The United States is known and understood as the home of country music. Country music is almost native to the US and the number of country music festivals arranged every year is just an illustration of how famous the genre is in the US.
When it comes to the country festivals, you would find yourself spoilt by the variety of up and coming newcomers, while the old classics charm you with their classical sounds.
Regardless of which festival you choose to attend, you are sure to have a great time. So grab your cowboy hat and boots as we uncover the 25 best country music festivals in the US.
1. Heartland Stampede
The festival takes place in Topeka, Kansas and welcomes country music fans from coast to coast.
Heartland Stampede, formerly known as Kicker Country Stampede, has been on the scene for more than twenty years. For over twenty years, the festival has been welcoming country lovers from around the country to bask in the glory of all that is country music.
For many years, the festival has been a remembered event in the calendar for any country lover. Fans flock to the venue and rush through the gates to get the perfect spot under the sun to enjoy their favourite artists.
Previous lineups have included country sensations such as Cody Johnson, Clay Walker, Riley Green and Luke Combs.
For more information on dates and tickets, visit the official website. Click here.
2. Watershed Festival
Held in the famous Gorge Amphitheatre in George, Washington, Watershed Festival is set in a beautiful location, which is why it is one of the most iconic country concerts in the world.
Here you would get a good mix of the old classics that wow the audience and find yourself pleasantly teased by the new and upcoming newcomers.
The festival is also a great place to catch the local talent and you are sure to have an amazing time thanks to the mix of talents usually playing the festival. You would find yourself camped for the length of the festival, catching some great music and having a ball of a time.
Previous names that have played Watershed festival include Billy Currington, Jon Pardi, Thomas Rhett and Kelsea Ballerini.
For more information on dates and tickets, visit their official website. Click here.
3. Carolina Country Music Fest
Held in Myrtle Beach in South Carolina, the festival is a rather new addition to the country music scene. In 2019, they celebrated their 5th edition.
Though a new addition to the scene, it has grown in popularity and has become a much-loved event over the years. The coastal scenery is beautiful and the venue spreads across eighteen acres.
The festival hosts some of the hottest country talents in the genre and have seen performances by artists such as Luke Combs, Jake Owen, Kolby Oakley and Riley Green.
Further to the seasoned favourites, you would also find a good mix of fresh new talents on the scene. It’s a great place to explore new talent. Not to mention the divine coast scenery makes for some amazing fun in the sun.
For more information on dates and tickets, visit the official website. Click here.
4. Gulf Coast Jam
Located in one of Florida’s spectacular beaches, the Gulf Coast Jam takes places in Panama City Beach in Florida.
The festival hosts some of the biggest names in the country music scene and you are sure to catch some big stars in the lineup.
Offering a truly unique experience, Gulf Coast Jam takes place in the stunning backdrop of Panama City Beach, which allows for a great atmosphere of fun. The sun, the sand and obviously the clear blue waters make this festival one not to be missed.
For any country music fan, this is an event that you should mark on your calendar. Previous talents have included names such as Brothers Osborne, Cody Jinks, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Brad Paisley.
For more information on dates and tickets, visit the official website. Click here.
5. Country Jam
The Country Jam began all the way back in 1992. Set in the beautiful mountainous setting of Grand Junction, Colorado, the festival is a four-day celebration of country music.
You would find yourself camping under the stars in the picturesque red rock landscape amidst thousands of fans, all of whom love country music as much as you.
You are surely in for a treat. The festival hosts talents that are considered superstars in the country music scene, with names such as Carrie Underwood, Dustin Lynch, Kane Brown and Toby Keith playing in past events.
For more information on dates and tickets, visit their official website. Click here.
6. Rock the South
Taking place in Cullman, Alabama, the festival was initially intended to be a one-time celebration intended for recovery after a tornado that ripped through Alabama.
However, though originally the festival was intended as a one-off gig, it has survived over the years and expanded its reach. It has continued to raise money and has become a shining light in the country music scene.
