The Essential 2016 Country Music Festival Guide
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From coast to coast, there’s a festival for everyone, boasting the biggest names in the format, from hot contemporary stars to classic country legends. But don’t forget, these festivals are also a great opportunity to meet and hear some of the brightest up-and-coming local, regional and national talent, so get there early. And check, check, then triple-check that you have your tickets, credentials AND CAMERA! You won’t want to miss one bit of the action or that once-in-a-lifetime photo op with Keith Urban.
PLEASE NOTE:
Prices noted include single-day and multiple-day admission for music. Check festival websites for pricing
16–23
The Country Music Cruise
Fort Lauderdale, Key West, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman
$1,975+
countrymusiccruise.com
The 2016 cruise is already sold out. Butnow is the time to sign up for next year’s show. Here’s 2017’s lineup:Vince Gill, Charley Pride, The Oak Ridge Boys, Brenda Lee, Lee Greenwood, Tanya Tucker, Moe Bandy & Joe Stampley, Dailey & Vincent, Jimmy Fortune of the Statler Brothers, Wade Hayes, Jo-El Sonnier, Sylvia, Chuck Mead & His Grassy Knoll Boys and Grand Ole Opry at Sea – A Very Special Performance Event
22–26
Crash My Playa
Riviera Maya, Mexico
$1,868.75+
crashmyplaya.com
Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Cole Swindell, Sam Hunt, Dustin Lynch, Brett Eldredge, Chris Stapleton and Craig Campbell
27–31
Castaway with Southern Ground
Riviera Maya, Mexico
$1,699+
zbbcastaway.com
Zac Brown Band, Kacey Musgraves, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Dawes, The Wailers and others
30
Southern Jam 2016
Boca Raton, Fla.
$77.87+
musicjamproductions.com
Kris Kristofferson, Lucinda Williams, John Hiatt and Shawn Colvin
31–FEB. 7
Cayamo: A Journey Through Song
Miami, St. Maarten, Tortola
$958+
cayamo.com
John Prine, Jason Isbell, John Hiatt, Kacey Musgraves, Chris Stapleton, Steve Earle, The Brothers Landreth and othersThis year’s ship is fully booked, but there is a waiting list.
FEB.
7–11
The Outlaw Country Cruise
Miami, Grand Cayman
$488+
outlawcountrycruise.com
Blackberry Smoke, The Mavericks, Lucinda Williams, Bobby Bare, Steve Earle, Shooter Jennings and othersThis year’s ship is fully booked, but there is a waiting list.
MARCH
1–20
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Houston, Texas
$18+
rodeohouston.com
The Band Perry, Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney, Florida Georgia Line, Little Big Town, Brett Eldredge, Jake Owen, Darius Rucker, Miranda Lambert, Billy Currington, Cole Swindell and others
3–13
Florida Strawberry Festival
Plant City, Fla.
$15+
flstrawberryfestival.com
Cole Swindell, The Band Perry, Lonestar, Shenandoah, Merle Haggard, Tanya Tucker, Charley Pride and others
11–13
CMC Rocks QLD 2016
Willowbank, Queensland, Australia
$79+
cmcrocks.com
Florida Georgia Line, Jason Aldean, Cam, Brantley Gilbert, Kip Moore, Lee Brice, Kelsea Ballerini and others
APRIL
1–3
ACM Party For a Cause Festival
Las Vegas
$175+
acmcountry.com/pfac16-lineup
Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, Kenny Chesney, Frankie Ballard, Kelsea Ballerini, Lee Brice, Cam, Brett Eldredge, Sam Hunt, Chris Janson, Dustin Lynch, Martina McBride, Kip Moore, Kellie Pickler, Chase Rice, Chris Stapleton, Chris Young, Maddie & Tae, Old Dominion and others
7–9
SpringJam
Panama City Beach, Fla.
$59+
springjampcb.com
Chris Young, Thomas Rhett, Rascal Flatts, Frankie Ballard, Jerrod Niemann, Kelsea Ballerini, Cam, Parmalee, Brothers Osborne, Drake White and the Big Fire, RaeLynn, Old Dominion, Blackjack Billy, Jamie Lynn Spears, Kirstie Lovelady, Mo Pitney, Them Dirty Roses and Chuck Wicks
7–10
Country Thunder Arizona
Florence, Ariz.
$160+
countrythunder.com
Eric Church, Florida Georgia Line, Kip Moore, Jake Owen, Randy Houser and othersGet your summer partying off to an early start.
