Get ready for another unforgettable celebration of country music at Country to Country (C2C) Festival 2026, Europe’s premier country music experience showcasing the genre’s biggest stars alongside rising talent from Nashville, the UK, and across the globe. This year’s festival spans multiple countries and major cities, bringing the heart and soul of country music to fans from all over.
In London, the C2C Festival will light up The O2 Arena from Friday, 13 March to Sunday, 15 March 2026, offering three days of electrifying performances, songwriter showcases, daytime stages, and immersive fan experiences. Expect an exceptional lineup that celebrates both iconic artists and exciting newcomers, set against the backdrop of one of the UK’s most dynamic live music venues.
Whether you’re a lifelong country fan or new to the genre, C2C 2026 promises an engaging weekend of music, community, and culture that resonates well beyond the stage.
Location
The O2 Arena,
London,
SE10 0DX
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Event Preview – Bootleggers Bonfire
Sun, salt air and stadium-sized sound come together at Bootleggers Bonfire — the ultimate country escape on Florida’s Emerald Coast.
Pack your sunscreen and your favourite flannel — because Luke Combs’ Bootleggers Bonfire returns to Miramar Beach, Florida, this 23–25 October for three days of music, waves and southern soul.
Tucked into the shoreline of Seascape Resort, this boutique beach festival turns the traditional country weekender on its head, trading crowded arenas for a curated, intimate fan experience.
At Bootleggers Bonfire, the stage is metres from the sea, the crowd is capped at just 5,500, and every set feels personal. It’s part-concert, part-vacation — an immersive three-day retreat for die-hard country fans ready to ditch the dust and dip their boots in the Gulf.
Headliner on Holiday
Leading the bill is Luke Combs himself — but this isn’t your standard tour stop. Combs will deliver two unique headline sets: a Deep Cuts night on Thursday, followed by a Stadium Hits set on Saturday.
It’s a rare chance to hear the full spectrum of his songbook, from crowd favourites like “Fast Car” and “Beer Never Broke My Heart” to fan treasures that don’t always make the arena setlist.
He’s joined by a tight, hand-picked line-up reflecting both Combs’ roots and his future vision for the genre. The Castellows — known for their blend of Appalachian harmonies and Gen Z grit — open Thursday. David Lee Murphy, a veteran hitmaker with a honky-tonk heart, shares Friday’s bill with rising Georgia native Dylan Marlowe, while Saturday’s stage welcomes alt-country powerhouse Ella Langley, fresh off a breakthrough year.
Your Cove, Your Crowd
Unlike big-box festivals, Bootleggers Bonfire is designed for comfort and connection. Fans can book reserved Coves for two to six people — roped-off spaces on the beach that come with seating, direct stage views, and the option for food, drinks and merch to be delivered right to your spot.
For those after a front-row thrill, Bootleggers Beach offers standing room just steps from the stage — with numbers limited to preserve the intimate atmosphere. It’s the best of both worlds: up-close access with laid-back, toes-in-the-sand vibes.
Campfire Country Culture
But the experience goes far beyond the main stage. Each day unfolds like a coastal carnival of country culture — from sunrise yoga sessions and fishing tournaments, to drum circles, bonfire jam nights, and a raucous Luke‑I‑Oke karaoke session where fans can perform onstage with the house band.
Evenings bring golden-hour performances and spontaneous singalongs, while daytime is built for beach hangs and slow living. Whether you’re grabbing cocktails from a tiki pop-up, swapping stories at the Songwriters Bonfire, or dancing through the Wildcards 90’s Night, every detail has been crafted for connection.
Close-Up and All In
In an era of mega-fests and oversold arenas, Bootleggers Bonfire feels like a breath of warm, coastal air — proving that country music doesn’t need grandstands to be grand. It’s a celebration of songwriters, a treat for superfans, and a reminder that sometimes the best way to feel music… is barefoot.
Whether you’re there for the setlists or the sunsets, Bootleggers Bonfire ‘25 delivers the rarest of combinations: a headliner at the top of his game, in a setting built to bring fans closer than ever before.
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Event Preview – Ridin’ Hearts
City rooftops meet country roads as Ridin’ Hearts returns to Sydney and Melbourne in October—serving up boot-stomping music, rising stars, and all-out festival fun.
Get ready to dust off your boots and feel the pulse of country magic—because Ridin’ Hearts Festival is back for its third year, bigger, louder and bolder than ever.
On Saturday 25 October at Sydney Showground and Sunday 26 October at Melbourne’s Caribbean Gardens, this unique city-centre festival is ready to once again bring the heart of Nashville to Australia’s east coast.
Unlike any other event on the calendar, Ridin’ Hearts blends high-energy performances with streetwear cool, cowboy boot glamour, and boutique vibes. It’s where fans come to celebrate the modern face of country music—genre-fluid, emotionally rich, and undeniably fun.