With every year that passes by, the lineup gets better, the festival gets bigger and the music is heard louder and wider by the host of passionate country fans who flock to the scene.
Previous talents at the festivals have included names such as Brothers Osborne, Diamond Rio, Drew Parker and Tracy Byrd.
For more information on dates and tickets, visit their official website. Click here.
7. Old Settler’s Music Festival
This is truly a family-friendly festival, which invites people from all around the country for a campout celebration of music, in Tilmon, Texas.
The lineup is rather traditional, which makes it great for families and the atmosphere is fun and energy-packed.
It’s not all about the music at the festival. Though the festival offers a fabulous lineup of talents from around the country, this three-day endeavour has various workshops, markets, funfairs, art and crafts and youth talents competitions. This is exactly why we stated this festival to be family-friendly.
Previous names that have played the festival includes artists such as Sam Bush, Tanya Tucker, Jade Bird, The Head and the Heart and Ruston Kelly.
For more information on dates and tickets, visit their official website. Click here.
8. WE Fest
WE Fest is one of the more popular festivals on our list. It has been known to be a leading country music festival for nearly four decades.
The festival sees over 50,000 fans coming together each year, all of who gather in the enormous natural amphitheatre located at the scenic Soo Pass Ranch.
There is a great mix of music and food that makes this festival a true celebration. You would find an endless supply of delicious food and over 50 independent stalls, all who flock to the venue to serve the guests.
Held in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, previous lineups have included names such as Jamey Johnson, Brooks and Dunn, Billy Currington and Keith Urban.
For more information on dates and tickets, visit their official website. Click here.
9. CMA Music Festival
Held in Nashville, Tennessee, the CMA music festival began way back in 1972. The festival is a huge celebration of country music in the US.
The festival features over 400 artists and celebrities every year. The festival is part of the CMA Foundation, which works to improve and sustain music programs in the country while inspiring a love for music.
The festival brings in about 50,000 enthusiastic and passionate country music fans who are looking to support the cause. The lineup usually hosts some of the hottest names in the country music scene.
Previous names that have played the festival include artists such as Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett, Tim McGraw and Luke Bryan.
For more information on dates and tickets, visit their official website. Click here.
10. Stagecoach Festival
Held in Indio, California, the festival brings a great mix of both contemporary and classic country artists.
Stagecoach is one of the biggest country music celebrations in the world and the lineup has some big names each year.
What makes this festival spectacular is that the names in the lineup don’t include only country, but also names in the genres of folk, bluegrass and roots rock.
The festival is a three-day celebration and caters for fans with bars and food stalls, all of which adds to the excitement of the celebration. There is a clothes marketplace, a funfair and plenty of things to keep you busy.
All in all, you are sure you have an exciting time, at the biggest country music festival in the world!
For more information on dates and tickets, visit their official website. Click here.
11. Country Thunder Wisconsin
Held in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, the festival is a true celebration of country music.
You can camp out in a tent or drive up in your RV, whichever way you prefer, you are in for a treat along with the 100,000 fans that usually flock to the festival.
Each year, the festival invites a list of talented artists that wow the crowds and keep them coming back each year.
The numbers of fans attending the festival have increased through the years, with lineups in the past including names such as Jake Owen, Tim McGraw, Luke Combs and Chris Stapleton.
For more information on dates and tickets, visit their official website. Click here.
12. Faster Horses
Held in Brooklyn, Michigan, the festival is marked as a ‘three-day hillbilly sleepover.’
The festival draws in over 40,000 country fans to the scene. Each year, the number of attendees at the festival has seen to increase.
With a fabulous lineup of talent in the past including, Jason Aldean, Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett and Jon Pardi, the festival is a celebration of all that is country music.
The festival is considered the best part of summer for any country fan, with 3 big days of country music and camping.
For more information on dates and tickets, visit their official website. Click here.
13. Country Lakeshake
Held in Northerly Island, Chicago, the festival is an unforgettable experience of country music at its finest.
The festival plays hosts to some of the best bands and artists in the country music scene and promises a great experience for country music lovers of all ages.