15–17
Tortuga Music Festival
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
$199+
tortugamusicfestival.com
Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley, Sam Hunt, Thomas Rhett, Billy Currington, Kip Moore, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Randy Houser, Joe Nichols, Chris Janson, Cam and othersA portion of the proceeds goes directly to Conservation Village, an organization that works to ensure ocean conservation and sustainable fishing.
18–23
Larry Joe Taylor Texas Music Festival
Stephenville, Texas
$199+
larryjoetaylor.com
Randy Rogers Band, Josh Abbott Band, William Clark Green, Reckless Kelly, Turnpike Troubadours, American Aquarium, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Sam Riggs, Cody Canada and the Departed, Bart Crow, Jason Boland & the Stragglers, Stoney LaRue, Wade Bowen and others
27–30
Suwanee River Jam
Live Oak, Fla.
$45+
suwanneeriverjam.com
Chase Rice, Clay Walker, Kellie Pickler, Chris Janson, John Michael Montgomery, LOCASH, Lee Greenwood, Cowboy Troy, Big Smo and others
29–May 1
Las Cruces Country Music Festival
Las Cruces, N.M.
$10+
lascrucescountrymusic.com
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, David Nail, Lee Ann Womack, Cam, Rick Trevino, Aaron Watson and others
29–May 1
Stagecoach Festival
Indio, Calif.
$299+
stagecoachfestival.com
Chris Stapleton, Eric Church, John Fogerty, Rodney Crowell, Chris Young, Carrie Underwood, Dustin Lynch, Dale Watson, A Thousand Horses, Aaron Watson, Amanda Shires, Aubrie Sellers, Billy Joe Shaver and othersNow in its tenth year of existence, the Stagecoach Festival (from the people behind Coachella) has one of the most eclectic lineups of major country stars and Americana/roots favorites.
MAY
4–8
Key West Songwriter’s Festival
Key West, Fla.
FREE+
keywestsongwritersfestival.com
Jake Owen, Robert Earl Keen, Rhett Akins, Natalie Hemby, Jack Ingram, Lori McKenna, American Young, Love and Theft, Aaron Lewis, Jason Michael Carroll, and many, many others.
26–29
Tree Town Music Festival
Forest City, Iowa
$155+
treetownfestival.com
Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Sam Hunt, Jake Owen, Kelsea Ballerini, Craig Morgan, Chris Janson, Jana Kramer, Old Dominion, Jon Pardi, Morgan Frazier and othersNo surprise that they love some country music in the Heartland, and this Iowa festival brings the top-tier talent as well as the hottest rising stars.
27–29
Bayou Country Superfest
Baton Rouge, La.
$33+
bayoucountrysuperfest.com
Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Jason Aldean, Little Big Town, Lady Antebellum, Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, Cole Swindell, Thomas Rhett, Randy Rogers Band and othersYou don’t have to wear your purple and gold to attend this massive Memorial Day weekend festival at LSU Tiger Stadium; you just have to be ready to let them bon temps roll.
27–29
Country 500: The Great American Music Fest at Daytona
Daytona Beach, Fla.
$199+
daytonainternationalspeedway.com
Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, Kid Rock, Lady Antebellum, Willie Nelson and 40 other stars.
JUNE
3–4
Rock the South
Cullman, Ala.
$49+
rockthesouth.com
Details to be announced Jan. 25, 2016.The festival started in 2012 as a way to celebrate recovery and rebuilding after a tornado “rocked” the area in 2011. In 2014, more than $50,000 was raised for local charities.
3–5
Country Summer
Santa Rosa, Calif.
$69+
countrysummer.com
Billy Currington, Frankie Ballard, Old Dominion, The Band Perry, Kip Moore, Chase Rice, Chase Bryant, Lady Antebellum, Craig Morgan, Chris Janson and others
9–11
Blue Ox Music Festival
Eau Claire, Wis.
$130+
blueoxmusicfestival.com
Railroad Earth, Bela Fleck & The Flecktones, Greensky Bluegrass, Del Mccoury Band with Very Special Guests, The Wood Brothers, Sam Bush, Pert Near Sandstone, Shovels & Rope, Leftover Salmon, Blitzen Trapper, Nikki Lane, Jeff Austin Band, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, The Cactus Blossoms, Head For the Hills, Charlie Parr, The Big Wu, Sierra Hull, Whiskey Shivers, Dead Winter Carpenters, Useful Jenkins, The Last Revel, Ginstrings, Tin Can Gin, and Evergreen Grass Band
9–12
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
Manchester, Tenn.
