Photo via Country Thunder
We’re gearing up for a little dirt on our boots at Country Thunder, and with today’s main stage lineup announcement, it’s going to be a summer to remember
It’s the 10-year anniversary of Country Thunder here in Calgary, and the festival is set to bring an absolutely stacked lineup to Cowtown in 2026.
The Red Clay Strays, Kane Brown, Lainey Wilson, Tyler Hubbard, and Ian Munsick are some of the biggest names in country, and they’ll take the stage at next year’s summer stomp at the Confluence. The festival has also announced a date change of June 26 to 28 for 2026, approximately two months earlier than its usual schedule. Country Thunder will take place just before the height of Stampede season, which is great news for the city’s top country music fans.
Plus, you can put just $20 down on your entire order to secure tickets for next year’s festival, then opt for a payment plan to spread things out over the year. It’s just one of the ways Country Thunder is making live music more accessible overall.
“It’s perfect for the holidays, when you’re trying to stay under budget and do your Christmas shopping,” said Megan Benoit, digital manager for Country Thunder. “Whether it’s tickets for yourself or tickets for you and 10 friends, it’s $20 up front and then monthly payments leading up to the show.”
Do one thing right this winter and tack a few tickets to Calgary’s ultimate country music bash onto your wishlist. With today’s stacked lineup announcement, we can’t wait to drink some watermelon moonshine and two-step with our buds at Country Thunder this summer.
Benoit says the 10-year anniversary felt like the perfect time to shake things up. Moving the festival dates to June 26 to 28, 2026, is months earlier than previous years, and it’s allowed the festival greater booking flexibility.
“We’re looking at this event as kind of a kickoff to the summer,” she said. “People’s summer plans are always busy, and this is a really great way to start that exciting season. Kids are just getting out of school, and there are longer days. It also really allowed us to lock in some fantastic talent.”
Amongst those big names is The Red Clay Strays, who just took home the CMA award for Group of the Year, dethroning Old Dominion, who held the title for many years. Five-time AMA winner Kane Brown, Louisiana lark Lainey Wilson, and Georgia-based songwriter Tyler Hubbard round out today’s main stage announcement. But there’s more still to come. With a secondary stage dedicated to Alberta-based talent, Country Thunder is excited about its role in shaping the future of country music in the province.
“I think that the country music scene in Alberta has always been so vibrant, and there’s so much talent,” said Benoit. “We’ve got a secondary stage that is solely Alberta artists. We do up-and-comers there, so that’s always a really great stepping stone before the main stage… their neighbours are in the crowd, their parents get to come, and it’s a really good momentum builder for these artists.” More details on the talent gracing the secondary stage can be expected in early spring.
It’s a bit of a homecoming for many of the festival’s organizers, who have Alberta roots of their own. Country Thunder is especially proud to bring this premier live music event to the heart of downtown Calgary. The festival takes place at the Confluence, a powerful gathering place at the joining of the Bow and Elbow rivers that has longstanding significance to the city of Calgary.
“Usually you see music festivals that are out in farmers’ fields or camping,” said Benoit. “But there’s something really special about looking at the stage, and then seeing the Calgary Tower in the background. Or, you know, walking into the venue and the iconic Saddledome is right there.”
The downtown Calgary setting and high calibre of talent at Country Thunder are just two things that set them apart. Calgary has longstanding country roots, and it’s one of Canada’s premier country music markets. But Country Thunder’s fan-raised fundraising efforts are also unique to the festival, something that allows them to give back to the venue and their community in meaningful ways.
Last year, $72,155 was donated to the Confluence, funds that were raised directly through ticket sales. Country Thunder fans have also raised more than $200,000 for park improvements at the Confluence since 2022, which they’ve used to green up the venue.
“It was kind of the talk of last year’s festival,” said Benoit. “Green grass doesn’t seem like something that exciting, but the new sod that was laid at the Confluence because of donations last year was a huge hit.”
It’s true that the lack of shade and green grass at the Confluence has been a pain point for attendees for some years now. With these recent donations, the festival is able to give back and beautify the historic park, minimizing its impact.
Are you excited to hit up the Confluence for Country Thunder this year? Let us know what you think of today’s headliner announcement and if you’ll be attending Calgary’s top country music fest in 2026.
Featuring The Red Clay Strays, Kane Brown, Lainey Wilson, Tyler Hubbard, Ian Munsick, Noeline Hofmann, Mark Chesnutt, Logan Layman, Adrien Nunez, Elizabeth Nichols, Chevy Beaulieu, Alee, Tony Stevens, and Jaiden Riley.
When: Friday, June 26 to Sunday, June 28, 2026
Where: The Confluence — 750 9th Ave. SE
Cost: $20 down; $342 for weekend general admission
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