All the haters that claim the Upper Midwest isn’t a country music destination clearly haven’t seen how many Dodge Ram-driving, American flag tank top-wearing patriots show up at ND Country Fest. Under the watchful eye of Salem Sue, the World’s Largest Holstein Cow, the first NDCF was hatched in 2017 to bring some southern comfort up to the Great Plains. It’s drawn thousands ever since.
The biggest country festival in North Dakota spans four boot-stomping days and nights — that is if you go all-in and lasso a group together to camp out on-site for the weekend. Between the carnival rides, craft zone, lawn games and gallons of booze to keep you entertained, you’ll be plenty ready to sit and take a breather when it’s time to actually hear some music. Through a sea of cowboy hats, you can snag a relaxed spot in the designated lawn chair seating area, a bit further back from the main stage. With a relatively compact lineup split between the main and secondary stages, you’ll be able to get a good look at nearly every set. Diehard fans, though, can get up close and personal with 2024 headliners Dierks Bentley, Riley Green and Michael Ray by splurging on a VIP ticket that gets them pit access at the foot of the mainstage. Other unmissable VIP perks include entry to the suite tents, “one [unspecified] VIP meal per day” and ”air-conditioned elite bathrooms.” Too bad it’s already sold out.
During the day, make sure to take a trip to the Campground General Store, the pop-up mercantile that vends soda, snacks soda and anything else you might have forgotten for an impromptu beer pong tournament. After sunset, the party will continue at The Good Times Saloon until 2 a.m. every night with a variety of DJ sets. Grab a midnight snack at the late-night food trucks or one of ND Country Fest’s signature cocktails, the simply-named Country Cocktail or the Sunburn, both available for the chugging before catching that last ($52 per person) shuttle back into Bismarck.
It’s important to clock the themes for each day of the festival ahead of time, so don’t forget to pack for Denim Day or Rhinestone Cowboy Day – that would be embarrassing.
Though it’s already passed, this year, festival organizers introduced the new Your Town Tour, 10 concerts touring around the region for March and April, as an appetizer to get folks locked and loaded for July’s main event.
The Specs
- 55,000 expected to attend
- GA single-day tickets will run you between $95-105, while the whole weekend is packaged at $150.
- Not ready to mosey back to city life? Check out Fifty Grande’s North Dakota guide
FAQs
What is the closest airport to ND Country Fest 2024?
Fly into Bismarck Municipal Airport (BIS) and drive about 35 miles west to get to the festival.
Where’s the venue?
ND Country Fest, 1000 8th St N, New Salem, ND 58563
Can I camp?
Camping passes must be purchased for the entire weekend and are sold separately from festival admission tickets. Those with single-day tickets are not able to purchase camping passes.
Can I bring my pets?
There are no animals allowed at ND Country Fest.
Can I bring kids?
The children under six gain free entry to NDCF, though organizers do not recommend children under 12 attend. Concertgoers under 18 need a valid admission ticket and must be accompanied by a guardian.
Which artists will I see at ND Country Fest 2024?
Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Michael Ray, Clint Black, Easton Corbin, Lee Roy Parnell, Diamond Rio, Pam Tillis, Ned Ledoux, War Hippies, The Frontmen, Ty Herndon, Frank Ray, Chancey Williams, Cassie Ashton, Taylor Austin Dye, Out Of Line, Tyler Booth, DJ DU & Cowboy Joe.
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