by Jim Collar
Country music is often associated with places like Nashville, Austin, and Bakersfield.
However, when summer arrives, fans know some of the best places to experience their favorite superstars include locales such as Rhinelander, Eau Claire, and Oshkosh.
Wisconsin’s country music festival scene has become a summer institution, drawing fans from across the Midwest for multiple days of concerts, camping, and community. America’s Dairyland has among the most country music festivals per capita in the United States. While festivals unfold all summer long, the boot-scootin’ peaks in July with five major events, each of which draws tens of thousands of fans.
Country music is Wisconsin’s favorite genre by several measures, including song plays and box office receipts. Spotify’s Local Pulse charts consistently show country artists ranking unusually high in Wisconsin markets, including Appleton and Green Bay.
It’s a style that fits our attitudes and atmosphere.
Wisconsin’s rural landscape and small-town sensibilities meld with the country vibe, and listeners resonate with themes of family, hard work, and hometown pride woven throughout the lyrics.
Combine those elements with the beauty of a Wisconsin summer, and it’s easy to understand how the state has become a country festival capital. The festivals, meanwhile, aren’t cookie-cutter events. Each has its own charms and unique elements.
The July fun kicks off in Rhinelander with the Hodag Country Festival on July 9–12, featuring Russell Dickerson, Brothers Osborne, Old Dominion, and Nate Smith. Known for its loyal fan base, campground culture, and decades-long tradition, Hodag is a destination festival where generations return year after year.
In West Salem, Country Boom will unfold July 9–11 with Tucker Wetmore, Flo Rida, Tyler Hubbard, and Hudson Westbrook at the top of the bill. Hosted on a former golf course, Country Boom is known for its clean, well‑organized grounds, upgraded VIP areas, and a layout designed for easy movement between stages, food vendors, and shaded relaxation areas.
Eau Claire’s Country Jam USA, July 16–18, brings headliners Koe Wetzel, Riley Green, and Jordan Davis to a permanent festival site built specifically for large-scale concerts. With its spacious grounds, dedicated campgrounds, and strong reputation for production quality, Country Jam remains one of Wisconsin’s marquee summer events.
In Southeast Wisconsin, Country Thunder returns to Twin Lakes July 16–19 with headliners Gavin Adcock, the Red Clay Strays, Riley Green, and Keith Urban. As part of a national series, this festival is known for its massive crowds, multi‑day party atmosphere, and ability to attract some of the biggest names in the genre.
Rounding out the month is the County Line Country Festival in Prairie du Chien, July 30–Aug. 1, headlined by Scotty McCreery, Brothers Osborne, and Warren Zeiders. Set along the Mississippi River, it offers a more intimate experience with a scenic backdrop.
Don’t wear yourselves out in July.
This year’s XRoads41 festival in Oshkosh takes place Aug. 6-8, bringing a youthful vibe, party atmosphere, and top-tier headliners with a mix of chart-topping hits and cross‑genre appeal. Featuring the Zac Brown Band, Lainey Wilson, and Jason Aldean, XRoads41 continues to cement its place as one of Wisconsin’s standout festivals.
Get out and enjoy. In Wisconsin, summer has a distinct country sound, and our festival scene continues to raise the bar.
This article was originally published in the July 2026 issue of Appleton Monthly Magazine.
