Crash My Playa has become one of the most sought-after destination country music events, combining four nights of live music with a tropical vacation experience. Along with headline performances from Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, and HARDY, fans can look forward to Dustin Lynch’s Pool Party, the annual Luke Bryan & Friends set, and appearances from Brothers Osborne, Gavin Adcock, Brett Young, Avery Anna, Drew Baldridge, Emily Ann Roberts, Lanie Gardner, and DJ Rock.

Fans looking to attend should secure accommodations and festival packages as early as possible. Packages are scheduled to go on sale June 11, with payment plan options available. As always, fans should compare pricing and availability through official outlets and major resale platforms including Ticketmaster, SeatGeek, StubHub, and Vivid Seats when applicable.

Crash My Playa 2027 Dates

January 13-16, 2027
Moon Palace Cancun
Cancun, Mexico

Featured Artists

• Luke Bryan
• Thomas Rhett
• HARDY
• Luke Bryan & Friends
• Dustin Lynch’s Pool Party
• Brothers Osborne
• Gavin Adcock
• Brett Young
• Avery Anna
• Drew Baldridge
• Emily Ann Roberts
• Lanie Gardner
• DJ Rock

WhiskeyChick’s Take

Crash My Playa continues to be one of the hottest destination events in country music, and this lineup proves why. Luke Bryan stacked the bill with established stars and rising talent, giving fans a little bit of everything. Between Thomas Rhett, HARDY, Gavin Adcock’s growing momentum, and the always unpredictable Luke Bryan & Friends set, demand should be extremely strong. If this event is on your bucket list, waiting around is probably not the move.

Crash My Playa 2027 is shaping up to be another unforgettable weekend in Cancun. Stay tuned to Country Music On Tour for ticket updates, package information, and the latest festival news.

Produced by Live Nation, the extensive U.S. and Canadian run will bring Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, and Jimi Westbrook to major markets including Atlanta, Boston, Philadelphia, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Toronto, and more. The tour arrives just weeks after the release of It’s A Dying Art, which drops August 28 and features collaborations with Ashley Monroe, Jason Isbell, and Kelsea Ballerini.

Tickets will be available through artist presales beginning June 9, followed by additional presales throughout the week. General public on-sale begins June 12 at 10:00 AM local time. Fans looking for seats can compare options through Ticketmaster, SeatGeek, StubHub, and Vivid Seats, while checking the latest tour updates at Country Music On Tour.

Little Big Town For The Art Of It Tour Dates 2026

September 2026

• Sept. 24 – St. Petersburg, FL – Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater
• Sept. 25 – Orlando, FL – Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts – Walt Disney Theater
• Sept. 26 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre

October 2026

• Oct. 1 – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace Theatre
• Oct. 2 – Milwaukee, WI – Miller High Life Theatre
• Oct. 8 – Chattanooga, TN – Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium
• Oct. 9 – St. Louis, MO – Stifel Theatre
• Oct. 10 – Minneapolis, MN – State Theatre
• Oct. 15 – Boston, MA – Boch Center Wang Theatre
• Oct. 17 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met Philadelphia presented by Highmark
• Oct. 18 – Wallingford, CT – Toyota Oakdale Theatre
• Oct. 22 – Newark, NJ – New Jersey Performing Arts Center – Prudential Hall
• Oct. 24 – National Harbor, MD – The Theater at MGM National Harbor
• Oct. 25 – Pittsburgh, PA – Citizens Live at The Wylie
• Oct. 29 – San Antonio, TX – Majestic Theatre
• Oct. 30 – Houston, TX – The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
• Oct. 31 – Dallas, TX – Music Hall at Fair Park

November 2026

• Nov. 5 – Virginia Beach, VA – The Dome by Rutter Mills
• Nov. 6 – Durham, NC – DPAC
• Nov. 7 – Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium
• Nov. 12 – Akron, OH – Akron Civic Theatre
• Nov. 13 – Columbus, OH – Mershon Auditorium
• Nov. 14 – Indianapolis, IN – Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
• Nov. 19 – Chicago, IL – The Chicago Theatre
• Nov. 20 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre
• Nov. 22 – Toronto, ON – Massey Hall

