Texas Music Office

On April 10th, the Texas Best Conjunto Competition at Harlingen Municipal Auditorium marked its 10th anniversary, bringing together student musicians from across Texas for a high-energy showcase of talent. Representing Brownsville’s original conjunto showdown, young performers competed in full groups, demonstrating their skills on accordion, bajo sexto, bass, drums, and vocals while honoring the rich traditions of conjunto music. During the event, Gilbert Reyes Jr., Brand Manager for Hohner, was honored with a commendation from the Governor of Texas for his contributions to preserving and advancing Texas conjunto traditions. The recognition, presented by Steve Ray of the Texas Music Office, held special significance as it took place in Harlingen, Reyes’s hometown. With decades of experience and a deep connection to the accordion, Reyes has played a pivotal role in supporting artists, promoting music education, fostering youth development, and advocating for the growth and inclusion of musicians—especially women—within the conjunto community.

The Ubbi Dubbi Festival 2026 will take place at Panther Island Pavilion in Fort Worth on April 24–25, 2026, bringing two days of high-energy electronic music to North Texas. Known for its immersive production and vibrant crowd, the festival opens gates at 3:00 PM each day, with performances running from the afternoon into the late evening and wrapping up around midnight. The scenic waterfront venue adds to the overall experience, creating a dynamic setting for one of the region’s top EDM events. The 2026 lineup features a strong mix of globally recognized DJs and rising electronic artists, including Kx5, Alesso, Zedd, and Ganja White Night, along with Loud Luxury, TroyBoi, Cloonee, Tape B, San Holo, Kai Wachi, Of The Trees, and Jade Cicada. Spanning house, bass, and experimental electronic styles, the festival offers a diverse and electrifying weekend for dance music fans. @UbbidubbiFest

It's Music Friendly Monday!!! This week we take a look at what is happening in Salado! The Salado Music Crawl and Chili Cookoff 2026 is a vibrant community event happening on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in the heart of Salado, Texas, primarily along the Main Street area. The festivities run from approximately 8:00 AM to 6:00–6:30 PM, offering a full day of live music, chili tasting, and small-town charm. Known as a Music Friendly Texas Community, Salado embraces its rich cultural and musical heritage, making it the perfect setting for an event where visitors can stroll between venues, enjoy local shops, and sample a variety of chili creations. Live performances take place across multiple locations throughout the day, showcasing regional talent and creating a dynamic, walkable music experience. Featured performers include Curt and Hannah, with additional artists playing at various stops along the crawl. The blend of continuous live music, friendly chili competition, and welcoming community spirit makes this event a standout springtime attraction for both music lovers and food enthusiasts. @Saladogov Salado Music Friendly Community

The Gryphus Music Festival 2026 is set for April 24–26, 2026, taking place at Flat Rock Ranch in Comfort, Texas (346 Flat Rock Creek Rd) in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Known for its scenic landscapes and rugged terrain, the ranch provides the perfect backdrop for a weekend that blends live music with outdoor recreation. In addition to performances, festivalgoers can enjoy camping, mountain biking, trail running, and a variety of food and drink options, making it a well-rounded experience for those who enjoy both music and the outdoors. The 2026 lineup brings together an eclectic group of artists spanning funk, soul, and roots music, including Ikebe Shakedown, Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio, Thee Heart Tones, The Peterson Brothers Band, Cilantro Boombox, Los Juanos, Silas Lowe, and Rat King Cole. With music scheduled throughout the weekend, attendees can expect a lively yet laid-back atmosphere that reflects the festival’s unique mix of adventure, community, and diverse musical talent.

