Kane Brown Headlines iHeartCountry Festival 2026 Lineup

Kane Brown, Shaboozey and Riley Green will perform at the 2026 iHeartCountry Festival on May 2 at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. The lineup also includes Parker McCollum, Dylan Scott, Russell Dickerson, Gretchen Wilson, Chase Matthew and Lauren Alaina. This event brings together top names in country music for one night of live shows.

Background

The iHeartCountry Festival started in 2014 and has grown into a major stop for country music acts. It happens every year in Austin, drawing fans from across the country. Past lineups featured big names like Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood and George Strait. The festival gives artists a chance to play full sets in front of thousands. Organizers pick performers based on radio play, fan votes and current hits. This year marks the twelfth time for the event, presented by Capital One. It usually sells out fast, with tickets going on sale soon after the lineup drops. The Moody Center, a modern arena on the University of Texas campus, hosts the show. It opened a few years back and holds about 10,000 for concerts. Austin's live music scene makes it a natural fit for country events. Local venues like the Continental Club and ACL Live add to the city's draw. Fans often travel for the festival, turning it into a weekend trip with nearby bars and barbecue spots. The event ties into iHeartRadio's network, which plays country hits nationwide. Stations like 102.5 The Bone promote it heavily in the weeks leading up.

Key Details

Tickets go on sale through Ticketmaster in the coming weeks. Prices start around $100 for general admission, with VIP options for closer views and meet-and-greets. The show starts at 7 p.m. and runs late into the night. Doors open earlier for merchandise and food stands. The full list of performers includes a mix of established stars and rising acts. Kane Brown brings his mix of country and R&B sounds, with hits like 'Lose It.' Shaboozey, fresh off crossover success with 'A Bar Song (Tipsy),' adds a new edge. Riley Green offers traditional country vibes from songs like 'There Was This Girl.' Parker McCollum, a Texas native, fits right in with 'Handle on You.' Dylan Scott, Russell Dickerson and Lauren Alaina round out the mainstream appeal. Gretchen Wilson, a veteran, brings old-school energy from 'Redneck Woman.' Chase Matthew represents the younger crowd with raw tracks. The Moody Center setup includes large screens and top sound systems. Parking is available nearby, but rideshares are popular due to traffic. Weather in early May is usually warm, around 80 degrees daytime.

Performer Spotlights

Kane Brown has topped charts multiple times and sells out arenas on his own tours. His set will likely include fan favorites and new material from recent albums. Shaboozey broke big last year, blending hip-hop beats with country lyrics. Riley Green, from Alabama, connects with crowds through storytelling songs. Each artist gets 20-30 minutes, based on past festivals. Bobby Bones often hosts, adding comedy between sets.

"We're excited to bring this lineup to Austin for another unforgettable night of country music." – iHeartRadio spokesperson

What This Means

This festival shows country music's wide reach, mixing veterans like Gretchen Wilson with newcomers like Shaboozey. It highlights how genres blend, with Shaboozey's hit climbing pop charts too. Fans get a packed show without traveling to multiple cities. For artists, it's a platform to reach iHeart's millions of listeners. Ticket sales boost local Austin businesses, from hotels to restaurants. The event keeps country radio relevant amid streaming growth. More names might join as spring nears, based on past years. It sets the tone for summer tour season, where many of these acts hit the road. Viewers can catch highlights on iHeartRadio apps or TV later. The lineup reflects current trends, like male-dominated bills with strong female presences like Lauren Alaina and Megan Moroney from related announcements. Brooks & Dunn, Thomas Rhett and others have played before, building loyalty. For new fans, it's an easy entry point to live country shows. Organizers plan similar formats yearly, adapting to hits and availability. Austin remains the hub, cementing its status beyond SXSW. The festival supports music discovery, with lesser-known acts gaining exposure. Overall, it delivers a snapshot of country's pulse in 2026.