Texas Music Office

Whiskey Kiss Festival makes its debut in San Antonio on Saturday, June 20, 2026, bringing together some of the biggest names in Texas country and Americana music alongside a celebration of American whiskey. The all-ages outdoor event takes place at the historic Sunken Garden Theater, located at 3875 N. St. Mary’s Street, and features a full afternoon and evening of live music, authentic storytelling, and Texas culture. Doors open at 2:00 p.m., with music beginning at 2:30 p.m. and continuing throughout the day.

The festival lineup includes acclaimed artists Paul Cauthen, Vincent Neil Emerson, Rattlesnake Milk, Kin Faux, Reckless Kelly, and Delaney Ramsdell. In addition to live performances, attendees can enjoy whiskey tastings featuring more than 100 whiskey expressions, craft cocktails, food vendors, and specialty experiences throughout the festival grounds. Whiskey Kiss promises an unforgettable summer celebration of music, whiskey, and Texas heritage in one of San Antonio’s most iconic outdoor venues.

Whiskey Kiss

Celebrate Juneteenth with an unforgettable evening of music, culture, and community at the Wells Fargo Presents Juneteenth Culture Fest at Miller Outdoor Theatre. Headlining the event is the legendary Maze with “The Music Is Forever,” joined by acclaimed R&B vocalist Chanté Moore for a dynamic showcase of classic soul, R&B, funk, and neo-soul. Together, these iconic performers will honor the spirit of freedom, resilience, and joy that defines Juneteenth through an evening of exceptional live entertainment.

In addition to the concert, guests can experience a special pop-up art gallery presented by the Anderson Center for the Arts and the 5th Ward Cultural Arts District, curated by Allison Retina Stewart-Creeks and Keda Sharber. Admission is free, with covered seating tickets available online beginning at 10:00 a.m. on June 18 and additional tickets distributed at the box office one hour before showtime while supplies last. Hill seating is always free and does not require a ticket. Hosted by Miller Outdoor Theatre and The Anderson Center for the Arts Houston, the event takes place at 6000 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, Texas 77030. Bring a blanket, gather family and friends, and enjoy a memorable night of music, art, and celebration under the stars.

Miller Outdoor Theatre The Anderson Center for the Arts Houston

On Sunday, June 21, twenty-one cities and towns across Texas will join forces to celebrate Make Music Day, the world’s largest annual music event, with hundreds of free performances, workshops, jam sessions, and participatory music-making activities for all ages and skill levels. Communities taking part include Buda, Cedar Park, College Station, Denison, Dyersburg, El Paso, Friendswood, Frisco, Houston, Laredo, Mansfield, Menard, New Braunfels, Pasadena, Rockport-Fulton, San Antonio, San Marcos, South Padre Island, Sweetwater, Tyler, and Wimberley. Together, they are part of a nationwide network of more than 150 U.S. cities hosting thousands of events as part of a global celebration that invites everyone to experience the joy of making music.

Originally launched in France in 1982 as the Fête de la Musique, Make Music Day is now celebrated in thousands of cities around the world each year on the summer solstice. Unlike a traditional music festival, Make Music Day is free and open to everyone, encouraging people to perform, teach, learn, and connect through music in public spaces. On June 21, streets, parks, plazas, libraries, businesses, rooftops, and community gathering places across Texas will become stages where musicians of every age, background, genre, and experience level can share their talents with friends, neighbors, and visitors.

Highlights of Make Music Texas include citywide celebrations in Houston, San Antonio, and El Paso; live music showcases in College Station, Frisco, and New Braunfels; community performances and open mics in Denison, Menard, and Laredo; participatory drumming and orchestral experiences in Mansfield; and special events in Cedar Park, Friendswood, Rockport-Fulton, San Marcos, Tyler, and Wimberley. From East Texas to the Gulf Coast, the Rio Grande to the Hill Country, Make Music Day will showcase the creativity, diversity, and community spirit that make Texas one of the nation’s most vibrant musical destinations. For more information, please visit makemusicday.org.

Make Music Day

Texas Music Incubator Rebate Program funding helps cover essential costs for music venues and festivals, including artist fees, rent, staffing, and production expenses. These investments help sustain live music across Texas.

Learn more at https://gov.texas.gov/music/tmir

Texas Made Songs: Singer-Songwriter Night returns to Levitt Pavilion Arlington on Friday, June 19, for an evening celebrating outstanding Texas talent and original music. The festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. with a Vendor Market presented by Pretty Little Things Market NTX, featuring local artisans, makers, and unique shopping opportunities. At 7:10 p.m., audiences can enjoy the Levitt Youth Spotlight featuring Ellison Wren, presented by Texas Trust Credit Union, highlighting one of the area's promising young performers.

