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2026 iHeartCountry Festival lineup revealed
The 13th annual iHeartCountry Festival is set for May 2, 2026, at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. Fans are excited as the official lineup brings together 9 top country performers, from legendary stars to rising talent.
This one-night celebration highlights the very best in country music and offers fans a chance to see chart-topping hits live.
The festival continues its tradition of combining music and charity, raising awareness and funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital while giving fans a night to remember.
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Kane Brown and Parker McCollum lead
Kane Brown and Parker McCollum headline the 2026 festival, bringing star power to the Moody Center. Brown, with over 10 million monthly Spotify listeners, continues to dominate the charts with his hits. McCollum, a Texas native, will perform a private pre-show for special ticket holders.
Together, they represent the top talent fans expect from the iHeartCountry Festival. Their energetic performances promise to set the tone for a night full of country music variety, blending modern hits with heartfelt stories from the stage.
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Capital One presale starts January 20
Fans can grab tickets early during the Capital One presale starting January 20, 2026, at 11 a.m. ET. This 48-hour exclusive gives cardholders first access to general admission and special Access Passes, including a pre-show party with Parker McCollum.
Public ticket sales follow on January 23 at 1 p.m. ET. With only a few thousand seats available, fans are encouraged to act quickly. The Access Pass offers a unique opportunity to enjoy intimate performances and meet-and-greet moments before the main festival action begins.
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Shaboozey and Riley Green join lineup
Shaboozey recently topped the Billboard Hot 100 with his hit ‘A Bar Song (Tipsy),’ marking a record‑tying run at number one and a major breakthrough for the rising star. Riley Green brings his traditional country sound, giving fans a mix of classic and modern styles.
Both artists are part of the 9-person lineup, performing short but exciting sets. Their music adds variety and keeps the audience engaged throughout the night, reflecting the festival’s goal of highlighting both emerging talent and established stars in one unforgettable event.
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Gretchen Wilson returns to the stage
Country legend Gretchen Wilson makes a big return, performing her signature hits like “Redneck Woman,” which topped the charts for five weeks in 2004. Her presence adds veteran star power to the 2026 lineup alongside Dylan Scott and Lauren Alaina.
Wilson’s performance celebrates the genre’s history and gives fans a taste of classic country energy. Her commanding voice and stage presence make her a highlight of the festival, showing that even after years in the industry, she remains a vital and beloved figure in country music today.
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Chase Matthew and Dylan Scott perform
Chase Matthew and Dylan Scott are ready to light up the Moody Center stage. Dylan Scott has earned three number one hits on country radio, including “My Girl,” “New Truck,” and “Can’t Have Mine.” Chase Matthew, a rising star with a growing fanbase on social media, will bring fresh energy to the lineup.
Their sets will feature fan favorites and new releases, keeping the audience engaged from start to finish. Both artists add depth to the festival’s diverse mix, ensuring every fan experiences both established hits and exciting new music.
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St. Jude partnership continues
The iHeartCountry Festival continues its partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, helping families while fans enjoy the music. Fans can become a Partner in Hope for just $19 a month, ensuring families pay $0 for treatment, travel, or housing.
Since the festival began, millions have been raised for life-saving research and patient care. This partnership highlights how music can make a difference, allowing attendees to enjoy their favorite country stars while supporting a cause that has a lasting impact on children and families in need.
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Country music’s 2025 highlights
2025 was a big year for country music, with iHeartMedia states that it “reaches nine out of ten Americans every month” and has “a quarter of a billion monthly listeners”.
Artists like Russell Dickerson saw their songs climb the charts, helping new performers transition from social media to mainstream radio. This growth sets the stage for the 2026 festival, with Dickerson confirmed for a live performance in Austin.
The event promises to showcase the genre’s momentum, giving fans a chance to experience hits from the past year and enjoy emerging talent that reflects country music’s continued popularity nationwide.
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Lauren Alaina joins female lineup
Lauren Alaina will perform at the Moody Center, bringing her three number one hits, including “Road Less Traveled” and her duet “What Ifs.” She joins Gretchen Wilson as one of the female artists in the 2026 lineup.
Her set adds to the diversity of voices on stage, blending contemporary and traditional country sounds. Fans can expect memorable renditions of her top tracks and a lively connection with the audience during the one-night event in Austin.
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Russell Dickerson returns to Austin
Russell Dickerson will perform his hits during a 30-minute set at the 2026 festival. Known for his four consecutive number one singles to start his career, Dickerson brings experience and energy to the lineup.
His performance will join eight other artists for a full night of country music, combining both new tracks and fan favorites. With his engaging stage presence and catchy songs, Dickerson adds an exciting layer to the festival.
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Moody Center hosts festival again
The Moody Center, valued at $375 million, hosts its fifth iHeartCountry Festival in Austin. Since opening in April 2022, the arena has received praise for its excellent sound and design. Located on the University of Texas campus, the venue provides an ideal setting for this annual event.
Fans will fill the seats to watch nine country acts on May 2, 2026. The arena’s modern amenities and large capacity make it perfect for showcasing both established and rising stars, ensuring the festival remains one of the premier country music events in the nation.
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Bobby Bones returns as host
Bobby Bones will host the festival for the 13th time, welcoming fans to the Moody Center. Known for his syndicated radio show, Bones connects with millions of listeners every morning. His humor and love for country music make him a fan favorite.
On May 2, he will introduce all nine performers, keeping the night lively and engaging. Bones’ consistent presence adds familiarity to the festival, maintaining its charm and excitement as fans experience one of the biggest country music events of the year in Austin, Texas.
If you want to see how Bobby Bones turned music into a massive impact, as charity concert by Bobby Bones brings in $221K.
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Festival history highlights top stars
The iHeartCountry Festival has grown from a small event into a major national broadcast reaching nine out of ten Americans monthly. Past editions featured stars like Jason Aldean, Jelly Roll, and Old Dominion. The 2026 festival continues this tradition, showcasing nine artists with chart-topping hits.
Each year highlights the best songs in country music, giving fans an unforgettable live experience. The festival blends rising talent with veteran performers, keeping the event fresh while honoring the genre’s history and maintaining its status as one of the top country music celebrations in the U.S.
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Who are you most excited to see at this year’s festival? Share your thoughts in the comments and let fellow fans know.
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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Last Updated: January 16, 2026
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