Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival 2026 announced

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.

The festival returns for the first time since 2023, when Blues Rock Review provided on-site coverage of the event.

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. The company will host The Guitar Center Experience at the venue, offering attendees access to gear, interactive exhibits, and a curated retail selection tied to the event. The exhibit will also showcase instruments from Guitar Center’s Legends Collection, including Eric Clapton’s 1956 Fender Stratocaster “Blackie,” the 1964 Gibson ES-335 he used during his time with Cream, and Stevie Ray Vaughan’s 1965 Fender Stratocaster “Lenny.” Guitar Center will also induct an artist into its RockWalk during the festival. Pre-show admission to The Guitar Center Experience will open two hours before showtime each day for ticket holders.

Tickets go on sale Friday, April 3 at 10 a.m. local time. Additional information is available at crossroadsguitarfestival.com.

The full artist lineup, listed alphabetically, is as follows:

Trey Anastasio
Joe Bonamassa
Eric Clapton
Gary Clark Jr.
Tommy Emmanuel
Billy Gibbons
Buddy Guy
Ben Haggard
Sierra Hull
Marcus King
Sonny Landreth
Julian Lage
Taj Mahal
Pedro Martins
John Mayer
Del McCoury Band
John McLaughlin
Keb’ Mo’
Dirk Powell
Robert Randolph
Kurt Rosenwinkel
Daniel Santiago
Tedeschi Trucks Band
Pete Townshend
Jimmie Vaughan
Bradley Walker & Brothers of the Heart

“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,” said Michael Owens, SVP of Entertainment for Moody Center.

A Crossroads Centre Antigua booth will be set up at the event, where staff will provide information on the organization’s treatment programs and guidance for those seeking help with addiction recovery.