The music continues at 7:30 p.m. with country artist Tony Pierce, whose authentic songwriting and Texas roots sound make him a crowd favorite. Headlining the evening at 8:30 p.m. is the acclaimed Americana-folk duo Dawn & Hawkes, known for their rich harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, and captivating live performances. Texas Made Songs – Singer-Songwriter Night is presented with the support of the Texas Music Office and promises a memorable celebration of Texas artists, culture, and community. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy an unforgettable night of live music under the stars.

Levitt Pavilion Arlington

The XLVI Tejano Music Awards (46th Annual Tejano Music Awards) continue the long-running tradition of honoring excellence in Tejano music, recognizing outstanding artists, recordings, songwriters, and performers from across the industry. Presented by the Texas Talent Musicians Association, the awards celebrate achievements in categories ranging from Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year to Album, Song, and Best New Artist. The Tejano Music Awards have been a cornerstone of the genre since 1981 and remain one of the most prestigious recognitions in Tejano music.

Artists, record labels, and authorized representatives planning to participate in the 2026 awards cycle should note that the deadline to submit nominations is Sunday, June 21, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eligible recordings must have been released between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025, and all required nomination materials must be submitted by the deadline to qualify. Organizers emphasize that nominations are accepted only from authorized artist or label representatives and not from the general public.

Music Awards

The 2026 Summer in the City series in Lufkin, Texas, will take place at Cotton Square Park in downtown Lufkin, with free community events held on Saturday evenings from June 6 through August 1, 2026. Food and beverage vendors open at 7:00 p.m., and the featured entertainment begins at 8:00 p.m. The series includes live music, movies, interactive activities, and special community events designed for all ages. Highlights in June include the Latin Mix DJ Dance Party featuring DJ Rule FX on June 13 and a concert by Two Tons of Steel on June 20.

July’s schedule features a concert by Keyun & The Zydeco Masters on July 11, followed by Music Mingle on July 18 and a Silent Disco on July 25. The series concludes on August 1 with a performance by ZooDust. A special City of Lufkin July 4th Celebration will be held at Ellen Trout Zoo instead of Cotton Square Park. Organizers describe Summer in the City as a free, family-friendly tradition that brings residents and visitors together for eight weeks of entertainment in the heart of downtown Lufkin.


Downtown Lufkin

The 2026 Menard River Rat Fest with Jim Bowie Day Cook Off is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Low Water Crossing Park, located at 301 Decker Street in Menard. The family-friendly festival begins at 9:00 a.m. and combines live entertainment with community activities along the river. Attendees can enjoy food vendors, a barbecue cook-off, children's activities, shopping vendors, and outdoor festivities held beneath the park’s large pecan trees.

The festival’s featured musical performers are Texas country artists Pat Green and Cory Morrow, who are scheduled to headline the evening concert. Admission includes access to both the daytime festival events and the concert. Organizers describe the event as a full day of entertainment, food, and family activities, with attendees encouraged to bring lawn chairs and coolers for the outdoor celebration.

Menard County Chamber of Commerce

“Freddy Fender: The Legacy Lives On” will celebrate the life and music of Freddy Fender on June 13 in San Benito. Presented in partnership with the Freddy Fender Estate, the event will bring together fans, friends, and music lovers to honor the South Texas icon whose groundbreaking career helped introduce Tejano-influenced music to audiences around the world. Running from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the celebration will highlight Fender’s enduring legacy and his lasting impact on Texas music and culture.

The evening’s entertainment will feature performances by Los Texmaniacs and Rick Trevino, along with additional special guests. Set against the backdrop of the Freddy Fender Museum, the event will offer attendees an opportunity to experience live music while reflecting on the career and contributions of one of Texas’ most beloved artists.

San Benito Chamber of Commerce https://www.facebook.com/people/Freddy-Fender/61573905128908/

The Bay Jammin’ Concert Series returns to Corpus Christi from June 4 through August 13, offering residents and visitors a free summer music experience along the city’s scenic waterfront. Held weekly throughout the summer, the concert series showcases a variety of musical genres and performers, creating a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates the region’s rich music culture. The family-friendly events provide an opportunity for the community to gather outdoors, enjoy live entertainment, and experience the unique coastal charm of Corpus Christi.

Hosted at Cole Park Amphitheater, Bay Jammin’ has become a popular seasonal tradition that draws audiences of all ages. In addition to live performances from local and regional artists, attendees can enjoy the park’s waterfront setting, making it an ideal destination for summer evenings. The series supports Texas musicians while contributing to the local economy by attracting visitors and encouraging community engagement through the arts.