction treatment facility underscores the importance of the cause and Clapton's commitment to helping those struggling with addiction.