Fort Worth is gearing up for a vibrant week of music and festivities as Jambaloo returns for 2026, promising an exciting lineup of free shows and engaging programming across North Texas. The festival, which first launched in February 2024, will commence on Saturday, February 7, at Tulips FTW with a symposium featuring Cole Cuchna, the host of the acclaimed music podcast “Dissect.” The event will culminate on Sunday, February 15, at the Granada Theater in Dallas, showcasing talent from the renowned Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts.
This year, Jambaloo is proudly presented by the Dallas-based law firm Mullen & Mullen, along with its Mullen & Mullen Music Project and 91.7 KXT. The festival will feature an impressive roster of around 70 bands, solo artists, DJs, and rappers, performing at nearly 20 venues throughout Dallas, Fort Worth, and Grand Prairie. The best part? All performances are completely free.
For those particularly interested in the Fort Worth scene, Jambaloo’s highlight will be a performance by Tripping Daisy, headlining at Tulips on Friday, February 13, with support from Cut Throat Finches and Denver Williams. Additionally, Cicada will host a lineup on Tuesday, February 10, featuring power-pop group Meach Pango, party rockers Son of Stan, and the promising Dallas-based songwriter Sam Cormier. On Wednesday, February 11, Tulips will welcome the Quaker City Night Hawks, accompanied by Jackson Scribner, Matthew McNeal, and Garrett T Capps. Amplified Minds, a nonprofit dedicated to providing free mental health services to the creative community, will open the night with a panel discussion.
On Thursday, February 12, Jeni Rose, the frontwoman of the Dallas cowpunk band the Vandoliers, will headline at The Post, supported by the psych-punk band Labels and electro-pop artist Dev Lee Miller. The following night, Low Doubt will feature DJ Splendor, known for creating a lively, vibrant sonic atmosphere layered over pulsating house beats.
While some may hold onto the belief that “Dallas = bad,” it’s worth setting aside such sentiments to fully enjoy the array of Jambaloo events available in the nearby city. Noteworthy Dallas events include a hip-hop dance battle at Ruins and a performance by the boogie-woogie rock band Low Cut Connie at Deep Ellum Art Co. on Wednesday, February 11. Additionally, the FireHouse Gastro Park in Grand Prairie will host country singer-songwriter Angel White, soul artist Dezi 5, and local Americana musician Christian Carlos Carvajal on Friday, February 13, along with exciting secret performances from dance music legend Mark Farina and producer Adrian Quesada’s Assenio Trio at Josey Records.
Festival-goers are encouraged to consult the official website for the complete schedule and to plan their week accordingly. Jambaloo stands out not only for its eclectic lineup but also for its commitment to elevating the artist-adjacent segments of the DFW music scene. This year’s offerings include the aforementioned symposium with Cole Cuchna, the Amplified Minds panel, and a Women in Music panel at Spinster Records in Dallas on Wednesday, February 12. The festival is bolstered by support from a variety of local entities, including Josey Records, Luminous Sounds, Prekindle, Do214.com, WFAA, the Texas Music Office, the Dallas Music Office, Hear Fort Worth, and Amplified Minds.
Corey Pond, co-founder of Jambaloo, emphasizes that the festival aims to unify the community in a celebration of the DFW music scene, providing access to an impressive array of talent at no cost. “If you live anywhere within 30 minutes of I-30, there’s a free show for you during Jambaloo week. You’re likely just 10 minutes away from multiple concerts,” Pond notes. “All genres are represented, and in many cases, they are well-represented, and it’s all free.”
In conclusion, Jambaloo promises to offer something for everyone. The festival’s organizers and sponsors invite the community to step out, enjoy the music, and celebrate the vibrant local culture.