During the festival, it can become difficult to find accommodation in hotels. Hence be sure to book your accommodation well ahead of time.
Previous names have included artists such as Kassi Ashton, Lindsay Ell, Cassadee Pope and Maren Morris.
For more information on dates and tickets, visit the official website. Click here.
14. Taste of Country
Stationed in Hunter Mountain in New York, the festival is a haven for country music lovers from across the US.
People flock to the scene by the thousands and the feel-good vibes bring about an atmosphere of festivity and relaxation.
You could see yourself, kicking back a few cold beers and basking in the summer heat, as the lineup wows with some country music sensations from across the nation.
This four-day campout party brings with it some amazing music, food trucks, merchandise and country-themed vendors.
Previous top names that have been featured in the festival include artists such as Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney and Miranda Lambert.
For more information about the festival and dates and tickets, click here.
15. Country USA Oshkosh
Held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the festival is a three-day non-stop celebration featuring some of the biggest and hottest headliners.
You have the chance to partake in this huge country celebration, which brings with the amazing music, some fabulous food and exciting shopping opportunities.
You get to experience the Midwest’s premium Country Music Festival and a sensational lineup that will keep you wanting more.
Previous performers have included names such as Adam Doleac, Runaway June, Toby Keith, Chris Lane and Jimmie Allen.
For more information on dates and tickets, visit their official website. Click here.
16. Tailgate Fest
Held in Norco, California, Tailgate Fest is a unique experience where you get to pop a top, drop a tailgate and simply turn that parking lot, or what is considered acres of lush green grass into a massive party.
You get to watch your favourite performers from the comforts of your own personal party set ups at your vehicles. This is what makes this festival so unique.
It is a party atmosphere and everyone here is having a good time. You are sure to find yourself having a blast of a time when you tailgate at Tailgate Fest.
Past performers have included names such as Dierks Bentley, Lynyrd Skynyrd, TLC, Carly Pearce and Billy Currington.
For more information on dates and tickets, visit their official website. Click here.
17. Windy City Smokeout
Held in Illinois, Chicago, the Windy City Smokeout is a combination of country music, barbecue and some amazing beer.
Honestly, you would find it hard to figure out something better to do with your summer. The festival brings with it some of the hottest names in the country music scene and the lineup also includes some of the ‘world’s best BBQ pitmasters.’
There will be about twenty barbecue pros from across the country, serving up some amazing grub, from ribs to briskets.
Not only do you get a flavour of some amazing country music, but the flavours of BBQ at the festival will also make you want to come back each year!
Previous artists that have performed at the venue include names such as Larry Fleet, Morgan Evans, Ryan Hurd and Ross Ellis.
For more information on dates, tickets and lineup, visit the official website. Click here.
18. Headwaters Country Jam
Held in Three Forks, Montana, the festival began in 2008 and has been getting bigger and better ever since.
Consisting of 159 acres, 60 acres are reserved for campsites that hold about 1,200 campers. Live music is played all day and continues into the night to keep the party alive.
The festival is three days long and has brought by various top artists including Eric Church, Eli Young Band, Lodestar and Montgomery Gentry.
Further to the music that is enjoyed by the attendees, there are dancing contests, a mechanical bull and plenty of food to be enjoyed at the venue.
For more information on dates and tickets, visit their official website. Click here.
19. Tortuga Music Festival
Held in Fort Lauderdale in Florida, if you love country music, then Tortuga Music Festival is definitely one that you should check out.
It takes place on the beach, which is why the festival is so appealing. It has a great mix of music and fun in the sun.
If you are after some great country music and a great time, the sun in Florida is sure to treat you well.
Previous lineups have included names such as Tim Mcgraw, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, Billy Currington and Cole Swindell.
For more information on dates and tickets, visit the official website. Click here.
20. Country Summer Music Festival
Held in Santa Rosa in California, the festival is Northern California’s biggest country music festival.
The festival packs in three epic days of country music, hosting some of the top country artists in the industry.