$324.50+
bonnaroo.com
More than 150 musicians, bands and comedians will perform across 12 stages, including a country music roster of Chris Stapleton, Sam Hunt and Jason Isbell. Ed Helms and The Bluegrass Situation will mark their fourth year at Bonnaroo with their SuperJam that features John Moreland, Sara Watkins, The Wood Brothers, Steep Canyon Rangers and Sam Bush Band.
9–12
CMA Music Festival
Nashville
$0+
cmaworld.com/cma-music-festival
Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts, Eric Church, Sam Hunt, Chris Stapleton, Carrie Underwood, Hank Williams Jr. and others.For an immersive country music experience like no other, downtown Nashville is the place to be in June.
10–12
Carolina Country Music Fest
Myrtle Beach, S.C.
$159+
carolinacountrymusicfest.com
Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Florida Georgia Line, Cole Swindell, Jake Owen, A Thousand Horses, Michael Ray and othersPack your sunscreen and flip-flops—the $6.4 million Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is the place to be for the inaugural Carolina Country Music Festival.
10–12
Taste of Country Music Festival
Hunter Mountain, N.Y.
$165+
tasteofcountryfestival.com
Kenny Chesney, Jake Owen, Gary Allan, Frankie Ballard, Big & Rich, Eric Paslay, Chris Janson, The Cadillac Three, Old Dominion and othersGoing into its fourth year, this festival has a wide range of attractions and camping options for the country music fan.
14–18
Country USA Oshkosh
Oshkosh, Wis.
$129+
countryusaoshkosh.com
Dierks Bentley, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt, Maddie & Tae, Thomas Rhett, Chris Janson, Dan & Shay, and others
16–18
Bighorn Country USA Camping & Music Festival
Sheridan, Wyo.
$59+
bighorncountryusa.com
Artist lineup yet to be announced.
16–19
Country Fest
Cadott, Wis.
$50+
countryfest.com
Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, Sam Hunt, Kip Moore, Randy Houser, Jerrod Niemann, Maddie & Tae, Frankie Ballard and othersWisconsin country fans have numerous festival options in the month of June, and this one combines superstar acts with local favorites playing on side stages.
17–18
Moondance Jammin Country Fest
Walker, Minn.
$100+
jammincountry.com
Dierks Bentley, Travis Tritt, Randy Houser, Chris Janson and othersFor those who want to get the good times off to an early start, check out the pre-Jam party the night before. Details on the website.
CANCELLED Feb. 8
17–19
FarmBorough
Randall’s Island, New York City
$225+
farmboroughfestival.com
From June 17-19, fans will converge on two stages in Randalls’ Island Park for headliners Jason Aldean, Toby Keith and Tim McGraw, as well as a supporting lineup that includes Brooks & Dunn, Brantley Gilbert, Thomas Rhett, A Thousand Horses, Billy Currington, Lonestar, Kacey Musgraves, David Nail, Eric Paslay and Ryan Kinder.
17–19
Windy City LakeShake
Chicago
$199+
lakeshakefestival.com
Artist lineup yet to be announced.It’s the city’s only major country music festival, set against the backdrop of the great Chicago skyline.
23–25
Kicker Country Stampede
Manhattan, Kan.
$130+
countrystampede.com
Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley, Sam Hunt, Jake Owen and othersMore than 170,000 people attended the 2014 edition of this festival, held at Tuttle Creek State Park, within a day’s driving distance of Topeka, Wichita and Kansas City.
CANCELLED Feb. 8
24–26
Big Barrel Country Music Festival
The Woodlands of Dover International Speedway, Dover, Del.
$149+
bigbarrel.com
Ashley Monroe, Dwight Yoakam, Emmylou Harris, Hank Williams, Jr., Jason Isbell, Eric Church, Brad Paisley, Brothers Osborne, Charles Esten, Clare Bowen, Eli Young Band, Jerrod Niemann and othersYou’ll be jamming and dancing at the Dover International Speedway, a regular stop on the NASCAR circuit.
29–JULY 3 & JULY 5–10
SummerFest
Milwaukee
$13+
summerfest.com
Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan and Frankie Ballard. More country artists will be announced for the other stages in March and April.The Guinness-certified World’s Largest Music Festival spans 11 days, incorporates more than 800 acts and features attendees from 40-plus countries.
30–JULY 3
Dauphin’s Countryfest
Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada
$179+
countryfest.ca
Dwight Yoakam, Chris Janson, Merle Haggard, Thomas Rhett, Lady Antebellum, Dallas Smith, Dean Brody and othersBesides outstanding music, the festival offers contests and activities with cool prizes for winners. Kids ages 3–12 get in free when accompanied by an adult.
30–JULY 2
Jam In the Valley
Varysburg, N.Y.