WhiskeyChick’s Take

Little Big Town continues to prove why they remain one of the most respected vocal groups in country music. Pairing a brand-new album with a theater-focused tour creates the kind of fan experience that usually drives strong demand, especially in markets where the group doesn’t tour every year. The combination of new music, intimate venues, and a loyal fan base makes this one of the more attractive fall country tours on the calendar. If your city is on the schedule, waiting for last-minute tickets may not be the best strategy.

Little Big Town’s 2026 For The Art Of It Tour is shaping up to be one of the standout country tours of the fall season. Stay tuned to Country Music On Tour for ticket updates, tour news, and additional concert announcements.

The acoustic showcase delivered one of the most intimate live country music experiences of the year, giving fans a rare chance to hear the stories behind the songs while seeing some of country music’s fastest-rising stars in a stripped-down setting. Fans can stay updated on Ashley Cooke tour dates and upcoming live events now at Country Music On Tour.

Olivia’s Take:
“Froggy 101’s Guitars & Stars brought an intimate acoustic experience to the Scranton Cultural Center, featuring performances from some of country radio’s rising stars including Aaron Watson, Julia Cole, Alexandra Kay, Ashley Cooke, and Nate Smith. The evening featured five rounds of performances, with each artist taking turns sharing songs and stories behind the music.

Fans were treated to a mix of chart-topping hits like Ashley Cooke’s ‘Your Place,’ along with exclusive sneak peeks of unreleased music from Nate Smith. Before each performance, the artists opened up about the inspiration and meaning behind their songs, adding a personal touch that made the night feel even more special. From start to finish, Guitars & Stars delivered an unforgettable evening of storytelling, songwriting, and live country music.”

Ashley Cooke’s timing could not be better as she continues building major momentum heading into the second half of 2026. The country star recently announced her self-titled sophomore album ashley cooke, arriving August 14, along with her upcoming the baby blues world tour kicking off later this year. Her breakout hit “Your Place” remains one of the defining songs of her rise, and live appearances like this continue proving why she has quickly become one of the hottest names in country music.

Fans looking to catch Ashley Cooke, Nate Smith, Alexandra Kay, and the rest of country music’s rising stars live should expect strong demand throughout the year. Tickets for upcoming shows are typically available through Ticketmaster, SeatGeek, StubHub, and Vivid Seats, alongside updated concert coverage at Country Music On Tour.

Featured Artists at Froggy 101’s Guitars & Stars

• Ashley Cooke
• Nate Smith
• Alexandra Kay
• Aaron Watson
• Julia Cole

WhiskeyChick’s Take

This is exactly the kind of show country fans wish happened more often. No giant production. No distractions. Just artists, songs, stories, and a room full of fans soaking up every second of it. Ashley Cooke is having a massive moment right now, and hearing “Your Place” in an intimate setting like this had to hit differently, and we’re so glad we had a person in the crowd to capture it all. Nate Smith teasing unreleased music only added to the buzz, and Alexandra Kay continues proving she belongs in every conversation about the next wave of country stars.

Huge credit to Olivia R. for capturing the night through a true fan perspective. You can feel the energy and authenticity in both the recap and the photos. Her shots get better every round, and having boots on the ground help us get the best coverage possible on your favorite artists!

To see more photos from the night, check out Olivia R’s Instagram, and of course, reach out to her if you have an upcoming event in the Pittsburg, PA area!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Olivia Rundle | Concert Photographer (@oliviarundlephoto)

Stay tuned to Country Music On Tour for more concert coverage, tour updates, and country music news from the road.

