Texas Music Office

FiestaJAM 2026 returns November 6–8 for a three-day celebration of Texas music, songwriting, and storytelling at Round Mountain Cider Mill, 222 Lee Lane, Round Mountain, Texas, in the Texas Hill Country. Presented by the City of Marble Falls, the festival brings together established performers, emerging artists, and music fans for live concerts, songwriter showcases, educational seminars, and the Kent Finlay Texas Song Search Finals, honoring the legacy of the late founder of Cheatham Street Warehouse. Attendees can also enjoy food, drinks, a silent auction, and opportunities to connect with songwriters and musicians throughout the weekend. The 2026 lineup features country headliners Diamond Rio, performing Friday, November 6, and Gary P. Nunn & The Sons of the Bunkhouse Band, performing Saturday, November 7, alongside The Outlaw Firm with special guest Bob Livingston. Sunday’s performances include Rubén Ramos & the Mexican Revolution, Anthony Garcia, Josh Baca, and John Arthur Martinez. Other featured artists include Buddy Jewell, David Lee, Wake Eastman, Scott Boland, Amber Westerman, and Krissy Taylor. With its mix of Texas country, Tejano, Americana, and original songwriting, FiestaJAM celebrates the musical heritage of the Hill Country while providing a platform for emerging songwriters. @MarbleFallsGov

Have a Happy, Safe, and Spooky Halloween from The Texas Music Office! The Texas Music Office’s Music Education & Community Program Grant, widely known as the License Plate Grant, supports music education and community-based music initiatives across Texas. Applications open October 5, 2026, and close December 7, 2026, offering Texas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations an opportunity to secure funding for eligible music-related projects. Grant awards range from $1,500 to $3,000 for approved projects with a duration of up to 12 months, helping nonprofits expand access to music education, strengthen community programs, and create meaningful musical experiences for Texans. What makes this program especially unique is its funding source: proceeds from the sale of Texas Music specialty license plates go directly toward supporting the grant program. By purchasing these specialty plates, Texans help invest in music education and community initiatives throughout the state. Eligible nonprofits are encouraged to review the program requirements and prepare their applications ahead of the December 7 deadline. For application details, eligibility guidelines, and additional information, visit the Texas Music Office through the official Texas Music Office website: gov.texas.gov/music

The Music Moves Mountains Foundation (MMMF) will host its annual benefit concert on Sunday, November 1, at Central Machine Works in Austin, featuring a special tribute to legendary The Who drummer Keith Moon in celebration of what would have been his 80th birthday. The event holds special significance for the foundation’s founder and her son, Hudson, who discovered Moon and The Who at age five and found a powerful personal connection through music. Now 20, Hudson will perform alongside acclaimed drummers Gregg Bissonette, Stephen Perkins, and Michael Jerome, backed by a lineup of Austin music legends celebrating The Who’s music and Moon’s enduring legacy. Moon’s daughter, Mandy, will attend as a special guest, while his grandson, Jack, created the event poster artwork. The tribute is supported by The Who and the Keith Moon estate, alongside sponsors including Zildjian, Vic Firth, KUTX 98.9, and the Austin Chronicle. In keeping with MMMF’s mission to make music more accessible, the all-ages, family-friendly event will be free, with opportunities for donations, limited VIP reserved seating, sponsorships, and fundraising through a silent auction and raffle. Hosted on the outdoor stage at Central Machine Works, located at 4824 E. Cesar Chavez Street, the event will offer food, drinks, accessible parking, and designated seating, with doors opening at noon and the concert beginning at 4 p.m. Proceeds will support the Music Moves Mountains Foundation’s work to expand access to music therapy, music education, and community outreach. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, MMMF uses the transformative power of music to improve quality of life and support musicians, individuals in need, and vulnerable communities. @MusicMovesMtns

The BMI Acoustic Lounge returns to Saxon Pub in Austin on Wednesday, November 4, from 6:00–7:30 PM, offering a warm, songwriter-focused evening in the heart of South Lamar. The event is free and open to the public, spotlighting BMI’s emerging talent in an intimate, listening-room setting. This month’s lineup features a diverse group of songwriters, including Pug Johnson, Eric Hisaw, Anna La Mare, Matthew Payne, Lucas Jagneaux, and Pierson Keating, each bringing their own style and story to the stage. The series itself, rebranded from the Saxon Songwriters Series in 2024, is part of BMI’s ongoing commitment to giving Austin’s songwriting community a platform to share new music and connect more deeply with fans. @bmi Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) @saxonpub