The Blanco River Songwriter Festival is an annual celebration of acoustic music and storytelling, scheduled for April 25, 2026 at Fischer Dance Hall in Fischer, Texas (701 Fischer Store Rd), located in the scenic Texas Hill Country near Wimberley. This one‑day festival offers an intimate and relaxed setting where fans can enjoy live performances from a variety of Texas songwriters, alongside food trucks, local craft beer and wine, and festival merchandise. The event supports the Blanco River Academy, with proceeds going toward tuition assistance and local community programs that foster music and education. The 2026 lineup highlights a selection of talented songwriters, including headliners Johnny Nicholas & The Honky Tonk Dreamers (featuring Scrappy Judd Newcomb & Marti Muse), and performances by Hope McNabb, Beet Root Revival, Topochico Cowboys (Drew Kennedy & Josh Grider), Sam Baker, Suzanna Choffel, Jana Pochop, Walt Wilkins, Bill Small & Susan Gibson, and Tip Jar. With its cozy atmosphere, excellent acoustics, and focus on authentic songwriting, the festival has become a beloved springtime destination for fans of roots, folk, and Texas songwriter music.

The 18th Annual H‑Town Blues Festival is set to be one of the city’s most exciting music events this spring. Scheduled for Friday, April 24, 2026, at NRG Arena in Houston, Texas (1 NRG Park), the festival opens its doors in the evening, with performances beginning around 8:00 PM. This annual celebration highlights Houston’s rich blues, soul, and R&B traditions, bringing fans together for an electrifying night of live music and the authentic sounds of the city’s thriving music scene. The 2026 lineup showcases a mix of established and rising blues artists, including King George, Tucka, West Love, Pokey Bear, Marcellus TheSinger, EJ Jones, Mike Clark Jr., and Henry Welch, delivering everything from soulful vocals to hard-hitting blues riffs. Attendees can also enjoy local food and drinks, interactive fan experiences, and the lively atmosphere of one of Houston’s premier venues. With its combination of top-tier talent and community spirit, this event remains a must-attend celebration for music lovers across the region. @houstonartsalliance @HoustonTX

Larry Joe Taylor’s Texas Music Festival 2026 is set to be a premier celebration of Texas country and Red Dirt music, taking place from April 20 to 25, 2026 at Melody Mountain Ranch in Stephenville, Texas. The week-long festival brings together fans and artists for several days of live performances, camping, and community in a scenic ranch setting just west of the Dallas–Fort Worth area, continuing its tradition as one of Texas’s most beloved music events. The 2026 lineup features a star-studded mix of Texas and Red Dirt artists, including Randy Rogers Band, William Clark Green, Josh Abbott Band, Aaron Watson, Wade Bowen, Mike Ryan, The Creekers, Roger Creager, Wade Forster, Kevin Fowler, Tanner Usrey, Logan Ryan Band, Presley Haile, The Great Divide, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Shelby Stone, Radney Foster, Tyce Delk, Gary P. Nunn, Mike McClure, Gannon Fremin & CCREV, James McMurtry, Julianna Rankin, Bart Crow, Tejas Brothers, Race Ricketts, Courtney Patton, Django Walker, Max & Heather Stalling, Bottomland, Jenna Paulette, Cameron Allbright, The Damn Quails, Walt Wilkins, Davin James, Michael Hearne & SXSW, Slade Coulter, Carson Jeffrey, Parker Ryan, Ashton Naylor, Haydon Wiginton, Dave Perez, Travis Roberts, Randy Brown, Nick Brumley, Hank Weaver, Nyles, Hayden Baker, Mike Graham, Kerri Lick, Terry Rasor, Prophets and Outlaws, Matt Castillo, and Larry Joe Taylor. Fans can expect a week full of unforgettable performances, camaraderie, and the unique spirit that only Texas country music can deliver. @LarryJoeTaylor Larry Joe Taylor's Texas Music Festival