The newly announced leg of The Evergreen Tour kicks off July 31 in Minden, Nevada and wraps October 3 in Omaha, Nebraska. Hunter Hayes will hit 12 cities during the run, including stops at fan-favorite venues like House of Blues Anaheim, The Observatory in San Diego, and The Summit in Denver. The tour follows the release of Hayes’ latest project, Evergreen, which continues his genre-blending evolution through country, pop, folk, and indie influences.

Tickets for Hunter Hayes’ 2026 tour dates are expected to move quickly in several major markets. Fans can shop tickets through platforms like Ticketmaster, SeatGeek, StubHub, and Vivid Seats. Presales begin May 27 with general public on-sale launching May 29 at 10AM local time. Additional VIP packages are also available through Hunter Hayes’ official site.

Hunter Hayes Evergreen Tour 2026 Dates

• July 31, 2026 – Minden, NV – TJ’s Corral
• August 2, 2026 – Boise, ID – Treefort Music Hall
• August 6, 2026 – San Francisco, CA – August Hall
• August 10, 2026 – Great Falls, MT – The Newberry
• August 13, 2026 – Livingston, MT – Pine Creek Lodge
• September 24, 2026 – San Diego, CA – The Observatory
• September 25, 2026 – Los Angeles, CA – Pacific Electric
• September 26, 2026 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues Anaheim
• September 29, 2026 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot
• October 1, 2026 – Colorado Springs, CO – Phil Long Music Hall
• October 2, 2026 – Denver, CO – The Summit
• October 3, 2026 – Omaha, NE – Barnato

WhiskeyChick’s Take

Hunter Hayes has quietly built one of the most loyal fanbases in country music, and this Evergreen run feels like a reminder of just how strong his live show still is. The smaller venue setup on several of these dates is going to make demand even hotter, especially in California and Colorado. Fans who have followed Hayes since the “Wanted” era are showing up for this newer chapter, and the buzz around Evergreen has given this tour serious momentum heading into fall.

If you want good seats for Hunter Hayes’ 2026 tour dates, don’t wait around once general tickets go live. Some of these rooms are going to sell fast.

The 16-date tour kicks off September 30 in Detroit and includes stops in Chicago, New York City, Nashville, Austin, Seattle, San Francisco, and Hollywood. Fans can expect The Chicks to perform the entire Taking the Long Way album live for the first time, along with fan favorites from across their award-winning catalog. The tour marks a major return for Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire, and Emily Strayer as they bring one of country music’s most influential albums back to the stage.

Tickets for The Chicks 2026 tour will first become available through the artist presale beginning June 3, with the general public on-sale launching June 4 via The Chicks Official Website. Fans can also expect tickets to appear on major resale and ticket marketplaces including Ticketmaster, SeatGeek, StubHub, and Vivid Seats once inventory opens up.

The Chicks Taking the Long Way 2026 Tour Dates

• September 30, 2026 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre
• October 3, 2026 – Chicago, IL – The Auditorium
• October 4, 2026 – Chicago, IL – The Auditorium
• October 6, 2026 – Washington, DC – The Anthem
• October 12, 2026 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
• October 13, 2026 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
• October 15, 2026 – Nashville, TN – The Truth
• October 17, 2026 – San Antonio, TX – Majestic Theatre
• October 18, 2026 – San Antonio, TX – Majestic Theatre
• October 20, 2026 – Austin, TX – Bass Concert Hall
• October 25, 2026 – Seattle, WA – Benaroya Hall
• October 26, 2026 – Seattle, WA – Benaroya Hall
• October 29, 2026 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic
• October 30, 2026 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic
• November 1, 2026 – Hollywood, CA – Dolby Theatre
• November 2, 2026 – Hollywood, CA – Dolby Theatre

WhiskeyChick’s Take

The Chicks (Formerly The Dixie Chicks) have had a long and contentious career in country music but one thing’s for sure: their true fans will support them all the way to the arena. That is exactly what this anniversary tour is banking on, and honestly, they will probably deliver. Taking the Long Way still carries weight 20 years later, especially “Not Ready to Make Nice,” which has only grown more relevant with time. Smaller theater venues mean demand could spike quickly in major markets like New York, Nashville, Chicago, and Los Angeles. If you are even thinking about going, waiting around probably is not the move.