The 2026 Original Terlingua International Championship Chili Cookoff will take place November 4–7 in Terlingua, Texas, bringing together chili enthusiasts, competitive cooks, music fans, and visitors for one of the state’s most iconic culinary traditions. Founded in 1967 by Frank X. Tolbert and Wick Fowler, the event celebrates authentic Texas chili culture with championship cooking, chili tastings, food competitions, vendors, camping, and a lively desert gathering. Hosted at 22970 FM 170, Terlingua, the four-day festival offers a blend of West Texas character, community, food, and live entertainment. Live music will be a major highlight, with performances scheduled across all four days. The lineup includes Kathryn Legendre, Billy King and the Bad, Bad, Bad, Alejandro Escovedo, Sentimental Family Band, Gary P. Nunn, Los Pinche Gringos, Keegan McInroe & Band, Mark David Manders, Victor Treviño Jr., The Tabasco Birds, Thomas Michael Riley, and The Droptines. From Texas country and Americana to rock and roots music, the performances will provide a soundtrack to the cookoff’s distinctive desert atmosphere. The event’s combination of competitive chili cooking, live music, and the rugged beauty of the Big Bend region makes it a signature annual gathering for locals and visitors alike. @terlingua_chili

Chip Adams, Director of the Texas Music Office, participated in the Alberta Music Cities Convention 2026, held September 29–October 1 at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Representing Texas, Adams shared insights on the role of music offices in strengthening local music ecosystems, supporting creative communities, and advancing music-driven economic development. On September 30, he delivered a presentation entitled “Embedding Music In Local Strategy,” exploring how music can be integrated into broader local planning and development strategies. His presentation was part of a programme presented by the International Music Council focused on practical approaches to building stronger, more sustainable music communities. Adams also joined the panel “From Care to Careers: Scaling Impact Through Music Offices,” presented by the Association of Music Offices (AMO) on October 1. Moderated by Reid Wick, Director of Regional Advocacy & Member Engagement at the Recording Academy, the panel featured Elizabeth Cawein, Founder and Executive Director of Music Export Memphis; Kristina Kirkenaer-Hart, Director of Cultural Tourism at the Dallas Music Office and AMO co-founder; and Adams, representing the Texas Music Office. The discussion examined successful programmes, policies, and practices that music offices are using to support artists, develop sustainable music careers, and strengthen local music economies. The session also highlighted the value of collaboration and shared best practices among music offices working to ensure music remains an integral part of community development. The Alberta Music Cities Convention is organized by Sound Diplomacy, bringing together international music industry leaders, policymakers, and city representatives in Calgary to explore how music can drive economic development, cultural growth, and stronger local communities. Shain Shapiro, the founder of Sound Diplomacy, will be speaking at The Texas Sounds and Cities Conference in Dallas on November 6th. @SoundDiplomacy

The Texas music community came together at historic Luckenbach Dance Hall on Saturday, October 17, 2026, to celebrate a major milestone as Fredericksburg was recognized as the 100th Music Friendly Texas Certified Community. Hosted by the Texas Music Office and Visit Fredericksburg, the celebration honored the musicians, venues, businesses, and community leaders who help keep Texas music thriving. The designation recognizes Fredericksburg’s commitment to strengthening its local music economy, supporting music-related businesses, and creating opportunities for musicians throughout the Hill Country. The evening brought together music lovers and industry supporters to celebrate the power of music to unite communities and preserve the unique cultural heritage of Texas. The festivities captured the unmistakable spirit of Luckenbach, featuring two-step dance lessons with Hill Country Two Step, followed by live performances from Kathryn Legendre and Theo Lawrence. It was a memorable evening celebrating the people and partnerships that make Texas music so special. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Lisa Olivera and her staff at Visit Fredericksburg; Kit, Linda, Jamie, and the staff at Luckenbach; Kathryn and Theo; Hill Country Two Step; and everyone who came out and shared this monumental occasion. Your support and enthusiasm helped make this milestone celebration truly unforgettable as we continue to celebrate and strengthen the Texas music community! @VisitFredTexas @LuckenbachTexas @legendre @TheoLawrence @HCTwoStep

