You know that feeling when you hear those first few chug-chug-chugging notes of "La Grange"? It’s instant. It’s Texas. It’s that "Little Ol' Band from Texas" making good on a promise they've kept for over fifty years. Well, if you’ve been waiting to catch them live, 2026 is shaping up to be a massive year for the zz top concert schedule.
Honestly, it's pretty wild. After everything—the decades on the road, the loss of Dusty Hill—the band isn't just surviving; they’re thriving. With Elwood Francis now firmly entrenched on the bass (and rocking his own impressive facial hair), Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard are hitting the road with a relentless energy that puts bands half their age to shame.
The Big One! and the Dos Amigos Tour
This year isn't just a handful of dates. It's a full-on assault. The band is splitting their time between a massive headlining run called "The Big One!" and a co-headlining trek with country legend Dwight Yoakam titled the "Dos Amigos Tour."
The US leg kicks off officially on March 21, 2026, in Abilene, Texas, at the Outlaws & Legends Music Festival. From there, it’s a blur of blues-rock across the South and Midwest. You’ve got stops in Amarillo and Greeley before the "Dos Amigos" run starts in earnest late in March.
Key Spring Dates You Can't Miss
The schedule is dense. If you're in the South, April is your month. They are doing two-night stands in places like New Orleans (April 6-7 at the Saenger Theatre) and San Antonio (April 9-10 at the Majestic Theatre). There's something special about seeing ZZ Top in a theater versus a stadium. You get to actually see Billy’s fingers move.
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- March 21: Abilene, TX (Outlaws & Legends Festival)
- March 26: Brookings, SD (with Dwight Yoakam)
- April 11: Thackerville, OK (WinStar World Casino)
- April 18: Huntsville, AL (The Orion Amphitheater)
- May 1: Cherokee, NC (Harrah's Cherokee)
- May 19: Greensburg, PA (Palace Theatre)
That Greensburg show on May 19 is actually the final scheduled stop of the spring US leg before the guys pack up their gear and head across the pond.
The European Invasion
If you happen to be in Europe this summer, the zz top concert schedule is looking pretty stacked there, too. This is their first proper European tour in a couple of years, hitting 13 different countries.
It starts June 22 in Tartu, Estonia. Yeah, you read that right. From Estonia, they head to Scandinavia, Germany, and then down through the Netherlands and France, eventually wrapping up in Spain late in July.
They’re doing a mix of festivals—like Bospop in the Netherlands on July 11—and headlining arena shows. The European fans are notoriously loud, and Billy Gibbons has gone on record saying they’re some of the most energetic crowds they encounter. Basically, if you can catch the July 15 show at the Adidas Arena in Paris or the July 19 date at Poble Espanyol in Barcelona, do it. Those settings are legendary.
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What’s it Like With Elwood?
There was a lot of talk when Dusty Hill passed away in 2021. Could the band go on?
Dusty’s own wish was for Elwood Francis, their longtime guitar tech, to take the spot. And man, he has. He doesn't try to be Dusty—he just plays the hell out of those songs. The chemistry with Billy and Frank is still there. It’s leaner, maybe a bit grittier, but it’s still ZZ Top.
You’re still going to hear the hits. "Sharp Dressed Man," "Legs," "Gimme All Your Lovin'." But the 2026 shows have been digging a bit deeper into the blues roots. Expect some deep cuts from Tres Hombres or Rio Grande Mud.
Snagging Tickets Without Losing Your Mind
Look, ticket buying in 2026 is still a headache. For the zz top concert schedule, the official artist presale usually uses the code ZZVIP2026.
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Don't just jump on the first resale site you see. Check the official zztop.com site first. Prices for this tour have been starting around $70 in smaller markets like Alexandria, LA, but can easily climb past $150 for the premium spots in San Antonio or at the casinos.
A Few Pro Tips for the 2026 Run:
- Arrive Early: They aren't doing 4-hour sets, but they start on time. Doors usually open 90 minutes before.
- Check the Lineup: Some dates are just ZZ Top, some are the Dwight Yoakam co-headline. Make sure you know who you’re paying to see.
- Merch: Their tour shirts are still some of the best in the business. They usually have venue-specific posters that sell out fast.
The reality is that these guys won't be touring forever. Billy is in his mid-70s now, though you wouldn't know it by looking at him. Every time that curtain goes up and the fuzzy guitars start humming, it’s a reminder of why rock and roll exists in the first place.
If you're planning on catching a show, keep an eye on the local venue sites for last-minute "production hold" tickets. These often drop 24 to 48 hours before the show at face value, even if the concert is technically sold out. It's the best way to get a seat without paying the "convenience" fees that aren't convenient for anyone.
Secure your tickets through the official band website or verified partners like Ticketmaster and Live Nation to ensure you aren't holding a fake at the gate. Once you've got your seats, double-check the bag policies for venues like the Orion Amphitheater or WinStar World Casino, as they’ve become much stricter recently. Plan your travel and parking in advance—especially for the theater dates in New Orleans and San Antonio where downtown congestion is a guarantee.