Only one genre is as diverse as this. From “Big porch, tiny shorts, be my wife, make a casserole” all the way to “Oops I killed my husband”, country music content really varies between extremes. But whether you prefer golden oldies or modern country rock, we’ve got you covered with the 5 best country music festivals of 2024.
Stagecoach (Fri, 26 Apr – Sun, 28 Apr ; California)
This is one of the biggest US country music fests, and the cousin to Coachella. Both are held annually at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, Cali. The main course here is a variety of olden to modern country, but other sides include Americana, roots, and bluegrass flavours.
Festivalgoers can camp on-site, and this 72 hour event features western activities for the whole fam. Among others, there’s a instrument petting zoo for the youngins, a smokehouse, rodeo shows and the Honkytonk dance hall. Meet the street-raised, horse-saved Compton Cowboys and their horses up close, then get a bird’s eye view of the area atop the Ferris wheel. There’s also full bars and a variety of cuisine to be enjoyed.
The 2024 line-up has Post Malone, Jelly Roll, Baily Zimmerman, Paul Cauthen, Morgan Wallen, Nate Smith, Brittney Spencer, and more big names in the headliner slots. Hurry up and snag your passes.
Country Fest (Thu, 27 Jun – Sat, 29 Jun ; Wisconsin)
From its inception in 1987, this three-day event has become the largest (and one of the oldest) music and camping event in the States. Held annually in a natural amphitheater the size of roughly 380 football fields, all structures and surrounding infrastructure are permanent. The meaning is clear: Country Fest will knock your boots off for many years to come!
Over 7,000 campsites within walking distance ensure unsafe driving is out of the question and boundless partying is guaranteed. Alternatively, glamping, RV’s and hotels are all options in the Glamping Village. Read all up on camping and passes on the website!
Of the five permanent stages, the main stage has seen the likes of George Strait, Taylor Swift, Blake Shelton, Carrie Johnny Cash, George Jones, Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley, and many other legends. Now, some headliners in the 2024 line-up include Eric Church, Ashley McBryde, Conner Smith, Morgan Evans, Keith Urban, Cooper Alan, Deana Carter, Jake Owen, Lorrie Morgan, among others.
Watershed Festival (Fri, 2 Aug – Sun, 4 Aug ; Washington)
This annual country music event is held over three days at the Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington. Here, superstars, local talent and newcomers take to the multiple stages and belt out beloved country beats. Between the lake and rugged natural surroundings, this is the Wild West at its best.
Smack you boots on the dance floor, hitch a ride on the Ferris wheel and mosey on in at Shedderville. This themed campsite community is ready to give you a talk and a drink any time.
The 2024 line-up includes Old Dominion, Luke Bryan, Riley Green, Terri Clark, Dylan Scott, HARDY, and others. With headliners this good and a view like theirs, this event is guilty of nothing but a damn good time.
Gulf Coast Jam (Thu, 30 May – Sun, 2 Jun ; Florida)
It’s all wide open spaces and clear blue waters at this annual, three day event that happens in Panama City Beach, Florida. Fill your mornings with soft sands and rejuvenating water, and spend your nights stomping to country vibes that will knock your boots off.
While on-site camping is not an option, Panama City offers accommodation options for the outdoorsy, RV-loving and happy campers as well as those who prefer a bit more luxury and comfort after a night in the Wild West.
The 2024 line-up has Jelly Roll, Nate Smith, Morgan Wallen, Parker McCollum, Russel Dickerson, Cody Johnson, Flatland Cavalry, Russel Dickerson and Billy Currington in their headlines, among other artists that will keep spirits high through all four days.
CMA Music Festival (Thu, 6 Jun – Sun, 9 Jun; Tennessee)
The longest running country festival in the world takes place over four days in Nashville, Tennessee. It prides itself on raising money towards children’s’ music education regardless of their background. In line with this, it raised $2.5 million during its 50th anniversary in 2023. Simultaneously, it welcomed a record-high number of 90 000 festivalgoers from 50 international countries.
While you’re in town, venture out and discover the Music City’s attractions and events, including Honky Tonk Highway. Here, world class music and neon lights create the Broadway ambiance 24/7, 365 days a year.
Spend your nights the Ascend Amphitheatre and Nissan Stadium Main & Platform Stages. Meanwhile, daylight performances take place on the CMA Closeup Stage, Riverfront Stage, and CMA Spotlight Stage. The 2024 line-up includes
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