🎤 1. CMA Fest (Nashville, Tennessee, USA)
Since: 1972
Vibe: The ultimate country music pilgrimage.
The CMA Music Festival, hosted by the Country Music Association in the heart of Nashville, is arguably the biggest and most iconic country music festival in the world. Spanning four days each June, it brings together the genre’s biggest stars and die-hard fans for performances, fan meet-and-greets, and exclusive events. The whole city becomes a celebration of country music, and it’s a must-attend for true fans.
🤠Stagecoach Festival (Indio, California, USA)
Since: 2007
Vibe: Coachella’s country cousin, but with boots and banjos.
Held on the same grounds as Coachella, Stagecoach has quickly grown into one of the top country festivals in the world. It mixes traditional, contemporary, and even bluegrass acts, drawing massive crowds in the California desert. It’s famous for its big-name headliners, stylish festival-goers in cowboy boots, and rowdy campgrounds.
🎶 Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic (Texas, USA)
Since: 1973
Vibe: Texas-sized celebration with outlaw country flair.
Started by the legendary Willie Nelson himself, this annual event has moved around Texas over the years but always delivers a star-studded lineup and a laid-back, rebellious country atmosphere. It’s both a music festival and a patriotic party, celebrating both American independence and Willie’s iconic influence on the genre.
🌾 WE Fest (Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, USA)
Since: 1983
Vibe: Northern country vibes with southern-style partying.
Held at Soo Pass Ranch, this is one of the largest and longest-running country music festivals in the U.S. It’s beloved for its scenic location and a reputation for bringing together legendary acts with a loyal, enthusiastic fanbase. Camping is a huge part of the experience.
🎡 The Calgary Stampede (Calgary, Alberta, Canada)
Since: 1912
Vibe: Rodeo meets country music extravaganza.
More than just a music festival, the Calgary Stampede is a massive rodeo and western-themed event that hosts nightly concerts featuring top country artists. It’s known as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” and showcases the international appeal of country music in Canada.
🏜️ Country Thunder (Multiple Locations – Arizona, Wisconsin, Florida, etc.)
Since: 1993
Vibe: High-energy touring country party.
Country Thunder isn’t just one festival—it’s a traveling celebration of country music with multiple events held across North America. Each location draws huge crowds, and the lineups are always stacked with current chart-toppers and country legends.
🎻 MerleFest (Wilkesboro, North Carolina, USA)
Since: 1988
Vibe: Americana, bluegrass, and roots country heaven.
Founded in memory of Merle Watson (son of folk legend Doc Watson), MerleFest is more acoustic and roots-focused than mainstream country festivals. It’s a beloved event for fans of traditional sounds, Americana, and storytelling through music.
🏕️ Faster Horses Festival (Brooklyn, Michigan, USA)
Since: 2013
Vibe: Tailgate meets music fest on the speedway.
Though newer than some others, Faster Horses has quickly gained a loyal following thanks to its killer lineups, energetic crowds, and prime summer weekend at the Michigan International Speedway. It’s one of the most youthful and party-focused country fests around.