All schedules and set times are subject to change. Please arrive early to make sure you don’t miss all the fun!
October 3rd - Horsepower Happy Hour
Drink Specials, Racing, & Live Music
Enjoy food & drink specials all night long while Pat Green, William Clark Green, and Colby Lee Swift take the stage. Plus drag racing match races to fire up opening night.
Festival Map
Cattle Drive
The Stampede of Speed kicks off the only way Texans know how—with a cattle drive down the Motorplex grounds. The legendary Fort Worth Herd brings the spirit of the Stockyards to Ennis, leading longhorns through the festival in a nod to Lone Star tradition. Don’t miss this high-noon spectacle that signals the start of The Fastest Ten Days in Texas
🎟️ Free to Attend
🕛 NOON on Friday, October 3rd
Railyard Park in Downtown Waxahachie
455 S College St
Waxahachie, TX 75165
Schedule for Friday, October 3rd
Time | Activity | Location |
Noon | Cattle Drive | Railyard Park in Downtown Waxahachie |
3:00 PM | Gates Open | Main Gates, VIP Gates, & Campground Gates |
3:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Backyard Games & Kid’s Zone | The Backyard |
4:00 PM | Media Day Kicking of the Stampede of Speed | Starting Line |
5:30 PM | Line Dancing Classes | Welcome Center |
6:00 PM | 🎸 Colby Lee Swift | Main Stage |
7:00 PM | Line Dancing Classes | Welcome Center |
7:00 PM | Drag Racing: Street Cars & Juniors | Grandstands |
7:30 PM | 🎸 William Clark Green | Main Stage |
9:00 PM - 10:30 | 🎸 Pat Green | Main Stage |
Activity Details:
Backyard Games
The Backyard is your go-to spot for nonstop family fun all weekend long! From cornhole and steer roping to bounce houses, a mechanical bull, and a rock wall, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
🎟️ Included with Admission
📍 Located at The Backyard near Main Stage
Line Dancing Classes
Kick up your boots and learn to line dance with the Little Wranglers all weekend long! Perfect for all ages and beginners, this fun, easygoing activity is a great way to join the festivities.
🎟️ Included with Admission
📍 Located at The Welcome Center
🕛 5:30 PM & 7:00 PM
Racing
Get ready for multiple rounds of heart-pounding drag racing each day during the Texas Invitational! From street cars on Friday to roaring Nitro and Jet cars on Saturday and Sunday, the action is nonstop.
🎟️ Included with Admission
📍 Located at The Grandstands
🕛 Drag racing at 7:05 PM
Pro tip: Bring earplugs or hearing protection. Nitro and jet cars may be loud and scary for kids.
Friday Night Drink Specials
Available Friday Only – Don’t miss these limited-time drink specials!
- $13 specialty cocktails include the El Bandido Margarita, Jack Daniel’s Blackberry Smash, and Neft Vodka Electric Lemonade
- $6 beers & seltzers like Lone River Ranch Water, Monster Beast (Mean Green + Nasty Tea), Twisted Tea, and more
Weekend Food Deals
- The 4 for $40 meal deal is available all weekend long
- Choose from hamburgers, cheeseburgers, or hot dogs — each meal includes chips and a bottled drink
- Celebrate the Motorplex’s 40th Anniversary by grabbing a Burnout Bun for $8
- Available at Trackside Station #1 and #3 for easy grab-and-go access
Vendors & Sponsors
Take a stroll through our sponsor activation booths and experience the fun! Check out interactive setups from Zyn, Neft Vodka, and Jack Daniel’s throughout the weekend. While you’re exploring, don’t forget to grab some exclusive merch from your favorite artists, plus official Stars of Texas and Night Lights gear!
Shops at The Stampede
Find that perfect souvenir to remember your unforgettable weekend.
📍 Located near The Welcome Center & The Backyard
Frequently Asked Questions
Which days have lantern releases?
Lantern launches happen Saturday and Sunday only. Saturday’s release will take place during Chris Young’s headlining set, while Sunday’s launch will happen after dark—listen for instructions from the stage.
What happens to the lanterns?
Every lantern is cleaned up—every single one. Our Lantern Chaser crew, in partnership with Night Lights Event, works through the night to make sure the skies glow but the grounds stay spotless.
Is there a cost for the lanterns?
Each ticket includes one lantern. Additional lanterns can be purchased for $10.
Do I have to pay extra for parking?
No extra surprises—all parking and fees are included in the ticket price. Buy online now at Last Call pricing and save compared to gate pricing.
What time do the gates close?
The gates remain open until the event ends, but we recommend arriving by 6:00 PM. You’ll still be able to get in later, though you may miss a lot of the action.
Do I have to pay extra for parking?
No—parking is included with every ticket. If you have a Super VIP ticket, VIP Parking is also included.
Can I camp at the festival?
Yes—camp out in the Back 40 for the full Texas experience. For just $40, you can stay on-site all weekend and be steps away from music, lanterns, bull riding, and racing.
Do camping passes include entry to the event?
No—camping passes only cover your campsite. You’ll still need to purchase an event ticket separately.
Can I bring a lawn chair?
Yes, absolutely. We highly recommend bringing one, and if you don’t, chairs will also be available for purchase at the Lantern Tents.
Can I bring an umbrella or pop-up tent?
Umbrellas and shade structures are welcome during the day, but we ask that you take them down as the sun sets and the concerts begin. For safety, we may also ask you to lower them if winds pick up
What is the re-entry policy?
Re-entry is allowed with a valid wristband and ticket scan.
Posting & Tagging
