All schedules and set times are subject to change. Please arrive early to make sure you don’t miss all the fun!
October 5th - Sunday Spectacular
Racing, Bull Riding, BBQ, Live Music, & Lanterns
Clint Black, Mark Chesnutt, Mark Wills, and Gary P. Nunn. Add in bull riding, BBQ, and match races for one more dose of adrenaline. Then gather as lanterns light up the night sky—an unforgettable finale under the stars.
Festival Map
Schedule for Sunday, October 5th
*Update: Arrive no later than 5:00 pm so you don’t miss the lanterns. Lantern release will still be after dark, but could be as early as 8:00 pm.
Time | Activity | Location |
NOON | Gates Open | Main Gates, VIP Gates, & Campground Gates |
NOON - 9:30 PM | Backyard Games & Kid’s Zone | The Backyard |
NOON - 4:30PM | Drag Racing: TDRA Fuel Altereds | Grandstands |
NOON - 3:30 PM | Corn Hole Tournament | The Backyard |
3:30 PM | Open Corn Hole Tournament | The Backyard |
NOON - 4:30 PM | Racing | Grandstands |
1:00 PM | BBQ Cookoff Judging: Chicken | Champion’s Club |
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Beer Expo | Beer Trail
(Near Food Court) |
1:00 - 3:30 PM | Pro Bull Riding | The Bull Riding Arena |
2:00 PM | BBQ Cookoff Judging: Ribs | Champion’s Club |
3:00 PM | BBQ Cookoff Judging: Brisket | Champion’s Club |
4:00 PM | 🎸 Gary P. Nunn | Main Stage |
5:05 PM - 5:20 PM | Intermission, Bull Riding Awards, BBQ Awards | Main Stage |
5:30 PM | 🎸 Mark Wills | Main Stage |
6:35 PM - 6:50 PM | Drag Racing: Nitro Cars & Juniors & Hot Rod Diesels (Texas Invitational) | Grandstands with broadcast to the Main Stage |
7:00 PM | 🎸 Mark Chesnutt | Main Stage |
AFTER DARK | Lantern release time TBD: Listen for instructions from the stage | Festival Area |
8:30 - 10:00 | 🎸 Clint Black | Main Stage |
Activity Details:
Beer Expo (Saturday & Sunday Only)
Sip your way through the Texas Beer Trail, a 21+ experience featuring some of the best local brews in the Lone Star State. Each ticket includes a passport good for 8 pours from 12 different vendors—your chance to taste your way across Texas in one stop.
- Ages 21+ only (ID required)
- Each pour is 3 oz
- Pick up your passport at the Beer Trail entrance
- Additional passports available for $10
Featured Breweries:
- 3 Nations
- Alstadt
- Big Country
- Blakes Beverage Company
- Boston Beer
- Community Beer
- Fort Brewery
- Firestone Walker
- Lakewood
- Rahr
- Saint Arnold
- Shiner
- Texas Ale Project
- Union Bear
Lantern Pickup & Release
Lantern release included with your Sunday tickets
The Stars of Texas sky comes alive on Sunday with our community lantern release, included with your festival ticket. Each guest will receive a lantern kit and prayer flags at check-in to take part in this unforgettable moment. Decorate your lantern with a wish or message, tie up a prayer flag for the community, and get ready to light the night together.
Pick up lantern kits and prayer flags at the Lantern Tents by the bull riding arena
- Sunday: Lantern release after dark (exact time announced from stage)
- Please arrive no later than 5:00 pm so you don’t miss it
- Lantern release could be as early as 8:00 pm
Weekend tickets include a golden ticket for Saturday AND Sunday. You’ll pick up your golden tickets when you check-in and scan your ticket / show your wristband at registration.
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
Cornhole Tournament
Ready to toss like a champ? Sign up for the cornhole tournament on the Scoreholio app — just search “Stars of Texas” to join! Attendees can register for the open cornhole tournament at the event.
Bull Riding
Get ready for edge-of-your-seat action with Pro Bull Riding, where seasoned riders take on powerful bulls in a showdown of strength and grit. Feel the adrenaline as the pros show off serious skill in one of the most thrilling events of the weekend!
🎟️ Included with Admission
📍 Located at The Bull Riding Arena
🏆 Bull Riding Awards at The Main Stage
BBQ Judging
We’re serving up serious flavor with top BBQ pitmasters from Texas and beyond! Swing by the Champion’s Club, sign up for a tasting time, and sample the goods — then cast your vote to help crown the king of the grill.
⏳ First come, first serve
🏆 BBQ Awards at The Main Stage
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 cars on Sunday, the action is nonstop.
🎟️ Included with Admission
📍 Located at The Grandstands
🕛 TDRA racing at Noon & Nitro Cars and Juniors at 6:35 PM
*Racing Update: No more fire, but we’ve still got plenty of smoke💨 The jet cars won’t be attending Saturday or Sunday, due to unforeseen circumstances, but the big rig diesels will be rolling in to keep things loud!
Pro tip: Bring earplugs or hearing protection. Nitro cars and trucks may be loud and scary for kids.
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 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
