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Schedule: Sunday, October 5th

When & Where Everything Is Happening

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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


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Schedule for Sunday, October 5th


 
Time
Activity
Location
NOON
Gates Open
Main Gates, VIP Gates, & Campground Gates
NOON - 9:30 PM
Backyard Games & Kid’s Zone
The Backyard
7:00 PM
Drag Racing: Street Cars & Juniors
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 (Texas Invitational)
Grandstands with broadcast to the Main Stage
7:00 PM
🎸 Mark Chesnutt
Main Stage
8:05 PM - 8:20 PM
Intermission & Texas Invitational Winners Presentation
Main Stage
8:30 - 10:00
🎸 Clint Black
Main Stage
AFTER DARK
Lantern release time TBD: Listen for instructions from the stage
Festival Area
 
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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 Saturday & Sunday tickets

The Stars of Texas sky comes alive Saturday and 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

  • Saturday: Lantern release happens during Chris Young’s set for a collective magic moment
  • Sunday: Lantern release after dark (exact time announced from stage)
 
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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

 

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

 

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.

📍 Located at The Backyard

 

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 and Jet cars on Saturday and Sunday, the action is nonstop.

🎟️ Included with Admission

📍 Located at The Grandstands

🕛 TDRA racing at Noon & Nitro Cars and Juniors at 6:35 PM

 
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Pro tip: Bring earplugs or hearing protection. Nitro cars may be loud and scary for kids.

 

Weekend Food Deals


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  • 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


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