$25+
jaminthevalley.com
Easton Corbin, Sam Hunt, Ray Scott, Old Dominion, Ray Scott and others.
JULY
CANCELLED March 24
1–3
Dega Jam – Talladega Superspeedway
Lincoln, Ala.
$179+
degajam.com
Eric Church, Blake Shelton, Toby Keith, Kid Rock, Hank Williams, Jr., Billy Currington, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Lee Brice, Martina McBride, Kip Moore, Gary Allan, Tyler Farr, Dwight Yoakam, Frankie Ballard, Easton Corbin, Montgomery Gentry, Sara Evans, Marty Stuart, Jamey Johnson, Chase Rice, Chris Janson, Brothers Osborne, Brandy Clark, Eli Young Band, John Anderson and many others
7–9
Country Concert
Fort Loramie, Ohio
$79+
countryconcert.com
Eric Church, Dierks Bentley, Sam Hunt, Kacey Musgraves, Thomas Rhett, Big & Rich, Chris Janson, Dustin Lynch and others
7–10
Hodag Country Festival
Rhinelander, Wis.
$70+
hodag.com
Thomas Rhett, Jake Owen, Cam, Jana Kramer, Terri Clark, Montgomery Gentry, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Maddie & Tae, Neal McCoy, Mickey Gilley, Chris Janson and others
8–10
Cavendish Beach Music Festival
Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, Canada
$70+
CavendishBeachMusic.com
Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, The Band Perry, Old Dominion and others
14
Calgary Stampede
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
$60+ (concerts only)
calgarystampede.com
Zac Brown BandThis is a full-fledged rodeo and concert event, much like Houston Rodeo or NFR in the stages, with all of the cowbells and whistles, held at the namesake Stampede Park.
14–17
Jamboree in the Hills
Morristown, Ohio
$70+
jamboreeinthehills.com
Artist lineup yet to be announced.This long-running country festival is nestled near Wheeling, W.Va., and Pittsburgh and includes the free-for-all Redneck Run to grab the best seats, so bring your sneakers.
15–17
Faster Horses
Brooklyn, Mich.
$199+
fasterhorsesfestival.com
A Thousand Horses, Big & Rich, David Nail, Eric Church, Gary Allan, Granger Smith featuring Earl Dibbles, Jr., Jason Aldean, Joe Nichols, Jon Pardi, Lady Antebellum, LOCASH, Sam Hunt, Travis Tritt and others
15–17
Windy City Smokeout
Chicago
$110+
windycitysmokeout.com
Chase Rice, Billy Currington, Old Dominion, Jessie James Decker, Big & Rich with special guest Cowboy Troy, Corey Smith, Frankie Ballard, Phil Vassar, Whiskey Myers, Walker County, Whiskey Jam and others
21–23
Country Jam Wisconsin
Eau Claire, Wis.
$95+
countryjamwi.com
Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, Jake Owen, The Band Perry, Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell, Eli Young Band, The Cadillac Three and others
21–23
Night In the Country
Yerington, Nev.
$85+
nightinthecountry.org
Tyler Farr, Kip Moore, Chase Rice, LOCASH and othersNevada’s longest-running Country Music Festival, held away from the big city lights under the beautiful Nevada sky. 100% of proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mason Valley.
21–24
Country Thunder Wisconsin
Twin Lakes, Wis.
$160+
countrythunder.com
Eric Church, Chris Young, Florida Georgia Line, Jake Owen, Thomas Rhett, A Thousand Horses, Chris Janson, Joe Diffie, Parmalee, Chase Bryant, The Bellamy Brothers and othersIf you couldn’t make the earlier Country Thunder, you have another chance to experience the fun and magic in this beautiful setting.
23
Lost Highway
San Manuel Ampitheater, San Bernardino, Calif.
$?+
losthighwayfest.com
Brantley Gilbert, Social Distortion, Justin Moore, Eagles of Death Metal, Chevy Metal, Face to Face, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Tony Joe White, Colt Ford, Paul Cauthen and othersFull festival with multiple stages, motorcycle shows, massive vendor village, beer garden, etc. Kids under 10 Free with Festival General Admission Ticket
29–31
Cape Blanco
Sixes, Ore.
$130+
capeblancofestival.com
Jason Aldean, Brantley Gilbert, Kenny Chesney, Tyler Farr, Chase, A Thousand Horses and others
29–31
Oregon Jamboree
Sweet Home, Ore.
