Top 10 Country Music Festivals you Should Apply To

Country music is a huge part of many people’s lives, and it’s no surprise there are tons of country music festivals to back that up. Whether you’re looking to play a set or go to just let loose, there’s always a festival out there that’ll tickle your fancy.

If you’re into country music, you definitely don’t want to miss one of these legendary festivals…

These are the Top 10 Country Music Festivals you should apply to:

Stagecoach

When: April

Where: Indio, California

Stagecoach festival is an outdoor country music festival held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. Whether you’re into mainstream artists or underground, up and coming artists, Stagecoach is the world’s largest country music fest, with indie folk singer-songwriters, bluegrass bands, alt-country, and rock veterans galore. This fest has had some major headliners grace their stages like Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt, and Jason Aldean. For more info about playing this festival or any general questions you may have, email info@stagecoachfestival.com

Seven Peaks

When: August

Where: Buena Vista. Colorado

Two years ago, Dierks Bentley introduced the three-day music and camping festival, Seven Peaks. Inspired by the amazing landscape Colorado has to offer, this fest is for old school souls and new wave country lovers alike. Along with 90’s throwbacks Travis Tritt and Tracey Lawrence, are modern favorites like Luke Bryan, Maren Morris, Ryan Hurd, and Rita Wilson. With a love for 90’s country and an appreciation for living life to the fullest, Dierks Bentley created this festival with an eclectic mix of contemporary country artists and bluegrass legends in mind. Find out more by emailing info@sevenpeaksfestival.com

Tree Town Music Festival

When: May

Where: Forest City, Iowa

Tree Town Music Festival is the leading festival of its kind in Forest City, Iowa as thousands of people travel from all over the US to show their love. This festival showcases a variety of great music, food, drinks, games, and so much more. The four-day festival takes place on the beautiful Winnebago Rally Campgrounds and Heritage Park in Forest City. 2020’s lineup hasn’t been released yet, but last year’s artists include Toby Keith, Jake Owen, Lauren Alaina, Tracey Lawrence, and more. Think your set would be a perfect addition to this fest? For more information, email info@treetownfestival.com

Key West Songwriters Festival

When: May

Where: Key West, Florida

If you like sun, sand, and warm ocean breezes, this festival has everything you need to play a great set. For the past 24 years, the Key West Songwriters Festival has hosted shows performed by hundreds of talented performing songwriters from country, to folk, to pop,to  rock, to blues music. Artists on the Festival line-up are selected and invited to perform, so you’ll have to contact your Performing Rights Organization directly for more information. For any other questions, click here.

Festival Marvin

When: May

Where: Mexico City, Mexico

Now in it’s 9th year, Festival Marvin does not disappoint. Going down in Mexico City, this festival is three full days of talks, stand up comedy, and of course, a ton of music. Festival Marvin is the best of the best of emerging and consolidated music, national and international, so expect a huge range of artists at this one. For many of these bands, Marvin represents a chance to show their stuff to unsuspecting audiences. Artists like Wire(UK), Lydia Lunch(USA), Damo Suzuki’s Network(JPN), and more will make their way to Condesa-Rome Circuit to take part in this stigma free environment to celebrate all things music.

CMA Fest

When: June

Where: Nashville, Tennessee

CMA Fest is not only an epic four day festival, but a primetime concert special that brings some of the biggest music acts together on one stage for three full hours of epic collaborations and must-see performances. 2019’s fest showcased artists like Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Florida Georgia Line, and many more. See how you can show off your skills at next year’s festival by reaching out to comments@cmaworld.com

Windy City Smokeout

When: July

Where: Chicago, Illinois

This festival is all about beer, BBQ and country music. What’s not to love? Taking place in Chicago, Windy City Smokeout brings an impressive lineup of country music favorites and up-and-coming talent to the stage. This is a really fun festival to work your way up to that’ll bring you tons of exposure. (As well as amazing BBQ)  For more info, you can contact them here.

Night in the Country Music Festival

When: July

Where: Nevada

Away from the big city lights, Night in the Country Music Fest transforms the quiet farm town of Yerington, Nevada into one of the largest camping parties in the world. Produced by the Boys and Girls Club of Mason Valley, it’s the organization’s largest fundraiser and Nevada’s longest running music festival. The beauty of this festival is the ability for attendees to to escape the hustle of the big city and be dazzled by some of the world’s leading country music artists. This past year’s acts include Aaron Watson, Whiskey Myers, The Wild Feathers, Read Southall Band, Travis Denning and Jobe Fortner. Reach out for more info at info@nightinthecountry.org

Watershed Festival

When: August

Where: Georgia, Washington

Six-time winner of the Country Music Association award for ‘Promoter of the Year’ Brian O’Connell curates this fest each year, and Watershed has drawn in some of country music’s most renowned acts from the very beginning. This year, Watershed Festival brought out huge artists like Miranda Lambert, Zac Brown Band, Jason Aldean, Maren Morris and a lot of others. This fest is all about the location. Taking place at The Gorge amphitheater, there’s no other venue like it. Check it out here. Want to test your luck with being chosen for this one? For info about playing this fest, reach out to info@watershedfest.com

Gulf Coast Jam

When: August

Where: Panama City Beach, Florida

Gulf Coast Jam is a three-day country music festival in Panama City Beach, Florida. Considering the fact that this festival takes place at one of Florida’s most beautiful beach spots, attendees travel from all around the US to experience the great country music, as well as the dope location. This past year was packed full of country music legends like, Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean, Kid Rock, Big and Rich, LOCASH and more. Not a bad crowd to surround yourself with… Hit them up for more info at info@gulfcoastjam.com

When you see huge names on a festival’s lineup, it’s hard not to be intimidated or get discouraged about your chances of being involved, but these fests make it a point to try and involve up and comers as well as country music legends alike. Believe in your skills and test your luck; you never know what could’ve happened if you never tried!

Good luck!