Texas International Pop Festival (1969)
The Texas International Pop Festival, held over Labor Day weekend in 1969, stands as one of the most legendary music events in Texas history. Organized by Showco founders Angus Wynne III and Jack Calmes, the festival brought together more than 120,000 fans in Lewisville, Texas, for a three-day celebration of rock, blues, and counterculture—just weeks after Woodstock.
With performances by Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin, B.B. King, Santana, Sly & the Family Stone, and more, the festival not only showcased iconic music but also marked a turning point for live event production in the South. Behind the scenes, Wynne and Calmes’s innovative approach to sound and staging—along with the debut of Showco’s early technology—set new standards for concert experiences nationwide.
This page preserves the sights, sounds, and stories of the Texas International Pop Festival. Explore rare photos, original articles, memorabilia, and firsthand accounts from the event that helped launch Showco’s enduring legacy and reshaped the future of live music.`
Two tickets for the Texas International Pop Festival, scheduled for Sunday, August 31, at Dallas International Speedway, with a $6 advance price, $7 at the gate.
Poster for the Texas International Pop Texas International Pop Festival, held at Dallas International Motor Speedway from August 30 to September 1, 1969.
Schedule of performances for the Texas International Pop festival with dates from August 30 to September 1, listing bands and artists including Canned Heat, Chicago Transit Authority, James Cotton Blues Band, Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin, and others. Contains logos of Coca-Cola and advertisements for Big Brother and the Holding Company and Sly and the Family Stone.
A vintage cloth bag from the Texas International Pop Festival in 1969, featuring a Official bag for the Texas International Pop Festival 1969.
Angus Wynne III at International Pop Festival 1969
A black-and-white photo of a group of young people relaxing outdoors at the Texas Pop Festival, some lying on the ground, others sitting or reclining on beds, with a tent and vintage Volkswagen vans in the background. - International Pop Festival 1969
Aerial shot of International Pop Festival
John Bonham with arms crossed at the Dallas, Texas Pop Festival on August 31, 1969, with other people around him.
International Pop Festival 1969
International Pop Festival 1969
Informational plaque about the Texas International Pop Festival, held near Dallas, Texas in 1969, featuring music acts like Janis Joplin and Sly & The Family Stone, and describing the event's history, location, attendance, and safety. This is located in Lewisville, TX
The Bonham Daily Favorite August 27th 1969 Article
EL PASO TIMES AUG. 29 1969 I-POP ARTICLE (3)
EL PASO TIMES AUG. 29 1969 I-POP ARTICLE (2)
EL PASO TIMES AUG. 29 1969 I-POP ARTICLE (1)
GRAND PRAIRIE NEWS AUG. 24 1969 (2)
GRAND PRAIRIE NEWS AUG. 24 1969 (2)
IRVING DAILY NEWS AUG 24 1969 (1)
IRVING DAILY NEWS AUG 24 1969 (2)
MEXIA NEWS Dec.12 1969 IPOP FEST
WACO TRIBUNE AUG.31 1969
Black-and-white newspaper clipping with the headline 'Judge Rules Pop Sponsors Can Be Sued'.
Longview News Journal August 4th, 1969 POP FEST AD.
Article about the festival was held from August 30 to September 1 at Dallas International Speedway, with over 150,000 attendees. Security measures included 140 police officers.
Newspaper article titled "Lewisville Police Chief Is Quitting". The article reports on Texas police chief Ralph Adams resigning amid drug arrests and festival security concerns, with comments from city officials and security officers.
Cover of the Program for the Texas International Pop Festival.
Festival Program
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