Top Country Festivals of 2017
What better way to see new places than by traveling around the country for music festivals? We’ve ranked the top 10 country music festivals of 2017. From the white sand of South Florida to the infield of a speedway, each country festival offers a unique experience for fans. Our list includes festivals throughout the U.S. Be sure to check out our festival must-haves and Festival Planning Guide to help you plan your 2018 country festivals! Review our festival camping checklist before you hit the road to your favorite festival.
#1 | Stagecoach | Indio, CA
The largest country music festival in the United States, Stagecoach is the country sister of Coachella. Stagecoach first opened their gates in 2007 and continues to attract the biggest stars in country music and fans from around the world. Located at the beautiful Empire Polo Fields, in the desert oasis of Indio, CA, this country festival truly has it all. The festival grounds have boutiques, craft beer, line dancing halls, a plethora of food options, a place for kiddos, and the iconic ferris wheel. The RV camping area is second to none, and arguably the best part of the festival! This year’s lineup included Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan, Shania Twain, Thomas Rhett, and Brett Eldredge, just to name a few. Fans attending 2018’s Stagecoach Festival can expect to see Garth Brooks, Keith Urban, Florida Georgia Line, and Kelsea Ballerini. Stagecoach Music Festival travel tips
#2 | Tortuga | Ft. Lauderdale, FL
There is no festival quite like Tortuga Music Festival. Nothing beats being barefoot in the sand with the beautiful South Florida ocean next to you while you watch your favorite country artists perform. Tortuga is by far the best festival you can find on the beach. Best of all, the party doesn’t stop when the festival ends – there are plenty of great beach bars and hotel bars to keep the party going late into the night. Taking place in mid-April, this is the best time to visit Ft. Lauderdale because the weather absolutely perfect. Tortuga Music Festival travel tips
#3 | CMA Fest | Nashville, TN
CMA Fest is not your typical country music festival, but is undeniably one of the best country music festivals in the country. The main stage is located inside Nissan Stadium (home of the Tennessee Titans), but fans can find music almost everywhere during CMA Fest week. Lower Broadway comes alive by adding a second layer of country music. There are stages on patios and pop up concerts all throughout Downtown Nashville. From Fan X at the Music City Center to shows at the Ryman and The Grand Ole Opry, events are scattered across Music City. This is a must-see for every country music fan. CMA Fest travel tips
#4 | Carolina Country Music Fest | Myrtle Beach, SC
Carolina Country Music Festival (CCMF) just might be the only festival that you can zip line over. Although your toes aren’t in the sand, the festival takes place just steps from the Atlantic Ocean. This festival attracts country music fans from all over the south and a great mixture of country music hottest artists. In 2017, Darius Rucker, Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, Chris Young, Luke Combs, Granger Smith, and Walker McGuire rocked the CCMF stages. This is a great country festival for fans looking for the perfect Myrtle Beach getaway. CCMF travel tips
#5 | Crash My Playa | Riviera Maya, Mexico
Trade in those harsh winter temperatures for umbrella drinks and sunshine! For a die-hard fan, what could be better than country music in the Caribbean? Hosted by Luke Bryan, Crash My Playa is at the top of our country music festival bucket list. The country megastar headlines two of the four nightly concerts at the all-inclusive tropical resort in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. This year’s Crash My Playa lineup also features Sam Hunt, Dustin Lynch, Maren Morris, Blake Shelton, and Brett Young. Crash My Playa is the ultimate country music vacation.
#6 | Faster Horses | Brooklyn, Michigan
Faster Horses is the party of the summer in Brooklyn, Michigan. Produced by the same group that does Watershed, Country LakeShake, and now Tortuga Festival, Luke Bryan told Billboard it was the most patriotic festival he has ever seen in his life. From line dancing to a ferris wheel and arcade, this festival’s got it all – there’s even a pool backstage! The camping area even features a giant water slide and country artists have been known to hang out with campers during their down time, so keep your eyes peeled!
#7 | Country 500 | Daytona, FL
Country 500 is the perfect festival for NASCAR and country music fans. Located at the Daytona International Speedway, Country 500 transforms the home of the Daytona 500 into a mega country music festival. Every Memorial Day, country music fans can camp on the infield of the speedway, which is also inside this 3-day festival. Attendees can also shop for country and western merchandise and play carnival games while they are waiting for their favorite performers to take the stage. Heading into it’s third year, Country 500’s 2018 star-studded lineup features Chris Stapleton, Toby Keith, Dierks Bentley, Billy Currington, Midland, and more!
#8 | Boots & Hearts | Ontario, Canada
In case you haven’t heard, Canada’s country music and festival scene is blowing up! The nation’s biggest country music festival, Boots & Hearts has gained notoriety and has become a true fan favorite. Heading into its sixth year, Boots & Hearts has attracted some of the biggest acts in country music. 2018’s lineup includes Florida Georgia Line, Billy Currington, Thomas Rhett, and Canadian country star, Dallas Smith.
#9 | Country Stampede | Manhattan, KS
Located in the heart of America in Manhattan, Kansas, Kicker Country Stampede has everything a country music festival should have. There’s camping, tailgating, great food, and of course, unforgettable memories to be made. Don’t let this unknown festival fool you. Country Stampede has the small town charm combined with big time country music appeal. The 2018 Country Stampede lineup features Cole Swindell, Kane Brown, Alabama, Brett Young, Florida Georgia Line, Brandon Lay, and Lindsay Ell.
#10 | Watershed | George, WA
Watershed Festival began in 2012 and has become a true destination for country music fans. Nestled into the natural landscape of the Pacific Northwest, the Gorge Amphitheater overlooks the Columbia River. This live music venue is one of the few where concertgoers in the lawn have one of the best views in the house! This venue is definitely a must see, but make sure to bring your camping gear because the closest hotel is 45 minutes away. Watershed Festival travel tips