10 Country Music Festivals Uniting Fans in North America

CMA Fest turns Nashville into the epicenter of country music each June. Hosted across multiple venues, including the massive Nissan Stadium, this four-day festival features dozens of country stars like Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Darius Rucker.

What started in 1972 has become a global destination event for fans of the genre, with stages dotting the city and a mission to support music education through the CMA Foundation.

Country Thunder isn't just one festival. It's a full-on tour. This traveling extravaganza hits states like Wisconsin, Arizona and Florida, and provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan.

With acts like Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton and Gary Allan gracing the stage, it's a staple in the summer music calendar. Each location blends big names with local flair, and three-day festival packages often include camping.

Held in the scenic Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington state, Watershed is as much about the views as it is the tunes. Performers like Eric Church and Sara Evans have rocked its stage, with fans soaking up sun and sounds across three days.

It's also one of the more family-friendly fests, with camping areas, food vendors and lots of room to dance.

If you like your country music with a side of barbecue, Windy City Smokeout in Chicago is calling your name. This July event combines country acts like Bailey Zimmerman and Koe Wetzel with top-tier food vendors and beer from around the country.

With the city skyline in the backdrop, it’s a perfect place for country fans to enjoy multiple music styles and rock out on hot summer nights.

Though rooted more in rock, Louder Than Life in Louisville, Kentucky, blends heavy guitars with Southern soul.

In past years, the festival has included crossover acts that flirt with country influences, making it an edgy but welcoming venue for fans who appreciate the genre's evolving styles. Think of it as the place where the worlds of country, rock and metal overlap.

Hosted in Columbus, Ohio, Buckeye Country Superfest is a powerhouse one-day event that has featured the likes of George Strait and Jason Aldean. It’s held at the massive Ohio Stadium and pulls crowds from across the U.S.

With its stadium setting and killer acoustics, it's a highlight for fans who prefer their festivals without camping.

Set in the lake-filled region of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, WE Fest is one of the biggest and longest-running country festivals in the United States. Since the 1980s, it has welcomed iconic performers like Hank Williams Jr. and newer stars like Cole Swindell.

With a scenic camping area and multiple stages, it captures the full-course experience of a summer music festival.

Bonner Springs, Kansas, plays host to Country Stampede, a July weekend filled with music, food and fireworks. It’s a three-day celebration that has featured stars like Brad Paisley and Sara Evans.

From RV hookups to tent villages, the festival is all about creating a community of country music lovers.

This Texas event in Abilene blends the traditional with the outlaw. Past performers include legends like Willie Nelson and newer artists with a rockier edge.

It celebrates the raw, storytelling roots of country music in a venue that feels more like a gathering of friends than a massive production.

Held in Camrose, Alberta, Big Valley Jamboree is Canada’s answer to CMA Fest. It draws huge crowds and stars like Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan.

Campgrounds stretch for miles, and the vibe is equal parts rowdy and relaxed — perfect for families, newcomers and longtime fans alike.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.