With equal parts booze and music, Pendleton Whisky Music Fest is a lively, Western festival for country music and 90s music fans. This year artists like Thomas Rhett, Dustin Lynch, Jo Dee Messina and Thomas Mac will share the festival’s single stage with Vanilla Ice, Tone Loc and Sugarhill Gang. Sponsored by Pendleton Whisky, there will be shots and signature drinks for sale all weekend long. You’ll fit in best with a cowboy hat and cutoffs.
The event kicks off with a free pre-festival party on Friday in downtown Pendleton, Ore., a classic, brick Western town. Joel Gibson Jr., Precious Byrd and DJ Sovern-T will play the gathering, which draws a big, late-night crowd because of the lack of price tag and sets the tone for the weekend—big energy and a wild west vibe. The venue will serve local food vendors and cocktails (not just whisky-based—but mostly), all not yet announced at the time of this writing.
After the pre-party, folks can choose between a range of ticket options catering to different preferences, from grandstand seats (don’t worry, there are screens on either side of the stage to enlarge headliners) to an exclusive party pit near the stage. The venue is a large, open-air structure set up at one end of the Pendleton Round-Up Grounds, a dusty outdoor arena typically used for rodeos. Attendees unite on the camping grounds after performances wrap, which is the most popular sleeping option. After a day of music, you can kick back with some Pendleton Whisky by a fire—pending burn permits.
The Specs
- Roughly 20,000 people are expected.
- If camping’s not your thing, stay at the Motolodge, a hotel in Pendleton, OR.
- Tickets start at $99.
FAQs
What is the closest airport to Pendleton Whisky Music Fest?
The Eastern Oregon Regional Airport is nearby—just 3.5 miles from the festival grounds. The nearest international airport, Portland International Airport (PDX), is about 200 miles from the festival.
What is the bag policy?
All bags must be smaller than 14” x 14” x 16.”
Where should I stay?
Lots of folks camp at the festival, though there are a few small hotels around, too.
Which artists are on Pendleton Whisky Music Fest’s lineup this year?
The full artist lineup is Thomas Mac, DJ Sovern-T, Jo Dee Messina, Vanilla Ice, Tone Loc, Sugarhill Gang, Dustin Lynch, and Thomas Rhett.
Playlist
Videos