The Fort Worth Stock Show Syndicate today is thrilled to announce the full music lineup for the 2026 Syndicate Smokedown & Music Festival, Cowtown’s premier large-scale nonprofit music festival and BBQ competition, returning for its milestone 5th anniversary on Saturday, April 18th 2026, at the iconic Fort Worth Stockyards.
The not-for-profit BBQ competition and live-music festival has grown into one of North Texas’ most anticipated spring events, blending nationally recognized artists, award-winning pitmasters, and a mission-driven commitment to supporting Texas youth in agriculture.
For our 5th anniversary, we wanted a lineup that felt both elevated and unmistakably Texas. From Whiskey Myers and Randy Rogers Band to Amanda Shires and our all-Texas lineup during BBQ Time, this is the biggest music lineup year we’ve ever produced – one that should make the perfect soundtrack for a memorable day in the Stockyards – Andy Eldridge, Smokedown Festival Director
The 2026 Music Lineup: A 5th Anniversary Celebration
Anchored by some of the most exciting names in modern country, Red Dirt, and Americana music, with a special spotlight on native Texas talent, this year’s music lineup brings a dynamic mix of artists to the Stockyards for a full day of performances. With multiple GRAMMY winners, chart-topping acts, and breakout Texas artists, the 5th anniversary showcases the festival’s biggest musical offering to date.
The full lineup is below in billing order with set times and additional programming to be released early next year:
WHISKEY MYERS (Palestine, TX): Fresh off a year of major festival headlining slots and a new album (Whomp Whack Thunder) that debuted to critical acclaim this September, the Southern rock powerhouse returns to North Texas with a high-octane live show known for blistering guitar riffs and crowd-roaring sing-alongs. Their 2025 tour sold out venues nationwide, making their Smokedown headlining set all the more special, as it is one of only two concerts currently announced for next year.
RANDY ROGERS BAND (San Marcos, TX): A true cornerstone of Texas country music, Randy Rogers Band recently celebrated two decades of Red Dirt dominance and a successful 2025 headlining touring run that was capped with the October release of the band’s newest EP, The Going. With multiple Top 10 Billboard country albums and a fanbase spanning generations, the band brings a signature blend of authentic storytelling and Texas dancehall spirit to the Smokedown’s main stage.
AMANDA SHIRES (Nashville, TN): Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter and acclaimed fiddler Amanda Shires arrives in Fort Worth following a nationally praised album (Nobody’s Girl) released this September. Her deeply emotional songwriting and genre-bending style add a powerhouse voice to the 2026 lineup.
JASON SCOTT AND THE HIGH HEAT (Oklahoma City, OK): One of today’s fastest-rising, new-age country outfits, these multi-faceted musicians blend rock, folk, and country influences in a sound that’s earned recent NPR praise and a rapidly growing touring footprint, having just released their sophomore album (American Gin) to high praise from critics and fans alike.
ELLIS BULLARD (Austin, TX): A honky-tonk revivalist known for his reputation for rowdy live shows and classic Texas swagger.
THE BROKEN SPOKES (Houston, TX): Houston’s beloved traditional country band known for steel-guitar twang and timeless two-stepping energy.
WELDON HENSON (Austin, TX): A dancehall favorite whose high-energy sets have made him a staple of Texas’ traditional country scene.
If you are looking for a place to stay for Syndicate Smokedown 2026 then check out our interactive accommodation map below. Just add in the dates you want to stay and the venue and you will be able to see what’s available nearby!
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