The FREE Ranch Music Series Returns in 2026

The 23rd season of live Texas music kicks off in April at the Rusty Nickel Icehouse in Fort Worth.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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One of Fort Worth's most anticipated live music traditions, The FREE Ranch Music Series, returns for its 23rd season of live, Texas music—Thursday nights in April and May at the Rusty Nickel Icehouse. The series has a long history of featuring up-and-coming and legendary Texas/Red Dirt artists, including Parker McCollum, Turnpike Troubadours, Koe Wetzel, and Cody Johnson.

Why it matters

The Ranch Music Series has become a beloved tradition in the Fort Worth community, providing a free platform for Texas music fans to discover new artists and enjoy live performances from established acts. In a city with a thriving music scene, this series has helped launch the careers of many Texas-based musicians over the past two decades.

The details

This year's lineup includes The Wilder Blue, a five-piece band formed in 2019 that blends five-part harmonies with bluegrass-leaning arrangements and folk-rock storytelling. Also performing are Slade Coulter, a Texas native with a rock-and-roll heart and a storyteller's soul, and Carson Jeffrey, a full-time cowboy and hardworking touring musician who embodies Texan charm. The Teague Brothers, led by a U.S. Army and Iraq War veteran, will bring their no-frills, high-octane country rock, while The Lowdown Drifters will showcase their brand of 'sad bastard songs.' Silverada, formerly known as Mike and the Moonpies, represents a bold new chapter for one of Texas music's most respected working-class bands. Tyler Halverson and Kody West will also take the stage, delivering high-energy performances and honest songwriting.

  • The FREE Ranch Music Series will take place on Thursday nights in April and May 2026.
  • The series has been running for 22 years prior to the 2026 season.

The players

The Wilder Blue

A five-piece band formed in 2019 that blends five-part harmonies with bluegrass-leaning arrangements and folk-rock storytelling.

Slade Coulter

A Texas native with a rock-and-roll heart and a storyteller's soul, Coulter has built his career the old-school way — one song, one show, and one mile at a time.

Carson Jeffrey

A full-time cowboy and hardworking touring musician who embodies Texan charm, juggling ranch life during the work week with gigs on the weekends.

The Teague Brothers

Led by U.S. Army and Iraq War veteran John Teague, the band delivers no-frills, high-octane country rock built for loud stages and long nights.

The Lowdown Drifters

The Fort Worth, Texas-based band has created their own brand of 'sad bastard songs' that are as likely to invoke dancing as crying, combining heartfelt and heartbreaking lyrics with catchy and upbeat melodies.

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What’s next

Full details on the 2026 FREE Ranch Music Series lineup and schedule will be announced in the coming months.

The takeaway

The FREE Ranch Music Series has become a beloved tradition in the Fort Worth community, providing a platform for both up-and-coming and legendary Texas/Red Dirt artists to perform for free. The 2026 season promises to continue this legacy, offering music fans an opportunity to discover new talent and enjoy live performances from established acts.