With 100 days left until the 2026 State Fair of Texas, the FREE Chevrolet® Main Stage music lineup for this year’s annual exposition has just been announced. Fairgoers can experience all different kinds of live music – country to R&B, Norteño to electro-pop – during all 24 days of the 2026 State Fair of Texas, all included with their admission ticket. Get ready to sing along and dance the night away at the Most Texan Place on Earth®.  

The Chevrolet Main Stage, a staple at the State Fair of Texas for nearly 30 years, is a huge festival-type stage and experience in the heart of Fair Park. Hosting musical acts from your favorite decade or new up-and-coming artists soon to become your favorite, be sure to make time in your Fair day schedule to catch a memorable show that will have you reminiscing long after you leave the fairgrounds.  

“Our 2026 Chevrolet Main Stage presents a jam-packed lineup, with a diverse roster of talent spanning multiple music genres. With your Fair admission, experience a multitude of unforgettable acts all 24 days of the State Fair of Texas, sure to end your Fair season on a high note,” says Jason Hays, SVP of Brand Experience. 

The State Fair of Texas is excited to continue its partnership with Romeo Entertainment Group®, producing the Chevrolet Main Stage lineup for the 2026 Fair. With their 65-plus years of experience and long list of clients, Romeo Entertainment Group has become a household name in the entertainment industry.

With performances from many notable artists that are sure to knock your cowboy boots off, click HERE for the full 2026 Chevrolet Main Stage lineup. More live music will be announced later this summer, making for a full Texas-sized music festival at the Most Texan Place on Earth, all included with Fair admission! The 2026 State Fair of Texas, themed “Stars, Stripes, and Howdies,” runs Friday, September 25, through Sunday, October 18. Season passes are now on sale at BigTex.com/Tickets. As we approach Opening Day, more information on ticketing for the 2026 Fair will be available in the coming months. 

About the State Fair of Texas

Since its inception in 1886, the State Fair of Texas has celebrated all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment. The State Fair of Texas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with proceeds helping to preserve and improve our home, Fair Park; underwrite museums, community initiatives, and scholarship programs to support students throughout the Lone Star State pursuing higher education; and help improve State Fair operations. The 2026 exposition runs September 25 through October 18 in Fair Park. Visit BigTex.com for more information.

On the evening of May 2, 2026, more than 250 of Dallas' most passionate arts advocates gathered at the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre in the heart of the Dallas Arts District and the city reminded itself, once again, why it is one of America's great theater towns. CENTERSTAGE 42, the annual gala benefiting the Tony Award®-winning Dallas Theater Center (DTC), raised $545,000 in a single extraordinary evening, a testament to the deep well of generosity and belief this community holds for the performing arts. More than a fundraiser, it was a love letter to everything DTC has built over six decades, and a bold declaration of where it is headed next.

The evening unfolded with an effortless elegance befitting a night of this scale, beginning with a cocktail reception where guests mingled and captured photos. As the sun shone over the Diane and Hal Brierley Esplanade, guests gathered for an outdoor reception filled with conversation, anticipation, and a shared excitement to be back at DTC’s home. Familiar faces including Diane and Hal Brierley, Lynn McBee, Jeff Netzer, Donna Wilhelm, Gayle Halperin, Grace Cook, D’Andra Simmons-Lock and Jeremy Lock, and Laura (Custard) Burcham and Richard Burcham, set the tone for an evening rooted in both celebration and community. Education and community engagement programs under the Public Works initiative were brought to life through a custom timeline installation, serving as a powerful reminder that DTC’s impact extends far beyond the stage and deep into neighborhoods across Dallas and North Texas.

Dinner was served in the Potter Rose Performance Hall and was an intimate and theatrical touch that set the tone for an evening of genuine feeling. The night's centerpiece was the presentation of DTC's most prestigious honor, the Linda and Bill Custard Award, to Larry Angelilli, whose more than thirty years of financial stewardship, strategic leadership, and unwavering advocacy have quietly shaped the cultural infrastructure of Dallas. 

