The CQ Guide to Summer Festivals
Hallelujah, it’s festival season! It’s been years since we’ve been able to feast on a cornucopia of outdoor musical treats, and we’re excited to tell you about these ultra-cool festivals that feature plenty of queer country(esque) artists.
Jump in, the water’s fine!
Red Wing Roots Music Festival
June 24-26, Mt. Solon, Virginia
Three days, five stages, and 50+ bands at the beautiful Natural Chimneys Park and Campground in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley.
Headliners include The Jayhawks, Bahamas, Yonder Mountain String Band, Aoife O’Donovan, and The Steel Wheels.
Queer artists include LGBTQ+ Artists include Aaron Lee Tasjan, Allison Russell, Sammie Rae, Allison de Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves.
Nashville Pride Festival
June 25-26, Nashville, TN
Nashville PRIDE is the largest LGBTQ event in Tennessee. Enjoy an extensive vendor marketplace, Equality Walk, food vendors, entertainment, and much more.
Country/Americana artists include The Kentucky Gentlemen, Jaime Wyatt, Gina Venier, Harper Grae, and Mike Maimone. (And don’t miss legendary ally Tanya Tucker!)
Winnipeg Folk Festival
July 7-10, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Held annually in Birds Hill Provincial Park, near Winnipeg, this festival features music from around the world, including a number of local artists.
Headliners include Portugal, The Man, Tash Sultana, Buddy Guy, Japanese Breakfast, and Bahamas.
Queer artists include Allison de Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves, Allison Russell, Bobby Dove, Leith Ross, and Lido Piminenta.
Mile of Music Festival
August 4-7, Appleton, WI
Mile of Music is an annual free festival located in downtown Appleton, Wisconsin. It’s a collaborative community event with support from nearly 50 business and community sponsors.
Queer artists include Paisley Fields, Celisse, Lizzie No, and Joy Clark.
WebsiteAdmission: FREE
The Long Road Festival
August 26-28, Stanford Hall, Leicestershire, UK
The Long Road is a UK country, Americana and roots music festival, held in the grounds of Leicestershire’s beautiful Stanford Hall.
Headliners include Chris Young, The Cadillac Three, Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, and LOCASH.
Queer artists include Brandy Clark, Allison Russell, Sarah Shook & the Disarmers, and Della Mae.
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
September 9-11, Bristol, TN
The annual festival celebrates Bristol, Tennessee-Virginia’s music heritage as the birthplace of country music.
Headliners include JJ Grey & Mofro, Tanya Tucker, Rosanne Cash, Del McCoury Band, The Wood Brothers, Jerry Douglas Band, Fantastic Negrito, The War and Treaty, and Asleep at the Wheel.
Queer artists include Aaron Lee Tasjan, Jake Blount, Jennifer Knapp, Katie Pruitt, and S.G. Goodman.
AmericanaFest
September 13-17, Nashville, TN
The annual event brings together fans and music industry professionals for six days of celebration. Panels by day and intimate showcases each night.
Headliners include Asleep at the Wheel, James McMurtry, The Jerry Douglas Band, John Fullbright, Joshua Ray Walker, and Kelly Willis.
Queer artists include Allison de Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves, Jake Blount, Rainbow Girls, and Melissa Carper.