With Country Thunder Wisconsin just around the corner, Country Thunder – the largest Country music festival brand in North America – has revealed the 2026 performers for its daily Songwriters Showcase,  presented by American Songwriter (check out the exclusive announcement on American Songwriter here).

Highlighting both established hitmakers and the next generation of behind-the-scenes stars, fans will get a daily dose of some of their favorite Country songs (and the stories behind them) from the talented songwriters who brought them to life. Award-winning wordsmiths like Ryan Beaver and Neil Medley will take the stage, along with rising songwriters like Chase McDaniel – and even the to-be-announced winner of this year’s American Songwriter “Sounds Like Summer” contest. Together, they are responsible for No. 1 songs like “Made for You” (Jake Owen), “House Again” (Hudson Westbrook), “The Painter” (Cody Johnson), “Pretty Little Poison” (Warren Zeiders), “Country Song Came On” (Luke Bryan), and much more.

Country Thunder Wisconsin 2026 takes place July 16-19 at Shadow Hill Ranch in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, featuring four unforgettable days of music, camping, and community. More info below.

Country Thunder Wisconsin 2026 Songwriters Showcase Lineup:

THURSDAY, JULY 16
6pm | Ryan Beaver, Benjy Davis, Neil Medley

FRIDAY, JULY 17
3pm | Trent Wayne, Chase McDaniel, Phillip Morgan 
6pm | Ryan Beaver, Benjy Davis, Neil Medley

SATURDAY, JULY 18 
3pm | Trent Wayne, Chase McDaniel, Phillip Morgan 
6pm | Ryan Beaver, Benjy Davis, Neil Medley

SUNDAY, JULY 19
3pm | Trent Wayne, Chase McDaniel, Phillip Morgan, American Songwriter Contest Winner

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, 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.

New for this year, The Buckin’ Thunder Pro Bull Riding Event will take place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (July 17-19), adding another thrilling component to a world-class festival lineup. Hosted in partnership with Big Hat Rodeo, the sanctioned bull riding event will feature professional cowboys competing for prize money, riding under the same Big Hat Rodeo banner which has producing rodeos across the Midwest for 106 years.

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:
With a storied history as the epicenter of Country music in America’s heartland, Country Thunder Wisconsin is one of the nation’s leading music festivals, which in 2026 will celebrate 30 years of fun. Held at Shadow Hill Ranch in the lush rolling hills of Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, breathtaking backdrops and unforgettable performances have made Country Thunder Wisconsin a premiere destination for music, camping, and community, with roots dating back to 1996. Now one of the most anticipated events in Country Thunder calendar – the largest Country music festival brand in North America – the annual four-day summertime fest was transformed into the “biggest party in the Midwest” by visionary CEO Troy Vollhoffer, who took over Country Thunder in 2009. Since then Country Thunder Wisconsin has welcomed more than 1 million fans through its gates and been honored as “Festival of the Year” by the Academy of Country Music, pairing superstar lineups with world-class attractions, and some of the best camping in the United States. 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. After 30 years, the crown jewel of Country music in the Midwest returns on July 16-19, headlined by Gavin Adcock, Riley Green, Keith Urban, and The Red Clay Strays.

 

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