Join the Dallas Music Office and the Texas Music Office for the 8th Annual Texas Sounds and Cities Conference, happening November 5-6, 2026, in Dallas! The conference brings together Music Friendly Texas Certified Communities for two days of conversation, collaboration, and connection. Through breakout sessions and panel discussions, attendees will explore strategies for growing Texas’ music ecosystem, strengthening partnerships among certified communities, boosting music tourism, and supporting local economic development. The first day of Texas Sounds & Cities on Thursday, November 5, will bring together music industry leaders, artists, and city representatives at the Fairmont for an afternoon of connection and collaboration. Following registration, the event will open with welcome speeches and a performance featuring remarks from the Texas Music Office and J. Damany Daniel. The programme will continue with the panel “Building a Collaborative Ecosystem,” moderated by Daniel and featuring Chip Adams, Tami Thomsen, Edwin Cabaniss, and artist Dezi5, exploring how cities can develop collaborative music ecosystems. After a welcome reception at the Fairmont, attendees will head to Manhattan Beer Project for an evening of live music and networking featuring Dallas Sounds Amplified artists Courtney Hart, Katherine Patterson, Rylin Rivas, and Tom Sless. Friday, November 6, will focus on music office development, regional partnerships, and sustainable music infrastructure at the Longhorn Ballroom. The day will feature an Association of Music Offices roundtable moderated by Kristina Kirkenaer-Hart, bringing together representatives from Dallas, Tulsa, New Orleans, and Huntsville to discuss organizational models, funding, partnerships, and measuring impact. Further sessions will explore the role of North Texas radio stations in supporting local artists and strengthening the regional music ecosystem, alongside the Texas Music Office’s announcements and presentation of the Stacy Keith Award. Attendees will also learn about StageCare’s healthcare services for creative professionals and take part in a roundtable on sustainable music infrastructure, followed by a presentation from the American Association of Independent Music featuring Emmaline McCourt. The afternoon’s keynote will be delivered by Shain Shapiro, internationally recognized for his work at the intersection of music, culture, and urban policy and author of This Must Be the Place: How Music Can Make Your City Better. The day will conclude with opportunities for networking and an evening concert featuring Paula Cole at the Kessler Theater. Register at: us.eventsforce.net/rsnk7z/40… @visit_dallas @Longhorn_Dallas

KING Sings for a Dream is calling all singer-songwriters ages 18 and older—including bands—to share their original music in an exciting competition supporting a meaningful cause. Participants are invited to submit a 1–4-minute video featuring their original work for a chance to win an incredible grand prize package: $2,000 in cash, an eight-hour recording session at King Electric Recording, a $250 Strait Music gift card, and a live performance at Antone’s Nightclub during the Holiday Hope Concert on December 4. Winners will have the opportunity to perform alongside other Austin musicians and young people connected with Kids in a New Groove. The competition benefits KING Mentoring, which provides free music lessons to Central Texas youth connected with foster care, helping young people discover their creativity and build confidence through music. The submission deadline is October 31, but aspiring artists are encouraged to enter early! Submissions received by October 20 will get a head start in the voting round and receive 20 free votes. Whether you're a solo artist or part of a band, this is a fantastic opportunity to share your talent, gain exposure, and make a difference through music. Learn more and submit your entry at kingsings.partnershipsforchi… @KidsGroove

The 48th Annual Granbury Harvest Moon Festival of the Arts returns October 24–25, 2026, bringing a weekend of art, music, shopping, and fall fun to the beautiful Historic Granbury Square in Granbury, Texas. Featuring more than 100 juried artists and artisans, the festival offers a diverse collection of original paintings, photography, sculptures, jewelry, ceramics, and unique handcrafted creations. Festival hours are Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests can also enjoy delicious food, browse local vendors, and explore the Harvest Market at the Dora Lee Langdon Cultural and Educational Center. Best of all, admission is free! Live music will keep the energy going throughout the weekend, with Luke Wade and YOUNGTONES headlining the Harvest Moon Masquerade Street Dance on Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. Music fans can also catch the Jarrett Isaacs Band at the Silver Saddle Saloon on Saturday evening from 8 to 11 p.m. Whether you're shopping for one-of-a-kind art, enjoying great food, dancing to live music, or simply soaking up the festive fall atmosphere, Granbury offers something for everyone. Gather your friends and family and make plans for a memorable weekend in this charming Texas town. See you in Granbury this weekend! @VisitGranbury

