George Strait Returns To Moody Center In Austin With A 28-Song Set And 15,000 Fans For His First 2026 Show
George Strait made his highly anticipated return to the stage on Thursday night (April 9). Dressed in his trademark starched Wranglers and black Resistol hat, he stepped out in front of 15,000 fans at the Moody Center in Austin, TX, delivering his first live performance of 2026.
The very same venue where the country legend previously shared the stage with Willie Nelson in April 2022 welcomed him back with overwhelming enthusiasm. Marking his first appearance there in nearly four years, the arena was fully dressed for the occasion with special Strait-themed Moody Center signage.
Austin fans came ready for the moment, turning the night into a two-hour celebration featuring a 28-song setlist that spanned his iconic career. Packed with hits—including many of his 60 No. 1 singles—the crowd stayed fully engaged, singing along and two-stepping through the aisles to favorites like “Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind” and “I Just Want To Dance With You.”
Midway through the show, Strait paused to take in the atmosphere and the sea of fans, saying, “I see we got some cowboys out there tonight, I love it.”
“I love seeing you cowboys out there because you bring the cowgirls with you; this song is for all you cowgirls,” he added, setting the stage for a lively performance of “How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls,” from his 2007 album, It Just Comes Natural.
Texas native William Beckmann opened the show for the Country Music Hall of Fame icon and is scheduled to return for Strait’s next Moody Center appearance on Saturday, April 11. Carter Faith will also join Strait for the final two Austin dates on May 15 and 16, closing out his limited seven-show run at the venue.
Between his Austin stops, Strait is set to bring his show to Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas, as well as Death Valley in Clemson, South Carolina.
The performance served as yet another reminder of why Strait is widely known as the “King of Country Music.” Over the course of his career, he has sold more than 100 million RIAA-certified units, earned over 60 major industry awards, and maintained a record-breaking run of Top 10 hits spanning more than three decades.
While he may not tour as extensively as he once did, Strait hasn’t slowed down entirely. Fans got a fresh dose of new music last year with the release of his 31st studio album, Cowboys And Dreamers, and he was recently honored with induction into the Texas Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.
Offstage, Strait continues to make a meaningful impact. Through efforts like his recent Strait to the Heart benefit—which raised over $7 million for Texas flood relief—and the ongoing work of the Jenifer Strait Foundation, he and his wife Norma have helped support children’s charities while honoring their daughter’s legacy.
Fans hoping to catch George Strait live in 2026 should move quickly, as only limited tickets remain for his upcoming shows. More information is available at georgestrait.com.
Remaining 2026 George Strait Shows:
Saturday, April 11 Austin, Texas Moody Center
Friday, April 24 Lubbock, Texas Jones AT&T Stadium
Saturday, April 25 Lubbock, Texas Jones AT&T Stadium
Saturday, May 2 Clemson, SC Death Valley
Friday, May 15 Austin, Texas Moody Center
Saturday, May 16 Austin, Texas Moody Center