A moment was then taken to honor the enduring legacy of two of Dallas Theater Center’s most beloved community members who left us this past year, Linda Custard and Sarah Warnecke. For decades Linda and Sarah were pillars of support for the Dallas arts community. It was noted that Linda was co-chair for three Centerstage Galas including the inaugural gala in 1984, and Sarah co-chaired twice including the 50th anniversary gala. DTC will continue to tell their story of love, beauty, and selflessness. 

Then came the music and the evening truly took flight.

When original headliner Michael Urie was called away for commitments with his acclaimed Apple TV+ series Shrinking, DTC leaned into its greatest asset: the depth of talent that calls North Texas home. Broadway powerhouse Tiffany Mann stepped in and owned the room. A DFW native whose musical journey began in the church and was shaped by the legendary Texas Girls' Choir, the Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, and the concert halls of Oklahoma City University, Mann has since become one of New York City's most celebrated performers, originating roles on Broadway in Be More Chill and gracing the stage of Waitress the Musical. Seeing her return to Dallas was a full-circle moment that had the audience on its feet.

Joining Mann were Guest Artists Bri Woods and Akron Watson, fresh from DTC's acclaimed production of Ragtime. Woods, an SMU Meadows graduate finishing her first year as the Linda and Bill Custard Meadows Actor in the Diane and Hal Brierley Resident Acting Company, represents the next generation of Dallas theater. Watson, a Grammy and Emmy-winning artist whose Broadway credits span The Color Purple, Hamilton, and The Play That Goes Wrong, brought the kind of star power that belongs on any stage in the world, and chose to share it with Dallas.

This year's gala also broke new ground in how it was led. Rather than naming a single chair, DTC welcomed back event chairs from the past ten years to lead collectively, which was an unprecedented reunion of philanthropic champions whose dedication helped build CENTERSTAGE into one of the city's most anticipated cultural events. Gala leadership included Peter Altabef, Mickie & Jeff Bragalone, Stephanie Byrd, Scott Davis, Melinda Johnson, Brett Levy, Michelle Lockhart, Ann Mahowald, Deborah McMurray, Scott Moore, Scott Orr, Andy Smith & Paul Von Wupperfeld, Hamilton A Sneed, and Krista Farber Weinstein. This gesture was as meaningful as it was strategic: honoring the community that made DTC what it is, while rallying them around what comes next.

And what comes next is extraordinary. DTC enters a new chapter under incoming Enloe/Rose Artistic Director Jaime Castañeda, whose vision promises to push the boundaries of what theater can be and who it can reach. Proceeds from CENTERSTAGE 42 will directly fuel that future — funding initiatives like Project Discovery, Summer Stage, Saturday Sessions, and Community Workshops, programs that ensure the stage belongs to everyone.

CENTERSTAGE 42 was made possible through the generosity of "Company" level sponsors Jennifer and Peter Altabef, Diane and Hal Brierley, Linda Custard, The Eugene McDermott Foundation, Deedie Rose, and Donna M. Wilhelm, along with "Cast" level sponsors HALL Group, PNC Bank, Texas Instruments, and many others, with media support from PATRON Magazine.

Photos c/o Tamytha Cameron and Chase Hall 

On the evening of May 2, 2026, more than 250 of Dallas' most passionate arts advocates gathered at the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre in the heart of the Dallas Arts District and the city reminded itself, once again, why it is one of America's great theater towns. CENTERSTAGE 42, the annual gala benefiting the Tony Award®-winning Dallas Theater Center (DTC), raised $545,000 in a single extraordinary evening, a testament to the deep well of generosity and belief this community holds for the performing arts. More than a fundraiser, it was a love letter to everything DTC has built over six decades, and a bold declaration of where it is headed next.