The 4th Annual Austin Blues Festival returns April 25–26, 2026, at the Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park. Presented by Antone's and Waterloo Greenway, this two-day festival celebrates Austin’s legendary blues and roots music scene. Festival-goers can enjoy live performances, food, and local culture in a scenic outdoor amphitheater, with tickets currently available for the full weekend experience. Gates open daily for an immersive weekend of music, bringing fans together to experience world-class artists in an intimate yet vibrant setting. The 2026 lineup features iconic headliners Parliament Funkadelic featuring George Clinton, and Jimmie Vaughan & Friends. Additional standout performances include Eric Johnson, BADBADNOTGOOD, Larkin Poe, Adrian Quesada's Boleros Psicodélicos, The War And Treaty, and Chaparelle. With such a diverse and powerful lineup, the Austin Blues Festival promises an unforgettable weekend for fans of blues, funk, rock, and soul. @atxbluesfest

Amplify Denton returns on April 18, 2026, at the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center, bringing together the local creative community for a full evening of music and art. Hosted by the Denton Music and Arts Collective (DMAC) and the Greater Denton Arts Council (GDAC), the event highlights Denton’s rich musical heritage while supporting artists through programming and resources. Festivities kick off in the evening (time TBA), celebrating the city’s vibrant scene with performances, art displays, and community engagement. The event features two stages packed with local talent both indoors and outdoors. Inside, audiences can catch sets from Fingerprints and Cassandra Berry, followed by a high-energy Decades Dance Party to close out the night. The outdoor stage showcases performances by Claire Morales, Ryan Thomas Becker, and Slobberbone. Alongside the music, attendees can explore artwork from local creators and enter raffles featuring Denton’s best food, drinks, and experiences—making Amplify Denton a dynamic celebration of the city’s creative spirit. @dmacdenton DMAC Denton

It's Music Friendly Monday. This week we see what's happening in Galveston! The 2026 Live at St. Joseph's Concert Series returns to St. Joseph's Church, bringing a season of live music to the heart of Galveston. The series runs throughout spring and fall, with concerts beginning at 7:00 PM on select dates, offering audiences an intimate and immersive listening experience in the historic church venue. This series celebrates Galveston’s vibrant music scene while providing a welcoming space for music lovers to enjoy live performances in a unique, acoustically rich setting. The 2026 lineup features a dynamic mix of acclaimed artists, including Amanda Shires on April 17, Darrell Scott on April 24, Kam Franklin on June 13, and Aaron Lee Tasjan on July 12. Fall performances include Carrie Rodriguez on September 4, Rhett Miller on September 11, and David Ramirez on October 2. Each concert promises a memorable evening of live music, connecting audiences with both emerging and established artists in an intimate Galveston setting. @Visit_Galveston

The Two Step Inn returns April 18–19, 2026, at San Gabriel Park, just outside Austin. This two-day country and roots music festival runs from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM each day, offering fans a full schedule of live performances, food vendors, and immersive experiences in a scenic park setting. Known for blending legendary headliners with rising talent, Two Step Inn has quickly become a must-attend event for Texas music lovers. The 2026 lineup features iconic headliners Brooks & Dunn and Chris Stapleton, alongside standout performances from Tedeschi Trucks Band, Goo Goo Dolls, The Red Clay Strays, BigXthaPlug, and a special appearance by Randy Travis. With multiple stages and a weekend packed with performances, Two Step Inn delivers a high-energy celebration of music, drawing fans from across the region for an unforgettable festival experience. @twostepinn Two Step Inn

The Austin Reggae Festival returns April 17–19, 2026, at Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metropolitan Park, bringing three days of live music, food, and community to the heart of Austin. Festival gates open daily from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, giving attendees a full day to enjoy performances along the waterfront. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and scenic setting, the event continues to celebrate reggae culture while supporting local nonprofits. The 2026 lineup features an impressive roster of reggae and island-inspired artists, including Stephen Marley, Original Koffee, Iration, Steel Pulse, Collie Buddz, Tribal Seeds, Fortunate Youth, HIRIE, Protoje, Jesse Royal, Mike Love, Eli-Mac, and Zion Marley. With continuous live music throughout each day, plus food vendors and artisan booths, the Austin Reggae Festival offers a vibrant weekend experience for fans of reggae and island-inspired sounds. @AustinReggae Austin Reggae Fest

