We Fest is a stomping ground for country music lovers in cowgirl boots. American flags double as totem poles and campsites may be marked with signs made from empty Pabst Blue Ribbon boxes. Don’t be surprised if a 10-gallon hat blocks your view of the stage.
Many country stars got their start here in the middle of rural Minnesota at S00 Pass Ranch, including Taylor Swift and Jason Aldean. Keeping course with history, this year’s lineup is full of up-and-coming acts and songwriters like Few Miles South and fan faves, like Brad Paisley, Morgan Wallen and Gabby Barrett. When We Fest goers aren’t camped out in the grass in their favorite lawn chair, they can participate in a dance competition to win reserved seat tickets for 2024. More energized partiers can compete in a Miller Light hosted “baggo” tournament, (we call it cornhole where I’m from) where up to 128 teams can play and winners score VIP upgrades. You can also purchase membership to the “Country Club,” an exclusive area near the front of the main stage with a private bar, drink specials and snacks.
If you are into festival camping, this is the place to do it. Campgrounds are located around three different lakes, courtesy of Minnesota’s finest, and all have free showers and restrooms. Reportedly, the campground parties get pretty rowdy, so if you have the extra cash and you like that kind of thing, why not?
The Specs
- Scenic Soo Pass Ranch can accommodate up to 50,000 people.
- General admission 3-day pass: $179
- Military Discount: $155
- For the front-of-crowders, warning: The festival makes you pay more for what they call a “Pit Pass” which gives you access to the area in front of the stage. You can also choose to purchase reserved grandstand, individual or lawn chair seating.
- Here you can download the festival’s app.
- Check out Fifty Grande’s guide to Minnesota here.
FAQs
Where is We Festival held?
The We Festival 2023 will be held at Soo Pass Ranch. The address is 25526 County Highway 22
Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, 56501
What is the We Fest 2023 lineup?
The full lineup, including headliners, is Morgan Wallen, Brad Paisley, Kane Brown, Chase Rice, Brothers Osborne, Gabby Barrett, Ernest, Travis Tritt, Blackberry Smoke, Bailey Zimmerman, Jo Dee Messina, Neal McCoy, Ashland Craft, Ben Burgess, Ashley Cooke, John Morgan, Casey Muessigmann, Few Miles South, DJ B-Rock and the emcee is Cowboy Troy.
When was the first festival?
The first We Fest country music festival was held in 1983.
Are there any COVID restrictions?
WE Fest will follow the guidelines set by all city and state authorities. Watch their websites for any updates as the festival nears.
Is there a beach at Lake Sallie?
The campground is lakeside but there is no public beach.
How far is Fargo, North Dakota, from Detroit Lakes?
Fargo is 46 miles west of Detroit Lakes, straight across on Route 10.
Is We Fest a camping festival?
You can definitely camp at the festival. There are ten campgrounds though it’s recommended not to camp with children.
Where can I buy We Fest tickets?
See the link at the top of the page that says “check for tickets.”