The evening unfolded with an effortless elegance befitting a night of this scale, beginning with a cocktail reception where guests mingled and captured photos. As the sun shone over the Diane and Hal Brierley Esplanade, guests gathered for an outdoor reception filled with conversation, anticipation, and a shared excitement to be back at DTC’s home. Familiar faces including Diane and Hal Brierley, Lynn McBee, Jeff Netzer, Donna Wilhelm, Gayle Halperin, Grace Cook, D’Andra Simmons-Lock and Jeremy Lock, and Laura (Custard) Burcham and Richard Burcham, set the tone for an evening rooted in both celebration and community. Education and community engagement programs under the Public Works initiative were brought to life through a custom  timeline installation, serving as a powerful reminder that DTC’s impact extends far beyond the stage and deep into neighborhoods across Dallas and North Texas.

Dinner was served in the Potter Rose Performance Hall and was an intimate and theatrical touch that set the tone for an evening of genuine feeling. The night's centerpiece was the presentation of DTC's most prestigious honor, the Linda and Bill Custard Award, to Larry Angelilli, whose more than thirty years of financial stewardship, strategic leadership, and unwavering advocacy have quietly shaped the cultural infrastructure of Dallas.

A moment was then taken to honor the enduring legacy of two of Dallas Theater Center’s most beloved community members who left us this past year, Linda Custard and Sarah Warnecke. For decades Linda and Sarah were pillars of support for the Dallas arts community. It was noted that Linda was co-chair for three Centerstage Galas including the inaugural gala in 1984, and Sarah co-chaired twice including the 50th anniversary gala. DTC will continue to tell their story of love, beauty, and selflessness.

Then came the music and the evening truly took flight.

When original headliner Michael Urie was called away for commitments with his acclaimed Apple TV+ series Shrinking, DTC leaned into its greatest asset: the depth of talent that calls North Texas home. Broadway powerhouse Tiffany Mann stepped in and owned the room. A DFW native whose musical journey began in the church and was shaped by the legendary Texas Girls' Choir, the Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, and the concert halls of Oklahoma City University, Mann has since become one of New York City's most celebrated performers, originating roles on Broadway in Be More Chill and gracing the stage of Waitress the Musical. Seeing her return to Dallas was a full-circle moment that had the audience on its feet.

Joining Mann were Guest Artists Bri Woods and Akron Watson, fresh from DTC's acclaimed production of Ragtime. Woods, an SMU Meadows graduate finishing her first year as the Linda and Bill Custard Meadows Actor in the Diane and Hal Brierley Resident Acting Company, represents the next generation of Dallas theater. Watson, a Grammy and Emmy-winning artist whose Broadway credits span The Color Purple, Hamilton, and The Play That Goes Wrong, brought the kind of star power that belongs on any stage in the world, and chose to share it with Dallas.

This year's gala also broke new ground in how it was led. Rather than naming a single chair, DTC welcomed back event chairs from the past ten years to lead collectively, which was an unprecedented reunion of philanthropic champions whose dedication helped build CENTERSTAGE into one of the city's most anticipated cultural events. Gala leadership included Peter Altabef, Mickie & Jeff Bragalone, Stephanie Byrd, Scott Davis, Melinda Johnson, Brett Levy, Michelle Lockhart, Ann Mahowald, Deborah McMurray, Scott Moore, Scott Orr, Andy Smith & Paul Von Wupperfeld, Hamilton A Sneed, and Krista Farber Weinstein. This gesture was as meaningful as it was strategic: honoring the community that made DTC what it is, while rallying them around what comes next.

And what comes next is extraordinary. DTC enters a new chapter under incoming Enloe/Rose Artistic Director Jaime Castañeda, whose vision promises to push the boundaries of what theater can be and who it can reach. Proceeds from CENTERSTAGE 42 will directly fuel that future — funding initiatives like Project Discovery, Summer Stage, Saturday Sessions, and Community Workshops, programs that ensure the stage belongs to everyone.

CENTERSTAGE 42 was made possible through the generosity of "Company" level sponsors Jennifer and Peter Altabef, Diane and Hal Brierley, Linda Custard, The Eugene McDermott Foundation, Deedie Rose, and Donna M. Wilhelm, along with "Cast" level sponsors HALL Group, PNC Bank, Texas Instruments, and many others, with media support from PATRON Magazine.

