Country music fans are in for a treat this summer as several festivals provide them with both big-name headliners and red dirt country stars at one event. Here are just a few!
Faster Horses is an annual college-age party held on an NASCAR track that also doubles as Michigan’s largest campground, featuring drunken revelry set to an infectious country-folk soundtrack.
Myrtle Beach Festival
Myrtle Beach offers an abundance of festivals that offer everything from monster trucks and baseball to music events and family friendly fun, there is sure to be an event that suits everyone in this vibrant region.
The Carolina Country Music Fest takes place annually on Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and features three days of exciting country music performances by chart-topping artists as well as new up-and-coming talent to the country music scene.
Myrtle Beach Country Music Festival is an ideal way to kick-off your summer vacation and celebrate great country music! Boasting over 30 musical acts annually, the Myrtle Beach Country Music Festival provides the perfect way to enjoy yourself while experiencing everything Myrtle Beach has to offer!
Native Sons Salt Games is a two-day beach festival that blends sports and fun, where locals compete in 15 sports events such as volleyball and golf while visitors enjoy live music, food, drinks and games.
Are you in search of an unforgettable relaxing experience? Make sure to stop by Myrtle Beach’s Summer Concert Series all summer long for the Myrtle Beach Summer Concert Series, when Main Street in Myrtle Beach closes down for pedestrian traffic only and guests can stroll along and dine at local restaurants while listening to live music at its bandstand.
As soon as the sun goes down, head over to Cherry Grove Fishing Pier for an amazing fireworks show that is sure to amaze and amuse all your family. This free event has been taking place for over 20 years now and draws thousands of visitors annually who can witness their fireworks light up over the Atlantic.
Little River community comes together each May for the annual Blue Crab Festival to commemorate their heritage, complete with parade, music, arts and crafts vendors, delicious local seafood offerings, children’s activities and much more! What better way to spend a beautiful spring day than in Myrtle Beach!
Lewistown Cowboy Poetry Gathering & Western Music Rendezvous
The Lewistown Cowboy Poetry Gathering & Western Music Rendezvous is a four-day cultural festival that honors and recognizes American cowboy heritage and values. Featured events include traditional cowboy poetry recitations and performances of acoustic Western music as well as western art and gear displays; plus continuing education credits opportunities for educators.
The Yellowstone National Park Festival takes place annually in Lewistown, Montana – just minutes from Yellowstone National Park’s north entrance – attracting approximately 100 cowboy poets, Western musicians and artists from across the United States. This year will feature Suzy Bogguss who has become known for her chart-topping country songs.
Kuhlmann considers the event essential as it serves to educate people on the Western way of life and highlight its values and traditions. According to her, this way of living should not become obsolete but should remain vibrant for future generations. Additionally, performances at this event provide entertainment to anyone, regardless of background. All should come enjoy these performers who don’t look like movie stars but have real stories behind their acts that anyone can learn from and appreciate.”
Similar events are taking place nationwide. The Range Riders Museum in Miles City, Montana hosts an annual cowboy poetry gathering to raise funds for its museum. Tickets cost $25 and includes meal and main show performance by various participants as well as free acoustic performances by participating artists.
Cimarron Cowboy Poetry and Musical Rendezvous in New Mexico is another notable event, held every August and featuring performers who either still participate in cowboy culture today, or once did in years gone by. 2021 saw eight poets and eleven musicians/groups performing, such as Doug Figgs, Theresa Burleson, Kristyn Harris with Hailey Sandoz, Floyd and Valerie Beard (of Washtub Jerry fame), Washtub Jerry, Terry Nash.
Heber City, Utah’s Cowboy Poetry and Western Music Rendezvous was launched in 1994 by three local cowboy poets and western musicians. Since then it has grown into an annual regional gathering attended by more than 16,000 attendees each year, offering acoustic Western music performances and educational activities designed to foster growth among children and families.
Rock the Country
Rock the Country, presented by 46 Entertainment, is a traveling music festival featuring popular artists. Taking place over two days at seven American towns across two weeks, its lineup features Jason Aldean and Kid Rock as headliners while other performers such as Miranda Lambert, Hank Williams Jr., Lynyrd Skynyrd Koe Wetzel Brantley Gilbert Big & Rich Gretchen Wilson are among others making appearances. Furthermore, other musicians and comedians perform for two-day stops.
Tickets to the festival can be purchased either online or at participating retailers, offering two-day general admission seating or elevated seating, VIP packages with exclusive perks and starting prices of $129 – the latter may rise as the festival approaches.
Rock the Country will implement plans in case of inclement weather to ensure the safety of attendees and sponsors, depending on its severity. These measures may involve temporary evacuations or other emergency measures – event organizers will work closely with local EMS services to ensure all involved remain safe during these unexpected situations.
This festival will take place at Lamar Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales, Louisiana from April 5-6 and feature both classic and new country artists including Kid Rock and Jason Aldean as well as Hank Williams Jr, Koe Wetzel, Brantley Gilvir and Travis Tritt.
Fans should wear comfortable clothing, sunscreen and hats. The venue will offer water stations and shade areas if necessary; portable chairs, blankets and coolers can also be brought. You can pay with credit card at vendor stands; pre-registering your card can make the experience more seamless.
Alongside its incredible lineup of performers, the festival also offers an abundance of food and drinks. If you plan on bringing children, be aware of any age restrictions prior to purchasing tickets. Furthermore, the festival is dedicated to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship with initiatives designed to reduce plastic waste while improving energy efficiency in place.
Rock the River
Rock the River Country Music Festival features both celebrated stars and newcomers to country music each August at Gorge Amphitheatre in George, Washington. Campers can choose between tent or RV accommodations that boast views of Columbia River and canyon walls surrounding George. In addition to music performances by international acts and performances by American country acts themselves, this event also offers food, beverages and activities to honor country culture including rodeoing, line dancing and barn dances.
Country music fans love dancing and singing along to their favorite artists at concerts. Country music festivals frequently showcase various dance styles, from traditional two-step to modern swing, disco, waltz and even dance lessons that give people the chance to show off their moves on the floor.
At country music festivals, people attend hoping for a great time and an atmosphere that’s enjoyable and festive. Festivals offer many attractions including fireworks displays, food trucks and tasty treats; plus they often showcase various genres from traditional country hits all the way up to current hits!
Some country music festivals are family-friendly while others may not be. If you plan on bringing children with you, selecting one that offers this feature is key in order to ensure everyone enjoys the concert experience equally. Remember to dress your little ones warmly and wear sunscreen.
Purchase tickets ahead of time is the key to having an unforgettable country music festival experience, enabling you to avoid long lines and save money on entrance fees. Online auction sites and newspaper classifieds often offer discounted concert tickets that may save money over waiting in line.
Discover your favorite country stars up close at the CMA Close Up Stage located in Fan Fair X at Music City Center, featuring artist interviews, Q&As, acoustic performances and unique interactive experiences. A portion of proceeds from this stage benefits the CMA Foundation to shape the future of country music.