The Chicks are bringing one of the most important country albums of the 2000s back to the stage in full, and fans can expect a powerful mix of nostalgia, defiance, and musicianship night after night. Grab your tickets early and stay locked in with Country Music On Tour for updates, presales, and additional tour information.

While many people focus on the big stages and primary concert schedule, there is so much more to the event. The year’s biggest fundraisers are happening with celebrities doing things like golf tournaments and auctions. There’s FanFair X, bringing back the convention center meet & greets that get you up close and personal with your favorite artists. There are record label showcases, exclusive radio and podcast recordings with a live audience, and afterhour parties at nearly every business in town. It’s a smart move to research early, scour the CMAFest.com website, and build out an itinerary that accounts for big crowds, slow travel, and a few air-conditioned breaks as well.

Here are some highlights of what to expect at the 2026 CMA Fest!

CMA Fest 2026 Main Stage Highlights

Nissan Stadium is once again packed with some of the biggest names in country music. This year’s lineup brings together modern chart toppers, legendary performers and several surprise-style collaborations that should make the nightly stadium shows one of the hottest tickets in Nashville.

Some of the biggest main stage highlights include:

• Jason Aldean
• Keith Urban
• Luke Bryan
• Cody Johnson
• Carly Pearce
• Tucker Wetmore
• Ella Langley
• Jordan Davis
• Shaboozey
• Russell Dickerson
• Riley Green
• The Red Clay Strays
• Tim McGraw
• Blake Shelton
• HARDY

Special performances from The Band Perry, Deana Carter and Gretchen Wilson are also expected to draw huge crowds throughout the week.

The Nissan Stadium platform stage is also quietly stacked this year with rising artists like Zach John King, Willow Avalon and Vincent Mason getting prime exposure in front of massive crowds.

Download the CMA Connect App to build your stage schedule!

The New Wrangler Remix Stage Could Be One of the Best Stops of the Weekend

One of the biggest additions to CMA Fest 2026 is the brand-new Wrangler Remix Stage replacing the old Hard Rock Stage inside Fan Alley. The setup is designed around discovering emerging artists and giving fans a more relaxed daytime atmosphere with nonstop music and easier artist access.

If you love finding artists before they completely explode, this stage needs to be high on your priority list.

Some of the standout Wrangler Remix Stage performers include:

• Sterling Elza
• The Wilder Blue
• Ashley Kutcher
• Sons of Habit
• BODHI
• Gannon Fremin & CCREV
• Hayden Coffman
• ROME
• SKEEZ
• Trey Pendley
• Highway Home
• Carson Wallace
• Hayden Blount
• Aniston Pate
• Payton Smith

The Wrangler Remix Stage is expected to become one of the biggest fan discovery spots at CMA Fest this year thanks to its location in Fan Alley and its focus on breakout artists.

Fan Fair X Remains the Real Fan Experience

If you’re only planning around outdoor stages, you’re honestly missing half the festival.

Fan Fair X inside Music City Center is still where fans get the most personal experiences with artists. The air conditioning alone makes it worth the stop during the hottest parts of the day, but this is also where you’ll find acoustic performances, interviews, autograph sessions, shopping, podcast recordings and fan activations.

Fan Fair X runs from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM Thursday through Sunday and includes hundreds of performances and sessions over four days.

Some fan-favorite experiences inside Fan Fair X include:

• CMA Close Up Stage interviews
• Acoustic performances
• Artist autograph signings
• Podcast tapings
• Shopping and exclusive merch
• Interactive sponsor activations
• Comfortable indoor seating and recharge areas

The CMA Close Up Stage lineup alone is worth spending time indoors. Fans can catch sessions featuring:

• Russell Dickerson
• Carly Pearce
• Melissa Etheridge and Gretchen Wilson
• Clint Black
• Charles Wesley Godwin
• Waka Flocka and Nappy Roots
• Wyatt Flores
• Willow Avalon
• Parker Welling

Best Rising Artists to Put on Your CMA Fest Schedule

CMA Fest 2026 is loaded with artists who are right on the edge of a breakout moment.

