Country Thunder – the largest Country music festival brand in North America – is today announcing a new partnership with Big Hat Rodeo to bring action-packed bull riding to Country Thunder Wisconsin 2026. See announce video here. 

Known by fans everywhere as the biggest party in the Midwest, Country Thunder Wisconsin features four unforgettable days of music, camping, and community at Shadow Hill Ranch in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, slated for July 16-19. But this year, its star-studded lineup will include a thrilling twist.

With the Buckin’ Thunder Pro Bull Riding Event, festival-goers will see three days of show stopping, sanctioned bull riding, with professional cowboys competing for prize money. The event will be hosted by the Midwest's premier rodeo promoters, Big Hat Rodeo, who have been producing rodeos across the region for 106 years. 

“It's exactly the kind of high-energy experience our fans have come to expect from Country Thunder, and we're thrilled to partner with Big Hat Rodeo to make it happen,” says CEO and President of Country Thunder, Troy Vollhoffer. 

The Buckin’ Thunder Pro Bull Riding Event is set to take place Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at noon (7/17-7/19), as another exhilarating part of a world-class festival lineup. "Country Thunder is a giant entertainment staple in the Midwest, and bull riding is as Country as it gets,” said Lenora Calzavara, owner of Big Hat Rodeo Company. 

Headlined by Gavin Adcock, Riley Green, Keith Urban, and The Red Clay Strays, Country Thunder Wisconsin boasts an all-star roster featuring Country’s most celebrated artists and fastest-rising newcomers. Along with boundary-pushing hitmakers like Gretchen Wilson, Mark Chesnutt, Ian Munsick, Nate Smith, and Shaboozey, the festival will also showcase breakout talent like George Birge, Dasha, Corey Kent, Gabriella Rose, Mae Estes, and more.

Beyond its powerhouse lineup, Country Thunder Wisconsin also promises a next-level camping experience set against a breathtaking backdrop of lush rolling hills. Festival-goers can choose from a wide range of camping options, including Tent Camping, Crown Camping, Glamping, and more. For added convenience, campers can even reserve private port-a-potties for their site. A weekend wristband is required for campground access.

Finally, fans can get big savings on their ticket purchase by visiting the festival’s retail partners. Simply buy tickets for Country Thunder Wisconsin 2026 at participating Walgreens or Menards locations, and save up to $75 on the total cost. 

Single day and weekend passes are available now. 

Go here to purchase festival tickets online.

Go here for more information and to purchase camping packages.

ABOUT COUNTRY THUNDER MUSIC FESTIVALS:
Country Thunder Music Festivals thrives as the world’s preeminent Country music festival brand. Led by President and C.E.O. Troy Vollhoffer since 2005, it continues to set the tone for Country music and culture. This global powerhouse encompasses annual multi-day events in six major markets across two countries, earning “Festival of the Year” at the ACM Awards three times and entertaining millions of fans to date. Its stages have welcomed GRAMMY® Award-winning generational superstars, genre-busting trailblazers, and rising talent alike. Beyond boasting a reputation for once-in-a-lifetime collaborations, it has perennially provided a launchpad for breaking acts. Between those powerhouse performances, each location features an immersive concourse consisting of numerous cuisine and beverage options, local vendors, and various attractions. Dubbed “a pillar of country festival culture” by Holler., American Songwriter has hailed it as “a country music lover’s dream,” while The Tennessean summed it up best, “For three decades, the Country Thunder brand has succeeded in offering fans top-tier performances.” The brand’s festivals include Saskatchewan, Arizona, Wisconsin, Alberta, and Florida. As always, Country Thunder Music Festivals embodies the past, present, and future of Country music and so much more.

ABOUT COUNTRY THUNDER WISCONSIN:
Country Thunder Wisconsin serves as the epicenter of Country music in America’s heartland. Surrounded by the lush rolling hills of Wisconsin, the venue’s amphitheater is comfortably cozied up next to Twin Lakes, offering a breathtaking backdrop for the performances on stage. Since 2009, the annual four-day summertime fest has played to north of 1 million fans and garnered “Festival of the Year” at the ACM Awards. Complemented by the charm of Shadow Hill Ranch, its superstar alumni include Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Jelly Roll, Toby Keith, Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, Chris Stapleton, and many more. It’s the crown jewel of Country music in the Midwest.

 

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