The Midwest is home to some of the largest country music festivals in the nation. There are quite a few country music festivals to choose from but some definitely offer you more of a bang than others. The list below is comprised of some of the most famous festivals in country music and all within the Midwest. Here are the best country music festivals in the Midwest.
Country Fest
Where: Cadott, Wisconsin
When: June 25-27
Lineup: Dierks Bentley, Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell, Granger Smith, Kane Brown, Jon Pardi
Country Fest is the largest 3-day country music and camping festival in the USA. Some of the biggest names in music have performed at Country Fest including Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and George Strait. There are over 7,000 campsites within walking distance of the venue. Being less than two hours from the Minneapolis makes an easily accessible festival for people all over the United States.
Country Thunder
Where: Forest City, Iowa
When: June 12-14
Lineup: Old Dominion, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kane Brown, Granger Smith, Ashley McBryde
Country Thunder is arguably Iowa’s biggest country music festival. Formally called Tree Town Music Festival, the festival turned into Country Jam in 2019. Like most country music festivals, Country Jam offers camping right outside on the venue. Make the most of your time there by camping the whole weekend.
Moondance Jammin Country Fest
Where: Walker, Minnesota
When: June 18-20
Lineup: Old Dominion, Midland, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Lauren Alaina, David Lee Murphy
Moondance is a staple country music festival in Walker, Minnesota. People from all around the region come to experience the bands. They are known for having a great camping atmosphere which makes any festival better. The festival even offers showers to campers along with ice, firewood, and freshwater. You can also rent your own Port-a-John for your campsite. Every year at Moondance Jammin Country Fest is one to remember.
Faster Horses
Where: Brooklyn, Michigan
When: July 17-19
Lineup: Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett, Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Jon Pardi
Set on hundreds of acres of pasture land, Faster Horses is one of the most renowned country music festivals in the Midwest. Three days of camping and listening to country music will make you feel truly alive. With one of the biggest lineups in country music, this is certainly a festival you need to consider adding to your plans this summer.
WE Fest
Where: Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
When: NO FESTIVAL THIS YEAR
2019 Lineup: Keith Urban, Brooks & Dunn, Chris Stapleton, Billy Currington
WE Fest is a 37-year-old tradition in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. WE Fest is known for being one of the rowdiest music festivals in the Midwest as well as one of the largest country music festivals in the nation. The festival organizers have decided to take the year off in order to regroup and make 2021 a more organized festival. Keep an eye on WE Fest in years to come, it is an incredible experience.
Heartland Stampede
Where: Topeka, Kansas
When: June 25-27
Lineup: Luke Combs, Toby Keith, Cody Johnson, Ashley McBryde, Clay Walker
https://www.heartlandstampede.com/
Held at the Heartland Motorsports Park, Heartland Stampede is the new name for the famous Country Stampede. Heartland Stampede is one of the biggest festivals in the state of Kansas. 2020 will be the 24th year this festival has taken place making it a staple festival in the state of Kansas and in the surrounding states.
The Country Concert
Where: Fort Loramie, Ohio
When: July 9-11
Lineup: Alan Jackson, Luke Combs, Jason Aldean, Old Dominion, Justin Moore
The Country Concert is will be having its 40th anniversary in 2020. One of the most interesting rules at The Country Concert is that you can bring your own cooler into the venue. The campground is also located directly adjacent to the main stage.
Country Jam USA
Where: Eau Claire, Wisconsin
When: July 16-18
Lineup: Chris Young, LOCASH, Luke Combs, Craig Morgan, Eli Young Band
Country Jam is another unique country music held in Wisconsin. There is a massive campground that a shuttle bus will pick you up and drop you off at. The campground is also unique for a music festival because is located in a heavily wooded area.
Country USA Oshkosh
Where: Oshkosh, Wisconsin
When: June 25-27
Lineup: Toby Keith, Little Big Town, Thomas Rhett, Rodney Atkins
http://www.countryusaoshkosh.com/
Held in the Ford Festival Park just outside of Oshkosk, Country USA is known around the nation for being one of the biggest country music festivals. The festival grounds are 300+ acres in size. Some of the biggest names in country music have performed at Country USA.
Windy City Smokeout
Where: Chicago, Illinois
When: July 10-12
Lineup: Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, Jon Pardi, Morgan Evans
https://www.windycitysmokeout.com/
The Windy City Smokeout is a little different than the typical country music festival. It is mainly focused around the barbeque cooking aspect of the event. They also have mass quantities of beers to try alongside your BBQ. Since it is held in the city of Chicago, there is no camping for this festival and the bands only play later in the afternoon. Even though this isn’t a typical country music festival, it is still an incredible scene to experience.