Kelsi Mayne

Kelsi Mayne is making her CMA Fest debut this year after building serious streaming momentum over the last several months. Fans looking for modern country with crossover appeal should make time for her Tractor Supply Spotlight Stage appearance.

Scoot Teasley

Scoot Teasley continues building one of the most unique sounds in country music by blending country storytelling with soul, hip hop and R&B influences. His live sets have developed a strong word-of-mouth reputation and CMA Fest could easily become a turning point for him.

Maggie Antone

Maggie Antone has become one of the most talked-about Americana-leaning artists in the current country scene. Fans of gritty songwriting and powerhouse live vocals should absolutely circle her set.

Walker Montgomery

Walker Montgomery keeps carrying the neo-traditional torch forward while building a younger fanbase that loves classic sounding country music. His daytime appearance could end up being one of the sleeper sets of the festival.

Chandler Dozier

Traditional country fans should keep Chandler Dozier on their radar during Fan Fair X appearances. He brings a strong neo-traditional sound that feels tailor-made for longtime country fans who still want to discover new artists.

Hayden Coffman and Payton Smith

Both Hayden Coffman and Payton Smith continue gaining traction with younger country audiences and social media fans. Their Wrangler Remix Stage appearances are likely going to pull strong daytime crowds.

Spotify House Is Back and Loaded Again

Spotify House returns to Ole Red for another three-day takeover and honestly this has become one of the hardest side events to get into during CMA Fest week.

This year’s lineup includes:

Thursday Highlights

• Jelly Roll
• Cody Johnson
• Ashley McBryde
• Old Dominion
• Jon Pardi
• Koe Wetzel
• Kameron Marlowe
• Corey Kent

Friday Highlights

• Keith Urban
• Carly Pearce
• ERNEST
• Tucker Wetmore
• Wyatt Flores
• Vincent Mason
• Brothers Osborne

Saturday Highlights

• Kane Brown
• Luke Bryan
• Dan + Shay
• Midland
• Cole Swindell
• Russell Dickerson
• Shaboozey
• The Band Perry

Spotify House has developed a reputation for surprise guests and packed crowds, so fans should expect long lines early in the day.

Carly Pearce’s Closet Event Is Back

One of the coolest fan-centered events happening during CMA Fest week is the return of Carly Pearce’s annual Carly’s Closet charity pop-up.

The event happens Friday, June 5 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM inside Music City Center and gives fans the chance to shop items from Carly Pearce’s personal wardrobe while supporting the CMA Foundation.

Fans who purchase items also gain access to an exclusive signing with Carly Pearce after the event.

This has become one of the most popular fan experiences during CMA Fest week because it feels far more personal than a traditional autograph line.

Outdoor Stages Worth Spending Time At

The outdoor daytime stages are where a lot of the real magic happens during CMA Fest.

Chevy Riverfront Stage

This stage remains one of the best overall experiences because the lineup is consistently packed from morning to evening.

Highlights include:

• Russell Dickerson
• Ashley Cooke
• ERNEST
• Stephen Wilson Jr.
• Shane Smith & The Saints
• Chayce Beckham
• Alana Springsteen
• Charles Wesley Godwin
• Kameron Marlowe
• Tyler Braden

Dr Pepper Amp Stage

The Dr Pepper Amp Stage always leans into fan interaction and rising stars.

Highlights include:

• Kaylee Bell
• Pecos & The Rooftops
• Drake Milligan
• Melissa Etheridge
• Filmore
• Erin Kinsey
• Uncle Kracker
• Angie K

Chevy Vibes Stage

This stage quietly has one of the strongest discovery lineups at CMA Fest.

