Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival 2026 Announced

The iconic music event returns to Austin, Texas for the first time since 2023.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 1:22pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of the worn, textured neck and fretboard of a vintage electric guitar, capturing the intricate details and high-contrast lighting in a glamorous, high-fashion style.The Crossroads Guitar Festival will showcase rare and iconic instruments from the collections of event partner Guitar Center.Austin Today

Eric Clapton has announced the return of his Crossroads Guitar Festival, set for September 26–27 at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. The 2026 edition marks the seventh installment of the festival and celebrates the 28th anniversary of the 1998 founding of the Crossroads Centre Antigua.

Why it matters

The Crossroads Guitar Festival is one of the most anticipated events in the blues and rock guitar community, bringing together legendary musicians for unforgettable collaborations and performances. The festival's return to Austin after a three-year hiatus will be a major draw for music fans across the region.

The details

The two-day event will feature main stage performances and multi-artist collaborations from a wide range of guitarists spanning multiple genres. Clapton is scheduled to perform both nights. Returning Crossroads veterans include Joe Bonamassa, Gary Clark Jr., Billy Gibbons, Buddy Guy, Sonny Landreth, John Mayer, Del McCoury Band, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and Jimmie Vaughan. Making their Crossroads debuts are Trey Anastasio, Tommy Emmanuel, Julian Lage, and Pete Townshend. Guitar Center will once again serve as the festival's exclusive retail partner, hosting interactive exhibits and showcasing instruments from their Legends Collection.

  • The Crossroads Guitar Festival will take place on September 26-27, 2026.
  • The festival last took place in 2023.

The players

Eric Clapton

A legendary British guitarist and singer-songwriter, known as one of the most influential guitarists of all time. He founded the Crossroads Guitar Festival in 1998.

Guitar Center

The exclusive retail partner of the Crossroads Guitar Festival, hosting interactive exhibits and showcasing instruments from their Legends Collection.

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What’s next

Tickets for the 2026 Crossroads Guitar Festival will go on sale on Friday, April 3 at 10 a.m. local time. Additional information is available at crossroadsguitarfestival.com.

The takeaway

The return of the Crossroads Guitar Festival to Austin after a three-year hiatus will be a major event for music fans in the region, offering the chance to see legendary guitarists perform together on one stage.