PRESS RELEASE — In a landmark evening celebrating more than three decades of community impact, Vogel Alcove's 34th Annual Arts Performance Event raised more than $1.3 million to support Dallas children and families experiencing homelessness, drawing more than 500 supporters to the Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa on Saturday, April 25th. The night marked a historic milestone with the presentation of the inaugural Vogel Voices for Children Award to community leader Gil Friedlander, whose 30-plus years of compassionate leadership have helped transform thousands of lives across North Texas and culminated in a roof-raising performance by six-time Emmy winner Hank Azaria and the EZ Street Band. 

Made possible by Premiere Sponsors Oliver Wyman, Inc., Simon Greenstone Panatier, PC, and Sidley Austin Foundation, the evening opened with a vibrant red-carpet reception in the expansive Ryder Cup Ballroom Pre-Function Area. Guests arrived in high spirits, sipping cocktails and sampling light bites while deliberating over coveted raffle prizes. Adding a touch of cutting-edge glamour to the evening was ZIYĀ AI Watercolor Portraits, a first-of-its-kind luxury live event activation that captured guests' photos and transformed them into stunning, personalized watercolor paintings in under 60 seconds, leaving attendees with a one-of-a-kind keepsake from the night.

When the ballroom doors swung open, guests were welcomed to a curated BBQ buffet dinner before settling in for a program that was as heartfelt as it was entertaining. Emcee Patrick Dunn ignited the room with a spirited game of Heads or Tails, then sent tables into a delighted frenzy when he revealed that, in honor of Hank Azaria's iconic role as the voice of Gargamel in The Smurfs, tiny Smurfs had been hidden somewhere on each table. The lucky guest who spotted theirs walked away with the centerpiece.

The evening's most moving moment came when Vogel Alcove CEO and President Karen Hughes took the stage to present the inaugural Vogel Voices for Children Award to community leader Gil Friedlander. "Gil embodies everything this award stands for," said Hughes. "His belief in the dignity of every child, and every family, has changed lives in ways we will feel for generations." stated Hughes.

For more than three decades, Gil's unwavering commitment and compassion have helped transform the lives of Dallas children and families experiencing homelessness. His leadership has been a cornerstone of Vogel Alcove's mission and on Saturday night, the entire room felt it. An emotional video tribute chronicled his decades of dedication, drawing cheers and making abundantly clear why he was chosen as the first-ever recipient of this honor.

After dinner, the crowd was treated to a roof-raising performance by Hank Azaria and the EZ Street Band. Best known as one of the most versatile voices in television history, Azaria has brought beloved Simpsons characters including Moe Szyslak and Chief Wiggum to life since 1989, earning six Emmy Awards along the way. Film fans know him from The Birdcage, Night at the Museum, Dodgeball, and Along Came Polly but what many may not know is that behind the actor lies a lifelong, passionate devotee of Bruce Springsteen.

What started as a personal dream for his 60th birthday evolved into a full-scale live production, with world-class musicians who have shared stages with Ariana Grande, Post Malone, and Josh Groban. The result was an electrifying set that had guests on their feet, singing along and dancing throughout the Ryder Cup Ballroom. The celebration continued long after the final note, as guests spilled into the lobby for an after-party featuring live music from Patrick Dunn & The Bullpen. It was the perfect close to a perfect evening.

• Enjoy Vogel’s Arts Performance Event Highlight Video and revisit an unforgettable night (WATCH NOW)

• Watch the tribute to Gil Friedlander, 2026 Vogel Voices for Children Award recipient, and celebrate his remarkable leadership and generosity (WATCH NOW)

• View “Stories of Hope,” a powerful reminder of how your support transforms the lives of the children and families Vogel serves (WATCH NOW)

The day before the Arts Performance Event, Azaria visited Vogel’s campus to see their mission in action. What he didn’t know… was that the children had a surprise waiting for him - a Smurfs-themed birthday party to celebrate his upcoming birthday on April 25th (a nod to his role as Gargamel!). It was an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

Since 1987, more than 20,000 young, homeless children have walked through the doors of Vogel Alcove. The Annual Arts Performance Event is the organization's flagship fundraiser, raising a significant portion of its annual operating budget and making it possible to continue serving Dallas's most vulnerable children and families.