The Navasota Blues Festival takes over historic downtown Navasota, Texas, on Saturday, October 24, 2026, for a free, family-friendly celebration of blues music and community. The day’s festivities begin at 10 a.m. with a classic car show, children’s activities, food vendors, local shopping, and an opportunity to watch the Aggie football game on a big screen. The main festival takes place on the City Hall lawn at 200 E. McAlpine Street, Navasota, TX 77868, with live music scheduled from 4 to 9 p.m. Set against the charm of this historic Texas town, the festival promises a lively day of entertainment for music lovers and families alike. The musical lineup features an exciting mix of talent, including BCS Jazz Band, Scott Taylor, The Bad 455’s, and Hadden Sayers, bringing an array of sounds and styles to the downtown celebration. Visitors can also explore the Blues and Goods Market at 221 Railroad Street, featuring local artisans, vendors, and additional entertainment. With free admission, great live music, and activities for all ages, the Navasota Blues Festival is a perfect opportunity to experience the spirit of Texas blues and enjoy a memorable fall Saturday in the heart of Navasota. @CityofNavasota

Muertos Fest at Hemisfair returns to downtown San Antonio, Texas, October 24–25, 2026, for a vibrant, free celebration of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Held at Hemisfair, 630 Nueva Street, the festival honors loved ones who have passed away through colorful community altars, cultural traditions, art, live music, dance, poetry, and delicious food. Saturday’s festivities run from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., while Sunday’s schedule runs from noon to 9 p.m. Visitors can explore more than 80 altars, shop the Muertos Mercado featuring local artists and artisans, enjoy family-friendly workshops, and experience two colorful processions. The Saturday procession begins at 7 p.m., followed by Sunday’s procession at 3 p.m. The weekend’s musical lineup features an exciting mix of Texas, Tejano, Latin, and alternative sounds. Saturday’s performers include Grupo Metal featuring Chris Pérez, Girl in a Coma, Vanita Leo, Los Skarnales, and Santiago Jiménez Jr. Sunday’s scheduled acts include El Dusty & The Homies, Max Baca y Los Texmaniacs, Mariachi Las Alteñas, Campanas de América, Luna Tropical, and Volcán, along with a tribute to Augie Meyers. Please note that Michael Salgado, originally announced for Sunday, has postponed his upcoming performances while recovering from a stroke. We all wish Michael a speedy recovery. Check the official festival website for lineup updates. With five music stages, traditional dance performances, vibrant artwork, and meaningful tributes to loved ones, Muertos Fest offers a memorable weekend celebrating San Antonio’s rich cultural heritage. @muertosfest

San Antonio’s Department of Arts & Culture has added 12 original songs by local musicians to its Local Music Spotlight program, showcasing a diverse mix of indie rock, Tejano, hip-hop, folk and more. The newest selections include 34K’s “Childish,” Dave and the Barrio Blasters’ “Funky Streets of San Antone,” Noah Peterson’s “Countdown City” and Remy Bones’ “Rise Up Rivercity.” The city initiative commissions original music from San Antonio artists, with selected musicians receiving a $250 honorarium and promotional opportunities through city platforms and a Spotify playlist. The program offers residents an easy way to discover homegrown talent beyond established regional stars and touring acts. A panel of music-industry professionals selects up to 24 songs annually, with some featured before City Council meetings. The 2026 lineup includes 24 selections representing a broad range of performers and genres, reflecting San Antonio’s musical identity beyond its deep Tejano roots. Residents can find the Local Music Spotlight playlist on Spotify or explore current and past selections through the city’s Department of Arts & Culture website. Listeners can support featured musicians by streaming their songs, following their work, sharing their music, attending live performances or purchasing merchandise. The program is also open to San Antonio-based musicians and songwriters age 18 and older who create original music and have the legal authority to license their work. Applications for the 2026 selection period closed in July, and the city has not announced the next application window. Artists interested in future opportunities can join the San Antonio Artist Registry and monitor city announcements. For now, residents can press play and discover their next favorite local artist. @getcreativesa

The Kerrville Folk Festival presents Quiet Valley Homecoming, October 23–25, 2026, at Quiet Valley Ranch, located at 3876 Medina Highway in Kerrville, Texas. This relaxed fall campout invites longtime festival fans, songwriters, and friends to return to the Hill Country for a weekend of community, connection, and the welcoming spirit that makes Kerrville special. Rather than a traditional music festival with a scheduled lineup, Homecoming encourages attendees to gather around campfires, share stories, join song circles, and enjoy informal, community-led activities. While no formal performing artist lineup has been announced, attendees are encouraged to create their own musical experiences through campground song circles, hoot nights, storytelling sessions, art demonstrations, and shared meals. The weekend will also feature the Quiet Valley Ranch Chili Cookoff, with separate meat and vegetarian chili categories, adding a flavorful touch to the festivities. Weekend passes are $35 when purchased online or $40 at the gate, covering admission through noon on Monday, October 26. Quiet Valley Homecoming offers a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with the Kerrville Folk Festival family, celebrate the joy of songwriting, and enjoy an authentic Texas Hill Country gathering. @KerrFolkFest