Highlights include:

• Karley Scott Collins
• Walker Montgomery
• Graham Barham
• Brooke Lee
• Willie Jones
• Lanie Gardner
• Melanie Dyer

Fan Tips for Surviving CMA Fest Week

CMA Fest veterans already know the real challenge is pacing yourself.

A few smart survival tips:

• Download the CMA Connect App before arriving
• Build a flexible schedule instead of overbooking every hour
• Expect long walks between stages
• Use Fan Fair X during the hottest parts of the day
• Stay hydrated constantly
• Plan transportation ahead because Nissan Stadium parking is limited this year
• Use the complimentary shuttles whenever possible
• Order merch ahead through the CMA Connect App to avoid long lines

Taste of Nashville inside Fan Alley is also expected to become a major gathering point this year with food options including Joyland, Turkey and the Wolf Icehouse, St. Vito Focacceria and Mama Yang’s.

Why CMA Fest 2026 Feels Bigger Than Previous Years

This year’s festival feels especially stacked because country music itself is having a massive moment across streaming, radio and social media. The genre is pulling in younger audiences while still keeping longtime fans heavily engaged. You can feel that shift in the CMA Fest lineup.

There is a stronger focus on genre blending artists, breakout independent acts and fan engagement experiences instead of simply stacking the same radio lineups everywhere.

Fans are getting a much wider variety of experiences this year whether that’s discovering new artists at the Wrangler Remix Stage, spending time at Spotify House, catching acoustic sets inside Fan Fair X or chasing down surprise performances around downtown Nashville.

WhiskeyChick’s Take

CMA Fest 2026 honestly feels like one of the strongest overall fan experiences the event has delivered in years. The stadium lineup is huge, but the real story is how deep the daytime programming goes this year. The new Wrangler Remix Stage is going to produce several breakout moments and fans who spend time bouncing between Fan Fair X and the daytime stages are going to walk away discovering artists they weren’t even planning to see.

The biggest mistake people make at CMA Fest is trying to sprint through every major stage without leaving room for random discoveries. Those main stages will be recorded and re-broadcast on streaming platforms, but to be IN THE ROOM when the next breakout artist is having their magic moment is an experience EVERY music fan should have at least once. Some of the best sets of the weekend will probably happen before sunset in front of crowds that are way smaller than they should be. If you’re serious about country music, this is the week where you catch artists before ticket prices and venue sizes completely change.

CMA Fest 2026 is shaping up to be one of Nashville’s biggest weeks of the year with nonstop live music, fan events and artist interactions happening all over downtown. Fans should start finalizing schedules now, especially for smaller venue activations and daytime events that tend to fill quickly.

For festival passes, artist appearances and updated scheduling information, visit https://countrymusicontour.com before heading to Nashville.

I’ve been ordering from Sticker Mule for years now, and I’m gonna be honest with y’all… I’m exactly the kind of customer they built this thing for.

Originally I just used them for stickers for the bands I was working with. Then vinyl transfers. Then buttons. Then suddenly I’m over here pricing custom drink coasters at 1 a.m. like I’m outfitting a private honky tonk in my own back yard.

That’s the slippery slope with Sticker Mule. Their site is stupidly easy to use, the quality is consistently solid, and they somehow make ordering merch feel way less stressful than booking shows or keeping a bassist from wandering off.

Now they’ve rolled out something called GIVE, and frankly, I think a lot of independent artists are sleeping on how useful this could actually be for tour promotion.

If you’ve spent any amount of time trying to promote your own shows, then you already know the hardest part isn’t always the music. It’s making sure people hear about the show BEFORE it happens, and getting people to remember your name next Friday when you roll through town.

That’s where giveaways come in. Not the cheesy “tag 47 friends and commit your first-born to us” kind of giveaway either. I’m talking about smart, targeted merch giveaways tied directly to a specific run of tour dates or album campaigns.

That stuff works because country music fans LOVE feeling like they’re part of something, and GIVE makes the process surprisingly painless. Instead of trying to juggle social posts, collect email addresses manually, chase shipping labels, and pray your merch order arrives before load-in, the platform handles a lot of the heavy lifting in one place.

