Concert News

State Fair of Texas unveils full lineup of free music acts for 2026

Clint Black will be one of over 30 performers on the Chevrolet Main Stage at the 2026 State Fair of Texas.

Photo courtesy of Clint Black

Free music will be plentiful during the 2026 State Fair of Texas' 24-day run, September 25-October 18. The Fair has revealed its full lineup of music acts that will be playing on multiple stages around Fair Park this year.

The Chevrolet Main Stage is where visitors will find the biggest acts playing during the fair, with over 30 singers and bands playing during the fair.

Headliners include Clint Black, Bowling for Soup, Kansas, Queensrÿche, Deep Blue Something, Tripping Daisy, Toadies, RaeLynn, Muscadine Bloodline, Gym Class Heroes, and more.

While the lineup on the main stage offers a wide variety of acts from different genres, it won't be the only option for visitors looking for a music break.

The Bud Light Stage, near Cotton Bowl Stadium, will showcase local and regional talent, while the White Claw Spotlight Stage, located at the Grove on Nimitz, will feature a variety of artists from Dallas Music Office’s roster of talent, all local to the Dallas music scene.

In addition, the brand-new ZiegenBock Stage, located at the newly renovated Old Mill Inn near Big Tex Circle, will provide a fun atmosphere for fairgoers to enjoy a live music experience in the shadow of Big Tex.

The Fair is continuing its partnership with State Fair Records, the East Dallas-based label that programs and produces the Bud Light Stage and Old Mill Stage.

"State Fair Records continues to raise the bar, selecting several up-and-coming and established Texas musicians who fit the mold of the most Texan place on Earth," said Jason Hays, SVP of Brand Experience, in a statement.

Each of the stages will feature at least one performance every day of the fair. That includes the 2026 Resident Artist, jazz musician Ken Ebo, who will perform multiple times with his jazz ensemble.

Find that complete lineup and schedule for all stages here.

Residents can get a taste of the live music scene even sooner at the pre-Fair party, State Fair Saddle Up. Taking place at The Rustic Dallas on September 10, the fundraising event will feature headliner Cash Byers, along with Midway games, food and beverages, auction items, and exclusive perks for VIP ticket holders.

Funds raised will support the Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction and Scholarship Programs.

Season passes for the 2026 State Fair of Texas, themed “Stars, Stripes, and Howdies,” are now on sale at BigTex.com/Tickets. Individual tickets will go on sale in September.

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Smoke on the Thames

2 Michelin-starred Texas barbecue joints fire up monthlong London pop-up

InterStellar and La Barbecue at The Ned London

The Ned London/thened.com

Even in Austin's home scene, these restaurants are considered the cream of the crop. Abroad, this is an extra special treat.

Two of Texas' best barbecue joints are are firing up their smokers in London. Austin-based InterStellar and La Barbecue are in residence for one month a London hotel called The Ned.

Service started on September 4, and guests have until October 4 to see what great barbecue tastes like on the other side of the pond.

Each restaurant sent its best representative: John Bates of InterStellar BBQ and Ali Clem of La Barbecue, the two pitmasters who led them to barbecue's first Michelin stars. Both are somewhat traditional with a few signature twists, making them a good match beyond their similar levels of prestige.

Proteins on the menu include pork ribs, pulled lamb shoulder, chopped cheese sausage, and InterStellar's famous peach tea pork belly burnt ends. Brisket will be available as an add-on. The team is also cooking up sides and pairing the bites with cocktails made for the occasion by Jack Daniels.

The exclusive sharing tray is available for $75 per person, with a minimum of two people per reservation ($150). A 14.5 percent service gratuity is also being added.

Many barbecue fans understand that a smoker plays a huge part in the final product, and being away from home could dramatically change the cooking process. An Instagram post explains (and seems to lightly promote) that the pitmasters are using Ironbrand smokers, which are custom-made in the United Kingdom.

The residency is happening at Electric Bar & Diner, The Ned's all-day American diner. The 248-room hotel is located in Poultry, on the north side of the River Thames near St. Paul's Cathedral. It is also very near to the Bank Station, a connecting station for four rail routes, making it easy to get to from many parts of London.

Booking is already going fast, so guests who want to snag a space should commit soon.

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