The 2027 Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival artist submissions announcement should highlight the opportunity for songwriters to share their original music, connect with fellow artists, and perform in the Coastal Bend’s vibrant music community. The festival celebrates the creativity, storytelling, and diverse musical voices that make songwriting such a powerful art form, welcoming artists who are ready to showcase their talent and bring their songs to a wider audience. Artist submissions are open October 11–24, 2026, with entries due by 11:59 p.m. CST on October 24. Songwriters must submit one original song and one live performance video, along with contact information and active music or social media links. A $25 submission fee applies, and selection is not guaranteed. The 2027 festival takes place February 12–14 in downtown Corpus Christi, featuring song swaps, showcases, workshops, and awards. Artists can review the requirements and apply through the [official 2027 festival submission page](<ccsongwriters.com/post/call-…>). @cc_songwriters

The Texas Music Office has opened applications for Spring 2027 internships (January - May 2027). Applications must be submitted by November 15. Information and applications can be found at gov.texas.gov/music/page/int…

TONIGHT IN LUCKENBACH!!!! Come out for a FREE - ALL AGES CELEBRATION as Fredericksburg is certified as the 100th Music Friendly Texas Community!!! There will be free two step lessons, and performances from Kathryn Legendre and Theo Lawrence. Put your boots on and get back to the basics of FUN with us at the Historic Luckenbach Dancehall. Festivities start at 6pm! See y'all tonight! @LuckenbachTexas @VisitFredTexas @TheoLawrence @legendre

It’s been a month since Texas took over Nashville, and we’re still basking in the afterglow! The Texas Takeover brought a new chapter of Texas’ musical presence to AMERICANAFEST on September 19, with an afternoon of live music at Nashville’s Skinny Dennis. Presented by Travel Texas and the Texas Music Office, the official Texas AMERICANAFEST showcase built on the longtime legacy of The Longhorn Shindig, previously presented by Kessler Presents, while introducing a new vision under the Texas Music Office’s curation and production. The free, public event welcomed fans and industry guests for a celebration of the artists, sounds, and creative spirit that continue to define Texas’ place in the Americana landscape. The showcase featured a diverse lineup spanning Texas and beyond, including Next of Kin, Jess Williamson, Jaimee Harris, Judy Blank, Lemongrass, Kathryn Legendre, Matthew McNeal, Marcel, and Our Man In The Field, alongside special performances from Gracen Wynn, Remy Reilly, and Courtney Santana, plus surprise guest Theo Lawrence. Presented in partnership with Prekindle, Visit Fort Worth, Visit Dallas, and The Longhorn Ballroom, The Texas Takeover provided a lively gathering point during AMERICANAFEST while spotlighting the breadth of talent emerging from and connected to the Lone Star State. Huge thanks to all the artists, sponsors, @zachschmidtmusic for stage managing, and everyone at @skinnydennis_nash : AMAZING STAFF, SOUND, AND ATMOSPHERE! We can't wait to show off more Texas talent in 2027! You can catch Theo Lawrence and Kathryn Legendre in Luckenbach, TOMORROW (Saturday October 17th) at the 100th Music Friendly Texas Community Celebration! Photos: @savannahlaurenphoto

The 14th Annual Eastside Kings Festival returns to Historic East Austin on October 17–18, 2026, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of African American blues, jazz, and gospel music. The festival takes place around East 12th Street and Chicon Street, with multiple venues showcasing live music throughout the weekend. More than 12 bands are scheduled each day, making it a major gathering for blues and roots-music fans. The 2026 festival features performances spread among several East Austin venues, along with local vendors and a classic car show. The festival’s lineup includes a wide range of Austin and regional blues, jazz, and gospel performers; however, the official 2026 schedule is published as images rather than searchable text, so I don’t want to risk giving you an inaccurate list of artist names. The festival’s mission is to preserve and promote the musical traditions and legacy of East Austin’s African American community. @eastsidekingsfest