Vogel Alcove's unique Two-Generational approach to combating homelessness provides simultaneous support for both children and their parents — offering early childhood education, developmental services, and therapeutic care in a safe, nurturing environment, free of charge. By strengthening the whole family together, Vogel Alcove isn't just providing shelter from a storm; it's building the foundation for a lasting way out.

The generosity of the community makes it all possible. Every gift, every raffle ticket, every bid at auction returns to a child something homelessness tried to take away: safety, respect, and the simple, irreplaceable chance to just be a kid. To learn more about Vogel Alcove and how you can support their mission, visit VogelAlcove.org.

Dallas Theater Center’s annual fundraiser, CENTERSTAGE, will return to the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Original headliner, Michael Urie, has been called away to promote his hit show Shrinking. DTC is thrilled for his success and looks forward to welcoming him to Dallas for a future event. In a celebration of DFW talent, Centerstage will now welcome DTC Alum and DFW native, Tiffany Mann, as the evening’s headliner. She will be joined by Guest Artists Bri Woods and Akron Watson, who have just starred in DTC’s acclaimed production of Ragtime.

Tiffany Mann is one of New York City’s premier Broadway talents, hailed as a “powerhouse” performer with a commanding presence that electrifies every stage she touches. Her musical foundation was rooted in the church, later refined through formal training with the renowned Texas Girls’ Choir under founder Shirley Carter. She continued her artistic development at the Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts and toured extensively with the Singing Girls of Texas. After studying vocal performance and opera at Oklahoma City University, Tiffany transitioned seamlessly into professional theater, building her early career with standout performances across DFW before making her way to New York City. Now a sought-after theatrical force, Tiffany is celebrated for her work in Jelly’s Last Jam and Ragtime at New York City Center Encores!, and the Off-Broadway premiere of Oh Happy Day! at The Public Theater. On Broadway, she originated the role of Jenna Rolan in Be More Chill and appeared in Waitress the Musical.

Bri Woods joined DTC’s 2025-2026 season as the Linda and Bill Custard Meadows Actor in the Diane and Hal Brierley Resident Acting Company, having just received her MFA for Acting from SMU Meadows School of the Arts. Akron Watson is a Grammy and Emmy-winning actor and singer who has starred on Broadway in The Color Purple, Hamilton, and The Play That Goes Wrong.

Before these artists take the stage, guests will enjoy a cocktail reception highlighting the artistry of Dallas Theater Center’s scenic, costume, and props artisans, as well as the theater’s Public Works education and community engagement programs. Guests will then move into the Potter Rose Performance Hall for a seated dinner on stage honoring the 2026 Linda and Bill Custard Award recipient, Larry Angelilli, followed by a vibrant live auction and paddle raise.

A limited number of tables and tickets are available. Tables start at $15,000 and single tickets at $1,500.

Can’t make it to the event? Enter the Centerstage Raffle for a chance to win one of two great prizes while supporting DTC. Prizes include a $5,000 gift card generously donated by Susser Bank, and a New York City trip for two that includes luxury hotel, Broadway tickets, cast meet and greets, and more. Tickets start at just $25.

To purchase tickets or learn more, visit www.DallasTheaterCenter.org/Gala, email Robin.plata@dallastheatercenter.org or call 214-252-3915.

Proceeds raised from CENTERSTAGE enable the TONY AWARD®–winning theater to advance its nonprofit mission of producing innovative, impactful theater while expanding its inclusive education and community engagement initiatives, including Project Discovery, Summer Stage, Saturday Sessions, and many others. As DTC looks to the future and welcomes Jaime Castañeda as its new Enloe/Rose Artistic Director, the organization enters an exciting new chapter defined by artistic excellence and creative growth.