A Headline Act with Heart
Topping the bill this year is none other than Megan Moroney. Nicknamed the “emo cowgirl” for her blend of vulnerability and sass, Moroney has fast become a country superstar. With over 2.8 billion global streams, viral tracks like “No Caller ID” and “Tennessee Orange,” and a second studio album Am I Okay? hot off the press, Moroney’s set promises to be a singalong celebration and an emotional gut-punch rolled into one.
She’ll be joined by Nate Smith, whose powerhouse vocals and emotionally direct songwriting have earned him massive crossover appeal. Known for anthems like “Whiskey on You” and “Bulletproof,” Smith was crowned Billboard’s Rookie of the Year and recently took home ACM’s New Male Artist of the Year.
Rising Stars and Local Favourites
As ever, Ridin’ Hearts isn’t just about the biggest names—it’s a platform for tomorrow’s headliners. Avery Anna returns to Australian shores after winning over fans at CMC Rocks earlier this year. The 20-year-old viral sensation has already proven she’s more than a TikTok success story—her ballads hit with the emotional weight of someone twice her age.
Then there’s Waylon Wyatt, a fresh Nashville face who’s balancing graduation with festival tours. Armed with heartland grit and youthful optimism, he’s quickly building buzz as a new voice to watch. From closer to home, Golden Guitar nominee Lane Pittman represents Australia’s own country resurgence, having recently supported Luke Combs on his national stadium tour. His blend of raw vocals and relatable lyrics are bound to resonate with hometown crowds.
Additional highlights include Blake Whiten, Sara Berki, Karley Scott Collins, and Lewis Love—all artists who blur the lines between country, folk, and Americana in exciting ways.
A True Country Experience
But Ridin’ Hearts isn’t just about the music. This is a festival designed to delight the senses. Visitors can browse curated market stalls, grab bites from local food trucks (everything from Southern BBQ to vegan options), and sip craft cocktails at pop-up bars throughout the site.
There’s also a strong fashion and lifestyle element: from glitter cowboy hats to custom denim, festivalgoers come dressed to impress. In fact, it’s not unusual to see a full runway of Western-meets-streetwear looks unfold right there on the grass.
Saddle Up
With both Sydney and Melbourne shows offering stacked line-ups and good vibes from morning to sundown, Ridin’ Hearts continues to carve out a unique space in the global festival calendar. It’s equal parts concert, community, and country celebration—proof that this genre is no longer confined to the American South.
Whether you’re new to country or a die-hard fan, Ridin’ Hearts offers something rare: the chance to experience the sound, style, and soul of modern country music in the beating heart of Australia’s biggest cities.
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Event Review – Windy City Smokeout
Windy City Smokeout 2025 delivered unforgettable musical moments, legendary BBQ, sizzling surprise guests, and vibrant Chicago spirit for four days outside the United Center.
Chicago’s Windy City Smokeout returned July 10–13, 2025, transforming the United Center parking lot into a lively convergence of country music and barbecue culture. Over four days, the festival drew crowds of 20,000–25,000 daily, drawn by a curated mix of chart‑topping artists, rising talent, and a smoky swarm of pitmasters.
The 2025 lineup boasted heavy-hitters like Kane Brown, Jon Pardi, Bailey Zimmerman, Old Dominion, Megan Moroney, Riley Green, Koe Wetzel, and Dylan Gossett. Supporting acts such as Ella Langley, Sam Barber, Charles Wesley Godwin, Shane Smith & the Saints, Josh Meloy, Lauren Watkins, and Maggie Antone added depth and diversity to the roster.
The schedule was tightly packed but masterfully paced, offering a seamless blend of party anthems, emotional ballads, and crowd-pleasing singalongs. Between sets, festivalgoers lounged in shaded beer gardens, joined line-dancing circles, or cooled off with ice-cold lemonade while sampling regional BBQ specialties.
The atmosphere remained relaxed but electric, with a crowd that skewed younger this year—suggesting the genre’s evolving appeal among Gen Z and millennial fans.
Unexpected magic
Weather, BBQ, and unexpected performances defined this year’s magic. Despite intense heat and storm warnings, the mood stayed electric. The festival featured over 20 esteemed pitmasters—including local favourites like Bub City, Lexington Betty, Smoque BBQ, and Soul & Smoke—plus regional stars such as Pappy’s, Little Miss BBQ, Meat Mitch, and Hoodoo Brown Barbecue.
One memorable highlight featured Hoodoo Brown serving Italian sausage sandwiches and smoked beef cheese poutine fries while battling the elements after a grueling 13-hour drive.
One of the weekend’s most surreal moments occurred during Old Dominion’s Friday set when Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi appeared as the Blues Brothers. They jammed on “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” and later joined the band for “Hotel Key,” igniting the crowd with a Chicago twist that will be remembered for years.