You were going to order merch for the tour anyway, so why not place that order far in advance, then piggy-back a contest on the back-end that allows fans the chance to win tour merch BEFORE the date of show so they can show up and show out without standing in line? And in the process of doing all this, you’ll be collecting that contact info that helps you promote your shows directly to fans along the way in a way social media just doesn’t reach anymore.

That’s the part that caught my attention.

As somebody who has spent years yelling at DIY musicians to stop neglecting their contact lists, this immediately reminded me of a point I made over at WhiskeyChick.Rocks in my piece on 5 Ways To Build Your Contact List.

Your audience is your survival kit. Social media algorithms change every five minutes. Facebook throttles reach. TikTok trends expire before your drummer finishes setting up his kit. But an email list? That belongs to you.

A giveaway is one of the easiest ways to convince casual listeners to hand over that email address voluntarily. And if you’re smart about it, you tie the giveaway directly into ticket sales.

Everybody is fighting for eyeballs now. Every artist. Every influencer. Every podcast host. Every guy on TikTok smoking brisket while reviewing bourbon. If you want fans to engage, you need to give them a reason. And honestly? Country fans still love tangible stuff. Put something in their hand!

We’re talking about an audience that still buys vinyl records, hangs concert posters in garages, and keeps old ticket stubs in memory boxes. A custom sticker or shirt tied to a specific tour run taps directly into that collector mentality.

I also think GIVE works especially well for red dirt and independent country artists because those scenes are still community-driven. Fans WANT to help spread the word if they feel included in the process.

The artists building sustainable careers right now aren’t just dropping songs. They’re building ecosystems around themselves. Fan clubs. Discord servers. Mailing lists. VIP communities. Backyard festivals. Livestream hangouts. Merch giveaways fit naturally into that world.

And if we’re being brutally honest here, most independent artists cannot afford to waste money on generic Facebook ads that disappear into the algorithm abyss fifteen minutes later. At least with a giveaway campaign, you’re building an audience asset while promoting the tour, and that’s a much smarter tradeoff.

If you’re a DIY artist trying to move from “local opener” into “regional draw,” this is exactly the sort of low-friction promotional tool worth experimenting with, Especially before festival season gets fully underway.

A Few Giveaway Ideas Artists Could Run

• Signable tour posters to bring to the show
• City-specific sticker packs
• Fan club shirts
• Limited-run lyric decals
• Tour survival kits with hats and hoodies
• Custom hot sauce (we’re not kidding… that’s a thing!)

You can check out Sticker Mule’s GIVE platform here:

Sticker Mule GIVE Platform

And if you’re still trying to figure out why your audience isn’t growing despite posting nonstop on social media, you might also want to revisit my older rant over at WhiskeyChick Rocks:

Ten Things DIY Bands Need To Do Better

Because trust me… half the battle is learning how to market yourselves without feeling gross about it.

This post contains sponsored promotional content in partnership with Sticker Mule. As always, opinions and real-world usage experiences are my own.

The 26-date tour kicks off September 11 in Noblesville, Indiana and runs through November 7 in Mountain View, California, with stops planned in Chicago, Toronto, Philadelphia, Tampa, Dallas, Denver, Phoenix and more. The run will feature support from Tyler Hubbard and Josh Ross on most dates.

Tickets will first become available through Citi and artist presales beginning May 19, with general public on-sale launching Friday, May 22 at 10 a.m. local time through DanAndShay.com.

Fans can also purchase VIP packages through VIP Nation, including premium seating, exclusive merchandise, VIP lounge access and early venue entry.

The tour announcement arrives just days after the duo released the first songs from their upcoming album, including “Say So” and the title track “Young.” The project follows their Grammy-nominated album Bigger Houses, which helped deliver the duo’s eleventh No. 1 song at country radio.

