Full Breakdown
Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival 2026: A Celebration of Music and Recovery
3/31/2026, 8:28:56 PM
Festival Overview and Details
Eric Clapton has announced the return of his Crossroads Guitar Festival, set for September 26-27, 2026, at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. This marks the seventh installment of the festival, celebrating the 28th anniversary of the Crossroads Centre Antigua, Clapton's addiction recovery facility founded in 1998. The event will feature performances from a diverse lineup of renowned guitarists, including Clapton himself, who will perform both nights.
Star-Studded Lineup
The 2026 festival will showcase a mix of returning veterans and first-time performers. Notable returning artists include Joe Bonamassa, Gary Clark Jr., Buddy Guy, John Mayer, and Tedeschi Trucks Band. First-time participants will include Trey Anastasio of Phish, Pete Townshend of The Who, and Tommy Emmanuel. In total, 26 artists are scheduled to perform, promising a weekend filled with extraordinary musical collaborations across various genres.
Ticket Information
Tickets for the Crossroads Guitar Festival will go on sale to the general public on April 3, 2026, at 10 a.m. local time through Ticketmaster. Pre-sale tickets are currently available on secondary market sites like StubHub and Vivid Seats. The festival's official website will provide additional details and updates.
The Mission Behind the Music
Proceeds from the festival will support the Crossroads Centre Antigua, which offers treatment and education for individuals struggling with substance abuse. Clapton, who has battled addiction himself, emphasizes the importance of this mission, stating, “My identity is always going to be linked to Crossroads. I can't walk away, so I've come back to do the thing I know how to do best, which is play, and also invite people that I have high admiration for in the music world.”
Onsite Experiences
In addition to the musical performances, attendees can explore the Guitar Center Experience, featuring interactive exhibits and a showcase of iconic instruments, including Clapton's 1956 Fender Stratocaster “Blackie” and Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Lenny” Stratocaster. The Guitar Center will also induct an artist into its RockWalk during the festival.
Venue Significance
Michael Owens, SVP of Entertainment for Moody Center, expressed excitement about hosting the festival, noting its potential to be one of the most iconic events in the venue's history. “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,” he stated.
Conclusion
The Crossroads Guitar Festival 2026 promises to be a landmark event, blending exceptional musical talent with a commitment to supporting addiction recovery. With a diverse lineup and a mission rooted in compassion, the festival is set to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans and artists alike.
