The Dallas International Guitar Festival (DIGF), recognized as the longest-running and largest vintage guitar-focused event, returns to Dallas Market Hall from May 2–4, 2025. The annual show brings together thousands of guitar enthusiasts, musicians, collectors, dealers, and manufacturers for a three-day event featuring instrument exhibits, live music, artist clinics, and buying, selling, and trading opportunities.
A Little Bit of History of the Dallas Guitar Show
The festival began in 1978 as the Greater Southwest Vintage Guitar Show, founded by Dallas-based guitar shop owner Charley Wirz with partners John Brinkmann and Danny Thorpe. Starting with just 10 exhibitors, the event has expanded significantly over the years, moving into larger venues and incorporating live performances.
Following Wirz’s passing in 1985, Mark Pollock assumed leadership of the event and added live music to the format. In 1989, Pollock partnered with Jimmy Wallace, a guitarist, collector, and local business owner who has served as the show’s co-founder and CEO ever since.
Jimmy Wallace
In addition to being the head honcho at DIGF, Jimmy Wallace is a professional guitarist and vintage guitar dealer, and has performed with national acts including Todd Rundgren, Willie Nelson, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, and currently leads the Jimmy Wallace Band. His business, Jimmy Wallace Guitars, operates out of downtown Garland, Texas, specializing in vintage instruments and custom builds.
Wallace remains involved in all aspects of the DIGF, from organizing vendors and performers to promoting independent guitar builders and maintaining the show’s original intent as a musician-focused gathering. And with this activity, he will be highly visbile on the show stages and floor throughout the event.
Performances and Clinics
The 2025 festival will feature continuous live performances on multiple stages throughout the weekend. The show also includes instructional clinics and artist Q&A sessions, covering topics such as technique, tone, gear setups, and songwriting. The full artist schedule is posted in the graphic below.
Vendors and Exhibits
More than 450 vendors and exhibitors are expected at this year’s event, offering a wide selection of:
- Vintage, new, and custom guitars and basses
- Amplifiers, pedals, and accessories
- Custom builds and boutique gear
- Collectibles and memorabilia
Attendees may bring instruments to sell or trade, and many dealers are open to cash and credit purchases on-site. Notable vendors include Heritage Auctions, Reverend Guitars, Bluesman Vintage, Glendale Guitars, Guitar Center Vintage, Heritage Guitars, Friedman Amplification, and Jimmy Wallace Guitar Gallery, among many, many others.
Event Details
Dates and Hours:
- Friday, May 2: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday, May 3: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday, May 4: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location:
Dallas Market Hall
2200 N. Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 75207
Admission:
- Friday or Sunday: $25 per day
- Saturday: $30
- 2-Day Pass: $45
- 3-Day Weekend Pass: $60
- Children 12 and under: Free with a paid adult
Parking:
One other cool thing about this event, as opposed to many other entertainment and sports events across the Metroplex: Parking is free. No unbearably long walks; no exorbitant parking fees. Just pull up, and go into the show.
Tickets are available for advance purchase on the official event website: www.guitarshow.com
Additional Features
- Artist meet-and-greets
- Live jam sessions
- Instrument appraisals
- Opportunities to network with manufacturers, luthiers, and working musicians
DIGF serves a wide audience—from working professionals and industry buyers to casual fans and new players. For attendees interested in music gear, performance, or networking within the instrument trade, the event offers broad access to manufacturers, independent builders, and legacy brands.
For more information on performers, vendors, tickets, and updates, visit the Dallas International Guitar Festival official website.