The festival is a celebration of western-themed attractions and has an amazing food court that will make your mouth water.
Previous lineups have includes names such as Tim McGraw, Jake Owen, Big and Rich, Lauren Alaina and Carly Pearce.
For more information on dates and tickets, visit their official website. Click here.
21. Moondance Jammin Country Fest
Stationed in Walker, Minnesota, the festival is held in what is considered one of the friendliest places in the world.
The festival plays hosts to some famous country musicians in an incomparable festival atmosphere. The hospitality at Walker is unparalleled; you can enjoy countless speciality boutiques and restaurants.
As an added perk, the beautiful Leech Lake is really close by. All in all, you are sure to have a splendid time in one of the friendliest places you would ever visit.
Previous lineups have included names such as Free Fallin, Tyler Farr, David Lee Murphy and Rick Adams.
For more information on dates and tickets, visit the official website. Click here.
22. Night in the Country
Held in Yerington, Nevada, the festival is held away from the big city lights in this quiet farming town. The festival is one of the largest camping parties in the world.
The festival has recently expanded into 3 nights of music. That is three nights of all pure country magic.
The festival has been expanding and growing for the past 15 years and now has tremendous popularity amongst country fans around the US.
A festival promising you an unparalleled time, past performances have included names such as Niko Moon, Tyler Rich, Jon Padi and Rodney Atkins.
For more information on dates and tickets, visit the website. Click here.
23. Bayou Country Superfest
Held in Baton Rouge in Luisiana, Bayou Country Superfest began a long time ago at the Tiger Stadium at Lousiana State University. In 2019, the Superfest made a come back to the venue at Tiger Stadium.
The outdoor stadium gets packed by thousands of passionate country fans. The stadium as the backdrop to the festival, the beautiful night sky paints a perfect picture for festival goers.
The festival brings together some of country’s best acts together for a music fiesta that is sure to leave you wanting more. With past performances by names such as Kane Brown, Florida George Line, Caddadee Pope and Kenny Chesney, Bayou Country Superfest will for certain make an awesome country experience.
For more information on dates and tickets, visit the website. Click here.
24. Off the Rails Country Music Fest
Held in Frisco, Texas, Off the Rails Country Music Fest packs in great country music onto a two day festival lined with top artists from the industry.
Music isn’t the only thing the festival teases attendees with. The festivities at Off the Rails include food trucks, craft beers and a vendor village with some spectacular merchandise.
Sure to provide a great time, the festival has seen previous performances by names such as Travis Denning, Luke Combs, Sam Hunt and Lauren Alaina.
For more information on dates and tickets, visit the website. Click here.
25. Oregon Jamboree
The Northwest’s premier country music festival, Oregon Jamboree is held in Sweet Home in Oregon.
The festival is quietly nestled in the foothills of the scenic Cascade Mountains. It is held in 20+ acres of park life setting.
You are sure to get a full festival experience. The atmosphere is energetic and vibrant and the crowd is amazing. You have the opportunity to camp in tents or drive in on your RVs. There are food booths, merchandise vendors and various beer and wine gardens, making this Jamboree one not to be missed.
Past headliners have included names such as Billy Currington, Blanco Brown, Lonestar and Adam Larson & Co.
For more information on dates and tickets, visit the website. Click here.
The Best Country Music Festivals in the US
There you go, our list of the 15 best country music festivals that are sure to not only excite you about attending, but more certainly will make you want to come back each year.
If you are a real country fan and love music festivals, then you are sure to want to catch at least one festival on this list. The lineups are amazing, the food is great and you have a reasonable amount of choice to pick from year round.
We recommend, that you take this list and add it to your bucket list and tick off each festival one at a time. That way, you not only get to experience the best of country music, but will ensure that you have an amazing time at these spectacular venues.
All in all, we were sure to include all the big names in the scene. These are our selection of the best country festivals in the US that offer the best lineups and best overall festival experience.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article and that we have served the purpose of helping you find the next country music festival for you to attend.
Happy Partying!
