Tue Sep 23 12:30:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Ed Sheeran has announced a North American tour for the summer and fall of 2026, covering 22 cities across the US and Canada. Notably, Houston is not included in the tour. This absence continues a trend of major artists bypassing Houston in favor of cities like Dallas and Austin. Music industry insiders suggest reasons for this trend include Austin’s stronger music market due to its college town atmosphere, more venues, and radio stations that support indie music. Houston’s concert crowds are perceived as less engaged and prone to last-minute ticket purchases. Sheeran’s tour will begin in a Phoenix suburb on June 13 and include major cities such as Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, and others, with a stop in Arlington, Texas on October 24.
**News Article:**
**Ed Sheeran Snubs Houston on 2026 North American Tour, Continuing Troubling Trend**
Houston, TX – Ed Sheeran has announced his highly anticipated 2026 North American tour, leaving Houston fans disappointed as the city is conspicuously absent from the itinerary. The 22-city tour spans the United States and Canada, hitting major metropolitan areas like Chicago, Philadelphia, and Dallas. But Houston, the nation’s third-largest city, will be left out in the cold.
Sheeran’s decision adds to a growing trend of major artists choosing to bypass Houston in favor of other Texas cities like Austin and Dallas. In recent years, acts like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lady Gaga, The Weeknd, and others have all skipped Houston on their tours.
Industry insiders suggest several factors contribute to Houston’s apparent decline as a premier concert destination. Austin’s vibrant music scene, fueled by its college-town atmosphere, abundance of venues, and supportive radio stations, is often cited as a key advantage. Houston’s concert crowds are also perceived as less engaged and prone to waiting until the last minute to purchase tickets, which can deter artists and promoters.
Sheeran’s tour kicks off in a Phoenix suburb on June 13, 2026, and includes a performance at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on October 24. While Houston will be skipped in 2026, Sheeran did perform at NRG Stadium in 2023 during his Mathematics Tour.
The Houston Chronicle has reached out to Ed Sheeran’s booking agent for comment on the decision to exclude Houston from the 2026 tour.
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