Gibson has partnered with Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival for its return to Texas, bringing an all-star lineup of signature artists to Austin. The two-day event takes place at the Moody Center on September 26 and 27, 2026.
Festival: Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival
Dates: September 26 and 27, 2026
Venue: Moody Center, Austin, Texas
Tickets: on sale now at crossroadsguitarfestival.com
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The festival will unite generations of celebrated guitarists. Eric Clapton, Gary Clark Jr., Buddy Guy, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Trey Anastasio and Joe Bonamassa are all on the bill, with more names to come.
Flying the flag for Gibson are six signature artists: Joe Bonamassa, Gary Clark Jr., Billy Gibbons, Sierra Hull, Marcus King and Keb’ Mo’, who represent a wide range of musical styles and generations.
Away from the stage, Gibson will be on the ground all weekend with an immersive festival booth. Fans can get hands-on with guitars, try exclusive product experiences and take photos.
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More than 30 Gibson and Epiphone guitars and MESA/Boogie amplifiers will be on display and available to plug in and play, giving festivalgoers a chance to meet the instruments up close at one of the biggest celebrations of guitar music.
A highlight of the booth is a world-first preview of the forthcoming Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Eric Clapton 1964 ES-335 TDC Reissue, which is scheduled for release in summer 2027.
The new model is inspired by Eric Clapton’s original 1964 Gibson ES-335, one of the most recognisable and historically significant guitars associated with his career.
Fans at the festival can enter for the chance to win one of the Eric Clapton signature guitars when the model launches in 2027.
They can also take their place on the Gibson Guitar Throne, an installation built from 100 real electric guitar bodies and necks that has been shown at music events around the world. Photos taken on the throne could be featured across the brand’s social media channels.
This year’s event is the seventh Crossroads Guitar Festival and celebrates the 28th anniversary of Crossroads Centre Antigua. Eric Clapton founded the treatment and education facility in 1998 to support people affected by alcohol and substance dependency, as well as their families.
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Through Gibson Gives, its philanthropic division, the company is continuing its support of Crossroads Centre Antigua and its mission to provide treatment, education and compassionate care. It says the partnership reflects a longstanding belief in the power of music to support healing, strengthen communities and create meaningful, lasting change.
Guitar Center returns as the exclusive retail partner of the 2026 festival, continuing its support of the event and its mission to benefit Crossroads Centre Antigua. It will run The Guitar Center Experience, an immersive destination inside the venue where fans can explore gear, meet leading guitar brands and join in hands-on activities all weekend.
On-site retail will offer an exclusive, curated collection of products tied to the festival. The Guitar Center Experience will also feature a rare showcase of instruments from the retailer’s Legends Collection, including the original 1964 Gibson ES-335 that Eric Clapton played during his time with Cream.
That historic guitar is the inspiration for the forthcoming Epiphone signature model, which fans can preview at the Gibson booth.
Guitar Center will also induct an artist into its RockWalk during the festival, continuing its tradition of honouring artists who have made significant contributions to music. The honoree will be announced at a later date.
For more information about the partnership between Gibson and the Crossroads Guitar Festival, visit the official page here.
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