Dan + Shay The Young Tour 2026 Dates

September 11 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center
September 12 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
September 13 – Shakopee, MN – Mystic Lake Amphitheater
September 17 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater
September 18 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion
September 19 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
September 24 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
September 25 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview
September 26 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
October 1 – Toronto, ON – RBC Amphitheatre
October 2 – Grand Rapids, MI – Acrisure Amphitheater
October 3 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
October 8 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center
October 9 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena
October 10 – Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at Highmark Mann
October 15 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
October 16 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
October 17 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
October 22 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion
October 23 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
October 24 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
October 29 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
October 30 – Salt Lake City, UT – Delta Center
November 5 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
November 6 – Anaheim, CA – Honda Center
November 7 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre

WhiskeyChick’s Take

Dan + Shay are in an interesting spot right now.

They have long since crossed over from “country duo with potential” into full arena-headliner territory, but they still manage to hold onto a level of emotional accessibility that a lot of polished acts lose once the venues get this large. Whether you personally lean more traditional country or more crossover-pop country, there is no denying these guys understand exactly how to build a live show around emotional connection.

And honestly, pairing Tyler Hubbard and Josh Ross on this run is smart.

Tyler brings recognizable mainstream energy and built-in radio familiarity, while Josh Ross continues building one of the more quietly loyal fanbases in modern country. That combination gives this tour a little more balance than just stacking it entirely with polished pop-country sameness.

The other thing that stands out here is venue size.

This is not a “testing the waters” run. These are amphitheaters, sheds and arenas all over the map. Live Nation clearly expects this thing to move tickets aggressively, especially with the new album cycle attached.

Also, the Rogers, Arkansas Walmart AMP stop is going to sell ridiculously fast. Calling that now.

If you want good seats for this one, especially on weekend dates, do not wait around pretending dynamic pricing is going to suddenly become your friend.

Ticket Information

Artist presales begin May 19.

General on-sale begins May 22 at 10 a.m. local time through:
DanAndShay.com Tickets

Baldridge is also giving fans the chance to win free private concerts on their own farms, bringing back the grassroots backyard-show spirit that helped shape his career.

Tickets are available through DrewBaldridgeMusic.com where fans can also enter to win a private farm concert.

June 11 – Omaha, NE – Barnato

July 9 – Cincinnati, OH – Ludlow Garage

July 19 – Newberry, SC – Newberry Opera House

July 23 – El Dorado, AR – Murphy Arts District

July 24 – Houston, TX – Heights Theatre

August 2 – Louisville, KY – Headliners Music Hall

August 13 – Birmingham, AL – Workplay Theatre

August 15 – Philadelphia, MS – Ellis Theater

August 20 – Sanford, FL – Tuffy’s

August 21 – Isle of Palms, SC – Windjammer

September 10 – Indianapolis, IN – Hi-Fi

September 24 – Greensboro, NC – The Pyrle

October 9 – Little Rock, AR – Stickyz

October 18 – Newport Beach, CA – VEA Hotel

WhiskeyChick’s Take

This is a smart fit for Drew Baldridge. His whole story works best when it feels personal, close and rooted in real people.

The farm concert angle is not just a gimmick. Luke Bryan and Willie Nelson have both had major success throwing a few homestead shows over the years. It ties directly into the kind of rural fanbase country music sometimes talks about more than it actually serves.

Check the dates and grab tickets while rooms are still reasonable.

The national headlining run will support Wineland’s new full-length album, Wineland, produced at Sienna Studios in Nashville by Grammy-nominated producer Marti Frederiksen.

Fans can find updates, tickets and tour details through Ashley Wineland’s official website. Her music is also available on Spotify.

WhiskeyChick’s Take

Ashley Wineland has the kind of independent fanbase that matters more than a flashy industry push. When an artist can move 50-plus cities with a million-plus followers behind her, that is worth paying attention to.

This tour should play especially well with fans who like country vocals with a little grit and big live energy.

Check the full tour-dates and grab tickets through Ashley Wineland’s official channels.