For a state significantly lacking in cowboy hats in the popular American imagination, Minnesota has managed to become home to one of the nation’s largest country music festivals. We Fest, which drew crowds of up to 120,000 people last summer, has some of the biggest names in country music besides “Yee” and “Haw.” As we noted last year, here, “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.” We Fest has even been nominated twice for the Country Music Association’s Best Special Event award.
This year, Jelly Roll, Parker McCollum, Elle King, Trace Adkins and several men with two first names will take the reins at Soo Pass Ranch over three days. The venue has built-in seating at the main stage — an amphitheater that spills out into a larger lawn if you’d prefer to stand or hang out on a picnic blanket or lawn chair. Rapper Cowboy Troy will emcee this beer-filled party in the middle of rural Minnesota, and for even more music, you can wander over to the festival’s second, smaller stage to see acts such as up-and-coming country artist Dakota Hale between headliners.
Camping is an integral part of We Fest, but you don’t have to park yourself in a self-raised tent if that isn’t your style. Glamping is also an option, giving you an all-access pass to We Don’t Want To Sleep On The Ground Fest. Plus, Soo Pass Ranch has over fifty concession stands and vendors — one of which is Down and Dirty Hats, where you can pick up a cowboy hat for the occasion — for provisions before you wander back to your RV or tent.
The Specs
- Around 120,000 people are expected to attend the festival.
- Tickets start at $99 per day for general admission and range up to $1195 for the highest tier of VIP. The full breakdown of ticket tiers and prices can be found here.
- Check out Fifty Grande’s guides to the best things to do in Minnesota here.
FAQs
Where does the festival take place?
Soo Pass Ranch in Detroit Lakes, MN.
What’s the best way to get there?
The closest airport to We Fest is Hector International Airport in Fargo, North Dakota. There is parking available on the festival grounds.
Are there any age restrictions?
No, We Fest is for all ages. Children 5 years old and younger do not need tickets to attend.
Who’s on this year’s lineup?
Jelly Roll, Parker McCollum, Eric Church, Koe Wetzel, Carly Pearce, Elle King, Warren Zeiders, Trace Adkins, Paul Cauthen, The Bellamy Brothers, Lonestar, Jackson Dean, Lauren Watkins, Stephen Wilson Jr., Tanner Adell, Corey Kent, Emma Zinck, Taylor Goyette, Patrick Murphy, Joe Stamm Band and Dakota Hale.
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