$140+
oregonjamboree.com
Carrie Underwood, Toby Keith, Chase Bryant, Old Dominion, Randy Houser and othersThe 21-year-old Jamboree is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, with camping available for attendees and fishing, hunting, rock climbing and more within reach. That is, if you can pull yourself away from the music.
29–31
Watershed Music and Camping Festival (see Sep. 5–7 info)
George, Wash.
$199+
watershedfest.com
A Thousand Horses, Brett Eldredge, Brothers Osborne, David Nail, Eric Church, Jason Aldean, Jon Pardi, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, Maren Morris, Merle Haggard, Neal McCoy, RaeLynn and Tyler Farr
AUG.
4–6
Country on the River
Prairie du Chien, Wis.
$99+
countryontheriverwisconsin.com
Lee Brice, Kid Rock and others. More artists to be announced.
4–6
WE Fest
Detroit Lakes, Minn.
$139+
wefest.com
Eric Church, Tim McGraw, Kid Rock, Lee Brice, Billy Currington, Joe Nichols, Gary Allan, Montgomery Gentry and othersHead to Detroit Lakes in the Land of Ten Thousand Lakes (get directions) for this 30-year-old gathering, possibly country music’s northernmost festival in the United States.
4–7
Boots and Hearts
Oro-Medonte, Ontario, Canada
$249+
bootsandhearts.com
Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley, Sam Hunt, Chase Rice, Cam, Emerson Drive and othersBilled as the largest country festival in Canada, Boots and Hearts combines established superstars with exciting new talents and regional favorites.
5–7
Watershed Music and Camping Festival (see Aug. 29–31 info)
George, Wash.
$199+
watershedfest.com
A Thousand Horses, Brett Eldredge, Brothers Osborne, David Nail, Eric Church, Jason Aldean, Jon Pardi, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, Maren Morris, Merle Haggard, RaeLynn and Travis Tritt
12–14
Willamette Country Music Festival
Brownsville, Ore.
$130+
willamettecountrymusicfestival.com
Florida Georgia Line, Brantley Gilbert, Miranda Lambert, Cole Swindell, Easton Corbin, The Cadillac Three, Chris Lane, Brothers Osborne and others – Hosted by Pam Tillis and Amy ClawsonNestled between Eugene and Salem, Brownsville, Ore., also served as the setting for the fictional town in the film Stand by Me.
19–21
Country Thunder Alberta
Prairie Winds Park, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
$190+
countrythunder.com
Luke Bryan, Tim McGraw, Big & Rich, Chris Young, Dustin Lynch, Chris Janson, Neal McCoy, Phil Vassar, Lindsay Ell and others.
SEPT.
2–4
Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam
Panama City Beach, Fla.
$129+
gulfcoastjam.com
Brad Paisley, Jake Owen, Eric Church, Brett Eldredge, The Band Perry, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Granger Smith, Sara Evans, Tyler Farr, A Thousand Horses, Charles Esten, Neal McCoy, Mark Chesnutt, Darryl Worley, Colt Ford, Craig Campbell, Dylan Scott and othersThe Jam might be your last chance to party for the summer, as it takes place Labor Day weekend.
15–19
Americana Music Festival & Conference
Nashville, Tenn.
$30+
americanamusic.org/about-festival
Artist lineup yet to be announced.For four nights, September 20–25, the Americana Music Festival will feature approximately 180 live performances at over nine music venues in the vicinity of downtown Nashville.
22–24
Medicine Stone
Tahlequah, Okla.
$40+
medicinestoneok.com
Artist lineup yet to be announced.
24–25
Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival
Franklin, Tenn.
$92+
pilgrimagefestival.com
Artist lineup yet to be announced.
30–OCT 2
Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival
Columbia, Mo.
$89+
rootsnbluesnbbq.com
Artist lineup yet to be announced.
30–OCT. 2
Route 91 Harvest Country Music Festival
Las Vegas
$210+
rt91harvest.com
Photomontage by Jason Simanek; Florida Georgia Line by Jeremy Cowart/Sweet Talk Publicity; Eric Church by John Peets/EB Media; Brad Paisley by John Russell/CMA; Dierks Bentley by Nino Munoz/The Greenroom PR; Jim Lauderdale by Scott Simontacchi/The Press House; Dwight Yoakam courtesy Warner Bros. Records; Emmylou Harris by Jack Spencer/Sacks & Co.; Chris Janson by Eric Brown/WMG; Kelsea Ballerini courtesy Black River Entertainment; Kenny Chesney courtesy Sony Music Nashville; Tim McGraw courtesy NASCAR; Miranda Lambert courtesy Shopkeeper Mgmt; Little Big Town courtesy UMG
– Country Weekly Staff
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