Carolina's Hottest Country and Western Music Festivals This Summer

Summer is the perfect time to get together with friends to enjoy warm temperatures, good company, and fantastic music. There’s nothing quite like donning your cowboy boots, hat, and best western gear for a great country music festival. North and South Carolina are home to some of the country’s best music festivals—don’t miss your chance to have the music experience of a lifetime this summer.

Carolina Country Music Fest. One of the biggest country music festivals in the country, the Carolina Country Music Fest in Myrtle Beach June 8-11 brings together more than 30 of country’s greatest artists. This year’s headliners include Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, and Darius Rucker. The concerts take place right off the famed Myrtle Beach boardwalk and combine great country music with the laid-back atmosphere of Myrtle Beach. Aside from the music, there’s also a golf tournament, zip line, and lots of fun on the beach. The crowd at the festival is younger and definitely ready for a good time.Three-day passes start at $189 and go up from there. Country fans from all over the east coast come together for this festival—it’s definitely not one to be missed!

Hillbilly Jam. With a name this good, it’s got to be fun. This festival features regional bluegrass, country, and Americana rock bands and is two days of all-out fun July 28-29 in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. Top bands this year include the Hill Country Band, Hannah Styles, Broke-n-Busted Band, and more. There’s so much more to enjoy than just the music—the festival also has a car and bike show, craft and food vendors, games, and appearances by country-themed reality TV stars. Nestled in the Smoky Mountains, it’s a venue and festival like nothing else. Hillbilly Jam attracts an eclectic crowd and makes for excellent people watching. Tickets run just $10 a day.

Red, White, and Bluegrass Festival. The perfect way to spend Independence Day is soaking up great western and bluegrass music in Morgantown, North Carolina. Now in its 14th year, this festival features four days of fun activities and the best bluegrass bands in the country. Headlines for 2017 include Larry Sparks, the Isaacs, and Mountain Heart. There’s also activities like volleyball, miniature golf, frog jumping and watermelon eating contests, and of course, a patriotic fireworks show. Kids can even get in on the action with a bluegrass camp that ends with an on-stage performance. The family-friendly atmosphere is perfect for people of all ages, and there’s plenty of room to bring a camper or tent and stay for the entire weekend. There’s no better place to enjoy great music that celebrates the spirit of America.

N.C. State Bluegrass Festival. Now in its 43rd year, this festival is a celebration of bluegrass music and culture in Marion, North Carolina. Most people come and camp out to enjoy three days of great bluegrass music. This year’s headliners include Gene Watson and Dailey & Vincent. The laid-back atmosphere is perfect for enjoying great summer weather and listening to music from your tent or under the pavilion—buy tickets early to be first to choose where to put your chair and to get the best view. Tickets start at $40 per day for adults. If camping isn’t your thing, there are other accommodations nearby that also offer great access to the festival.

For country and western music lovers, there’s no better place to be this summer than one of the great many music festivals throughout North and South Carolina. Put on your boots and get ready for a great time!