Billy Strings will return to Austin City Limits this coming Thursday. The arena-level bluegrass star will tape his performance at Austin, TX’s The Moody Theater on Thursday, July 2, just two days before he plays the nearby, and far larger, Germania Insurance Amphitheater as part of Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic and Fireworks. Fans can enter to win tickets to the TV taping, which is part of the show’s 52nd season, here.

Since breaking his leg while skateboarding backstage before his encore at a Charlottesville, VA show in April, Strings has been largely off the road, though he did sit in with both Trey Anastasio and Primus when they each rolled through his native Michigan. Yesterday, Strings and his father Terry Barber also joined Travelin’ McCourys and Del McCoury Band at the Charlotte Bluegrass Festival, which is held at the Eaton County Fairgrounds in Charlotte, MI. For the first time since his accident, Strings, who popped up at the event last year as well, played while standing up during the surprise appearance. However, the ACL taping will be his first proper full-concert offering since the injury; Strings initially performed on ACL in 2021 and appeared on the Austin City Limits Celebrates 50 Years special in 2024.

In other news, Strings has added a metal tent to his upcoming Ionia Freak Fair, which will take place in Ionia, MI on August 28 and 29. Curated by the guitarist, an avid metal fan, himself, the Pyramid Scheme Pinball & Metal Tent will bring together Cryptopsy, BANE, For The Fallen Dreams, Flesh and Blood Robot, Heartsick, and See You Next Tuesday. Sierra Hull, Greensky Bluegrass and Leftover Salmon are among the previously confirmed acts set to join Strings at the event.