Stars of Texas Music Festival Announces 2026 Headliners: Aaron Watson, Brad Paisley & Travis Tritt

The 6th year of Stars of Texas kicks off the Fastest Ten Days in Texas with its biggest weekend yet.

ENNIS, Texas — The Texas Motorplex is proud to announce the 2026 headliners for the Stars of Texas Music Festival, returning October 9–11, 2026 for its 6th and biggest year yet. The three-day country music festival—set inside one of the most iconic motorsports venues in America—once again kicks off the Fastest Ten Days in Texas, known worldwide as the Stampede of Speed.

Coming off record-breaking crowds in the Motorplex’s 40th anniversary season, Stars of Texas is stepping into 2026 with three country legends leading the charge:

• Friday, October 9 — Aaron Watson
• Saturday, October 10 — Brad Paisley
• Sunday, October 11 — Travis Tritt

Together, they represent decades of chart-toppers, Texas roots, Nashville hits, and songs that define generations of country fans.

(Additional artists for each day will be announced in Spring 2026.)

Motors, Music & Magic

Stars of Texas was born in 2021 with a simple goal: create a weekend that brings new fans into the world of drag racing while celebrating everything that makes Texas special. In partnership with Night Lights Event, the festival added the breathtaking lantern release—transforming the Motorplex into one of the most visually stunning festival experiences in the state.

Today, Stars of Texas is a one-of-a-kind blend of live music, motorsports, food, family fun, and unforgettable moments under the Texas sky.

The Only Festival Where Your Ticket Costs Less Than Your Boots

From the beginning, Stars of Texas has been designed with fans in mind. Affordability and value are central to the experience — big-name artists, multi-day entertainment, and tickets at a price point families and groups can actually afford. In a world where many festivals have become out-of-reach, Stars of Texas continues to stand apart.

Across all three nights, guests get access to major country headliners, drag racing exhibitions, bull riding, BBQ sampling and beer experiences, kids zone activities, and two lantern releases — all at pricing tiers that make the weekend one of the best values in live entertainment.

Whether you join us for a single night or spend all three days at the festival, Stars of Texas remains an accessible, high-value weekend that delivers far more than the ticket price suggests.

There’s Plenty to Do All Weekend

Stars of Texas has evolved into one of the marquee weekends in the state—blending live music with full-facility entertainment:

• Drag racing all three days
• Bull riding (early afternoons on Saturday & Sunday)
• BBQ sampling & judging
• Beer expo featuring local breweries
• Food vendors & festival favorites
• Kids Zone activities
• And the iconic lantern releases on Saturday and Sunday

“The response from fans in 2025 was incredible,” said Christie Meyer Johnson, co-owner of the Texas Motorplex. “We saw the kind of crowds and energy that remind us why we do this. Stars of Texas has grown every single year, and 2026 is no exception. Bringing Aaron Watson, Brad Paisley, and Travis Tritt to our stage is a reflection of that growth — and the experience we want to deliver for our fans.”

The Stars of Texas Music Festival was created as a celebration of Texas culture, country music, motorsports, and community. What began as a small concert night has evolved into a full-weekend anchor of the Stampede of Speed.

“We take a lot of pride in creating a weekend that feels like Texas,” said Mike Woodard, Creative Director of the Texas Motorplex. “This isn’t just a concert. It’s racing, bull riding, music, food, fireworks, lanterns—and thousands of people making memories under the same sky. Every year gets bigger, and 2026 is going to raise the bar again.”

Tickets Go On Sale Friday, November 28th

Early Access opens Wednesday, November 26 for everyone on the waitlist, giving fans the first opportunity to secure tickets at the lowest prices of the season.

Public on-sale begins Black Friday, November 28, with all ticket types available while quantities last.

Stars of Texas uses a tiered pricing model, which means each tier has limited quantities and prices increase as tiers sell out. Fans who want the best deal — and guaranteed access to this milestone 6th year — are encouraged to purchase early.

Additional artists, food vendors, daily schedules, and festival updates will be released throughout Spring 2026.

About Stars of Texas

The Stars of Texas Music Festival is a three-day celebration of Texas culture, country music, motorsports, rodeo action, food, fireworks, and the magical lantern release. Now entering its 6th year, the festival opens the Fastest Ten Days in Texas, part of the annual Stampede of Speed leading into the NHRA Texas Fall Nationals.

Stampede of Speed Schedule

• Stampede of Speed: October 9–17
• Stars of Texas: October 9–11
• NHRA Texas Fall Nationals: October 14–17

Tickets and full festival details at starsoftexas.com