Stage highlights and rising stars
Friday and Saturday brought more unforgettable performances. Ella Langley’s energetic set earned her a career moment when she invited Riley Green onstage for two duets, sparking speculation with the crowd. Green’s own performance closed the festival with a raw, emotional solo rendition of “I Wish Grandpas Never Died,” following surprise Dueling renditions of Toby Keith hits that had fans singing along.
Headliner Jon Pardi closed out Smokeout with pyrotechnics, catwalk twirls, and singalong hits like “Beer Can’t Fix,” “Heartache Medication,” and “Head Over Boots” — capturing the heart of country fans with his trademark swagger and showmanship.
City vibes, country heart
What sets Windy City Smokeout apart is Chicago’s urban energy meeting festival soul. Whether tip‑toeing toward the next set with beer in hand or doing a line dance near the pits, the vibe remains an intoxicating blend of grit, community, and pure country joy.
From surprise celebrity cameos to smoky flavors and unforgettable sets, Smokeout 2025 is living proof that the best festivals never play it safe—they embrace the unexpected.
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Event Review – Country Thunder Wisconsin
Country Thunder Wisconsin returned with a record-breaking edition in July, drawing over 100,000 fans for four days of music, mud, and standout performances.
From July 17 to 20, Country Thunder Wisconsin once again turned Shadow Hill Ranch in Twin Lakes into a buzzing hub of boots, beer, and big-name acts.
The 2025 edition welcomed more than 100,000 fans across the four-day event, many of whom braved thick mud and unpredictable weather to catch a blockbuster lineup of country music stars.
The atmosphere was electric despite the rain, with spirits high and cowboy hats barely staying on as storms rolled through. Instead of deterring the crowd, the weather added a wild charm to the proceedings—giving the whole festival a gritty, homegrown vibe that felt unmistakably country.
Among the many memorable moments was Friday’s set by rising artist Braxton Keith, whose throwback honky-tonk style delivered one of the most talked-about performances of the weekend.
On Saturday night, Jelly Roll’s headline slot was a thunderous highlight. His genre-blending sound and heartfelt delivery resonated deeply with the soaked crowd, who sang along under clearing skies.
Legends and new voices
This year’s headliners—Cole Swindell, HARDY, Jelly Roll, and Dierks Bentley—each brought their own flavour to the main stage. From Swindell’s easygoing Southern charm to HARDY’s hard-hitting rock-country fusion, fans were treated to a genre-spanning showcase that spoke to country’s evolution. Bentley closed out the festival on Sunday with a high-energy set full of fan favourites and heartfelt moments.
The supporting cast was just as strong. Ashley McBryde, Chayce Beckham, Tyler Hubbard, and Sara Evans delivered solid sets that proved why they continue to be among the most respected voices in modern country. Meanwhile, classic acts like Shenandoah reminded attendees of the genre’s enduring roots, offering a satisfying balance of nostalgia and innovation.
A milestone moment
This year marked a symbolic milestone for the festival: its one-millionth attendee. After nearly three decades of camping, tailgating, and two-stepping in Wisconsin, the milestone was a reminder of Country Thunder’s status as a cultural cornerstone in the country music world.
Beyond the headliners, Country Thunder’s success rests on the strength of its community. Whether gathered around a campfire, dancing at Electric Thunder’s afterparties, or singing along to a songwriter showcase, the festival offered a space for connection, tradition, and new discoveries.
Campgrounds and community
The campgrounds, as ever, were where the real festival magic happened. With impromptu acoustic jams, BBQ smoke curling into the summer air, and groups of friends bonding over shared playlists and plastic cups, the weekend reminded fans that country music is as much about people as it is about sound.
Country Thunder Wisconsin 2025 proved once again that the heart of the festival lies in its blend of world-class performances and small-town spirit. With each year, the mud gets deeper, the crowd gets louder, and the memories grow stronger. If this edition is anything to go by, Country Thunder isn’t slowing down any time soon.
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C2C Festival will return in 2026
After another hugely successful festival this year with headliners; Lainey Wilson, Dierks Bentley and Cody Johnson, C2C is delighted to announce that it will return in March 2026 with early bird tickets available on Friday!
C2C Festival will return on Friday 13th to Sunday 15th March 2026 to The O2, London, OVO Hydro, Glasgow and The SSE Arena, Belfast.
Early bird tickets are available from Friday 21 March at 10am and can be purchased from www.gigsandtours.com, www.AXS.com and www.ticketmaster.co.uk. For Belfast tickets will be available via www.ticketmaster.ie. For Glasgow tickets will be available at www.gigsinscotland.com.
Country to Country has become a staple in the UK festival calendar and has brought country music to the UK and Ireland masses, with tens of thousands of fans attending each year. The festival will bring three days of the best in country music and programming that fans have come to love and expect from the weekend, with performances from the world’s best country stars as well as emerging talent from Nashville, UK and Europe.
The full line-up will be announced later in the year along with more exciting announcements and further news from the festival.
To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here.
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