Applications are now open for the 2026 Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival, inviting songwriters from across the region and beyond to be part of one of Central Texas’s premier music events. Set to take place October 16–18, 2026, in Downtown Dripping Springs, the festival showcases talented artists performing original music in an intimate, listening-room-style atmosphere across local venues. This highly anticipated weekend highlights the craft of songwriting while offering audiences a chance to connect directly with the stories behind the songs. Interested artists must submit their applications by May 1, 2026, for consideration. Selected performers will join a diverse lineup of emerging and established songwriters, contributing to a weekend filled with live performances, collaboration, and community. For full details and to apply, visit the official festival page here: destinationdrippingsprings.com/f/67 @DestinationDSTX

On Friday, April 10, 2026, at 12:00 PM, the Texas Best Conjunto Competition returns to the Harlingen Municipal Auditorium in Harlingen, Texas, celebrating its 10th anniversary as a cornerstone event for regional music culture. Known as Brownsville’s original Conjunto showdown, this competition brings together talented student musicians from schools across the state for an afternoon packed with energy, tradition, and rising stars. Participants will showcase their skills across accordion, bajo sexto, bass, drums, and vocals, competing for both group and individual bragging rights. As the longest-running event of its kind in the area, it’s widely recognized as the one others try to emulate—but this is the original. Attendees can expect an exciting preview of future headliners, as young performers take the stage and carry forward the vibrant legacy of Conjunto music.

Ray Benson’s 75th Birthday Bash was held on March 17, 2026 in Austin—and what a night it was. This was no ordinary celebration: after more than 20 years as the heart and soul of the SXSW event, this marked Benson’s final year as honoree, and the city showed up to send him off in true Austin style. Backed by Asleep at the Wheel and joined by an all-star lineup, the evening blended electrifying performances with heartfelt tributes. Highlights included sets from Los Lonely Boys, Stanley Jordan, Rick Trevino, Jimmy Vaughan, and Ketch Secor, with Josh Baca adding flair. The night kicked off with DJ Tropicana Joe and a pre-party featuring The Soul Supporters, while Mayor Kirk Watson presented a city proclamation and Chip Adams, Director of the Texas Music Office, delivered a letter of recognition from the State of Texas signed by Governor Greg Abbott. Beyond the music, the impact was profound. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, sponsors, and donors, the bash raised over $400,000 (and counting), shattering its $335,000 goal and supporting Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) in its mission to keep Austin’s music community healthy and thriving. This year’s total translates to more than $2.8 million in healthcare services through HAAM’s partnerships. A founding board member since 2005, Benson has helped raise over $2.5 million to date, equating to more than $17.5 million in services for working musicians. It was a fitting tribute to a legacy defined not just by music, but by decades of advocacy, community, and unwavering dedication to Austin’s creative spirit. @myhaam HAAM - Health Alliance for Austin Musicians

It's Music Friendly Monday! This week's featured Music Friendly Texas Community is Buda! Buda’s 145th Birthday Celebration kicks off Friday, April 10, 2026, with a lively evening of free live music across downtown, featuring local performers at venues like Meridian and Willie's Joint. The party continues Saturday, April 11 at the Buda Amphitheater, where festivities begin at 3:00 PM with the Old Settler’s Youth Talent Show (4:15–5:30 PM). Evening performances include West Texas Exiles from 6:00–7:30 PM, followed by a Local Legends Ceremony at 8:00 PM, and a headline set from Molly Tuttle from 8:30–10:00 PM. The celebration wraps up on Sunday, April 12 with a relaxed Blues Brunch featuring free live music throughout downtown Buda at popular spots like Garcia's Mexican Restaurant, Pinballz Kingdom, and Mudbugs A Cajun Joint. Additional venues including Taste on Main and Esther's Tex Mex will host local musicians throughout the day, offering brunch specials and a variety of musical styles. From high-energy performances to laid-back Sunday sounds, Buda’s birthday weekend promises something for everyone. @CityofBudaTX

