Eric Clapton Resurrects Crossroads Guitar Festival with First-Time Participants

The iconic music event returns to Austin, Texas with a star-studded lineup including Trey Anastasio, Pete Townshend, and Julian Lage.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 5:08pm

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An abstract close-up image of a shattered disco ball reflecting glittering shards of light, capturing the glamour and energy of a major music event.The Crossroads Guitar Festival's return promises an unforgettable celebration of virtuosic musicianship and the power of live performance.Austin Today

Eric Clapton, renowned as one of the greatest guitarists of the century, is reviving his Crossroads Guitar Festival on September 26-27 at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. The festival will feature a diverse lineup of both returning artists like Joe Bonamassa and Gary Clark Jr., as well as first-time participants such as Trey Anastasio, Tommy Emmanuel, Julian Lage, and Pete Townshend. The two-day event aims to celebrate the best of live music while also supporting Clapton's Crossroads Centre Antigua, a treatment facility for addiction recovery.

Why it matters

The Crossroads Guitar Festival is an iconic music event that brings together some of the most celebrated guitarists across genres. Its return after a hiatus is significant, as it not only provides a platform for both established and emerging artists, but also supports Clapton's addiction recovery center, which has been instrumental in helping others overcome substance abuse issues.

The details

The 28th anniversary of the Crossroads Guitar Festival will take place on September 26-27 at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. The lineup features a mix of returning artists, such as Joe Bonamassa, Gary Clark Jr., Billy Gibbons, Buddy Guy, and Jimmie Vaughan, as well as first-time participants including Trey Anastasio, Tommy Emmanuel, Julian Lage, and Pete Townshend. The festival aims to showcase the best of live music and support Clapton's Crossroads Centre Antigua, a treatment facility he founded to help others with addiction recovery.

  • The Crossroads Guitar Festival will take place on September 26-27, 2026.
  • Tickets for the event will go on sale on April 3, 2026 at 10 am local time.

The players

Eric Clapton

Widely regarded as one of the century's most renowned and influential guitarists, Clapton is the founder of the Crossroads Guitar Festival and the Crossroads Centre Antigua, a treatment facility for addiction recovery.

Crossroads Centre Antigua

A 12-step treatment facility for alcohol and drug dependency, founded by Eric Clapton to provide support for those struggling with addiction, similar to the support he received during his own therapeutic journey.

Moody Center

The venue hosting the 2026 Crossroads Guitar Festival in Austin, Texas, which has hosted over 380 concerts since its opening in 2022.

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What they’re saying

“We are thrilled to welcome the legendary Eric Clapton and his Crossroads Guitar Festival to Moody Center. Out of the more than 380 concerts we've hosted since opening in 2022, this is poised to be one of the most iconic events ever to take place in our arena. It represents the very best of live music—bringing together world-class artists, passionate fans, and an unforgettable atmosphere right here in the Live Music Capital of the World.”

— Michael Owens, SVP of Entertainment for Moody Center

What’s next

Tickets for the Crossroads Guitar Festival will go on sale on Friday, April 3, 2026 at 10 am local time. More information can be found on the event's official website, www.crossroadsguitarfestival.com.

The takeaway

The return of the Crossroads Guitar Festival, with its diverse lineup of both established and emerging artists, represents a significant moment in the live music industry. Beyond the musical celebration, the event also supports Clapton's addiction recovery center, highlighting the importance of addressing substance abuse issues and providing resources for those in need.