This summer, I had the chance to put on my cowgirl boots, wide brimmed hat, and attend Country Jam USA in Eau Claire, WI. Having lived in Eau Claire during college and for another five years working at the local TV station, this place is close to my heart. I used to cover Country Jam as a reporter, “going live” from the old Country Jam grounds and interviewing musicians like Thomas Rhett and The Band Perry. This was my first time at Country Jam’s new home, Eau Claire Event District. It was also my first time attending simply as a fan of country music and wow, was it fun! Thank you to Country Jam USA for sponsoring this blog post and for inviting me out to experience the music festival.
The Music
Of course, the main attraction is always the incredible lineup of musicians. Country Jam has three days of festivities and each day brings new artists including some of country music’s most influential and popular performers. There are meet and greets throughout all three days, surprise acoustic performances for fans who are at the campground, and tickets to get up close in the party pit.
I brought my favorite humans in the world, my bff Karsyn and we jammed out to some of our favorites in the pit! If you’re a big country music fan, I highly recommend the general admission + pit pass tickets or the VIP + pit pass tickets. On stage on day one included Hardy, Ernest, Parmalee, Drew Parker, and Aidan Canfield. The energy was electric, and there’s something about the way the stage is laid out, but there’s definitely a more intimate connection between the artists and the audience. Some other notable artists this year that I missed out on include Brothers Osborne, Thomas Rhett, and Ella Langley!
NEW: Country Jam USA has already announced some of the artists on the lineup next year including Bailey Zimmerman, Cole Swindell, Sam Hunt, Chase Rice, Jake Owen, Sara Evans, Craig Morgan, David Lee Murphy, and Kaylee Bell.
The Campground
The campground was a perfect blend of convenience and camaraderie. Situated close to the main festival grounds, it made popping back to the camper a breeze. This was the second year Country Jam took place at the new Eau Claire Event District, which includes over 1000 campsites adjacent to the festival site. There are clean facilities, friendly neighbors who are looking to have a good time, and a lively atmosphere to set the tone for an unforgettable three days. The campground was abuzz with excitement as fans from all over came together, sharing memories of past Country Jam, decorating campers with themed decor, and getting ready for the music festival. Shoutout to all of the campers who let me come hangout with them! Here are a few reasons why camping is the way to go for Country Jam:
Proximity to the Action: Camping on-site means you’re just steps away from the music and festivities, so you won’t miss a moment.
Community Vibes: You’ll be surrounded by fellow country music fans, making it easy to meet new people and share the excitement.
Convenience: With everything in one place, you can avoid the hassle of commuting to and from the festival each day.
Extended Festivities: The party doesn’t stop when the main stage closes—camping lets you keep the fun going late into the night but also allows you to call it an early night and head back into your camper. Campers also get exclusive access to official Country Jam-sponsored campground activities.
The Camping Experience: Camping allows for the camping experience with communal meals with fellow campers, whether it’s breakfast at the campsite or grilling dinner together, playing campground games, or making s’mores around the fire.
Early Access: Campers often get early access to the festival grounds so you can setup early and camp until the festivities are over.
Food and Drink Options
One of the highlights of Country Jam USA was the impressive array of food and drink options available. From classic fair food and food trucks to gourmet options for VIP ticket holders, there was something to satisfy every craving. The drink selection was equally diverse, featuring popular beers and seltzers, creative cocktails, and plenty of non-alcoholic choices to keep everyone hydrated and happy. I particularly enjoyed the crab rangoons and cocktails from the Tin Can Mobile Bar.
The New(ish) Grounds
The move to the new grounds (new as of two years ago) at Eau Claire Event District was a fantastic decision. The layout was well thought out, providing plenty of space for everyone to enjoy the festival comfortably. The grounds were beautifully maintained, with lush green grass so people with general admission tickets could set their lawn chairs down or watch from a picnic blanket. The improved infrastructure meant shorter lines for food, drinks, and restrooms, which was a huge plus. The new grounds are so open with lots of space, more buildings including High Country and The Crescent which includes bar areas and food areas. Pro Tip: If you get general admission ickets and want good seats, get there before gates open and line up with your lawn chairs. Once gates open, you can run to a general admission spot that closest to the stage and set your lawn chairs down to “save your seat.”
Why You Should Attend
1. Incredible Music Lineup: Country Jam USA consistently brings top-tier country artists, offering unforgettable performances.
2. Beautiful Location: Nestled in the heart of Wisconsin, the new grounds provide a scenic and spacious setting for a relaxed festival experience.
3. Camaraderie: The sense of community and camaraderie at a big country music festival is unmatched. You’ll meet fellow country music fans and create lasting memories.
4. Food, Drinks, & Entertainment With a wide variety of food trucks and beverage options, there’s something to satisfy every craving. There are also tons of merchant booths setup so you can shop for hats, boots, jewelry, sample products, and chat with different organizations and brands.
5. Fun Activities: From photo ops and people-watching to interactive booths, there’s always something to do between sets. There’s even an electric bull riding area, a hat making station for custom cowboy/cowgirl hats, and new this year – entertainment from the Ranch Hands Cowboylesque with choreographed singing and dancing.
My day at Country Jam USA was filled with great music from some incredible artists, an impressive lineup of food and drinks, and wonderful company. Whether you’re a country music aficionado or just looking for a fun time, Country Jam USA is definitely worth attending. I can’t wait to return next year and experience even more of my favorite midwest music festival!