The Sociable Cities Summit takes place April 12–14 in Nashville, convening leaders from across the globe to explore how cities can build stronger, more connected social economies. A featured session, “Does Your State Need a Music and Social Economy Office?”, will include Graham Weber of the Texas Music Office, alongside a distinguished panel of experts. Speakers include Jimmy Wheeler (Tennessee Entertainment Commission), Allison Harnden (City of Pittsburgh Office of Nighttime Economy), Jamie Kent, and Michael Rodrigues of Australia’s New South Wales government. The discussion will be moderated by James Keblas of Keblas BizDev. As the Summit’s closing session, the panel will focus on how live music drives social connection while highlighting the urgent need to sustain venues facing economic challenges. Panelists will examine how collaboration between governments, industry leaders, and advocacy groups can support independent venues, festivals, and nightlife ecosystems. Drawing from regions like Tennessee, Texas, and New South Wales, the conversation will explore policy innovation, state-local partnerships, and strategies to strengthen both daytime and nighttime economies, ensuring cultural spaces remain vibrant, accessible, and reflective of local identity. @sociablecity

The Cattle Country Music Festival in Gonzales, Texas, taking place April 10–12, 2026, is a three-day event that combines live country music with an outdoor camping experience. Held on a large 400-acre ranch called “The Boot,” the festival offers multiple stages, scenic Texas surroundings, and a laid-back atmosphere. In addition to concerts, attendees can enjoy activities like fishing, floating on the nearby Guadalupe River, and exploring a variety of food and vendor options, making it more than just a typical music festival. The 2026 lineup features well-known artists such as Koe Wetzel, Treaty Oak Revival, Randy Houser, and Robert Earl Keen, along with many other performers across the weekend. Still relatively new, the festival has quickly gained popularity as a standout country music gathering in Texas, thanks to its mix of big performances, camping options, and a strong sense of community among fans. Cattle Country Fest @CattleCFest

College Station has a couple of exciting music events lined up this April. On Thursday, April 16, the 2nd Annual Music Industry Summit will be held, presented by the Texas A&M College of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts, College Station Music Friendly, and Visit College Station. The summit will feature a series of panels with industry professionals, offering attendees valuable insight into various aspects of the music business. More details on panel topics and speakers are expected soon. Then on Saturday, April 18, Visit College Station will host a free live taping of the Texas Music Scene at Aggie Park. The event will showcase an all-Aggie lineup featuring Austin Meade, Julianna Rankin, Bleu Edmondson, and Garrett Talamantes—making it a can’t-miss night of live Texas music. @VisitCSTX

More than $24 million will be awarded today to members of Austin’s creative community through the City’s Cultural Funding Awards, marking the largest investment since the formation of the Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Department (ACME). This milestone also represents the first full funding cycle shaped by ACME’s Creative Reset initiative, a community-driven effort to make arts funding more equitable and accessible. Supported primarily through Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue, the awards reinforce the City’s long-standing commitment to sustaining its cultural identity and global reputation as a hub for artists, musicians, and creative innovators. In total, 731 creatives and organizations will receive funding across four major programs: Elevate, the Austin Live Music Fund, the Creative Space Assistance Program, and the Heritage Preservation Grant. Highlights include $12.86 million for public cultural programming through Elevate, $7 million distributed to nearly 400 live music recipients, and $3 million supporting heritage preservation projects across the city. Kirk Watson emphasized the importance of these investments in maintaining Austin’s cultural vibrancy, especially during high-profile moments like South by Southwest. With funds expected to begin distribution in April 2026 and new opportunities like the Nexus Grant now open through April 16, the City continues to invest in the people and places that define Austin’s creative future. @cityofaustinart City of Austin Cultural Arts Division @ATXMusicOffice ATX Music & Entertainment Division