Lollapalooza, one of the world’s most iconic music festivals, is set to return to Chicago’s Grant Park from July 31 to August 3, 2025, with a lineup that’s turning heads for its bold embrace of country music. For a festival historically rooted in alternative rock, hip-hop, and electronic music, this year’s inclusion of a significant number of country artists, headlined by superstar Luke Combs, marks a historic shift. This article dives into the country artists performing, the historical context of country at Lollapalooza, the reasons behind the genre’s current popularity, the best day for country fans to attend, and the mixed reactions to this genre’s newfound prominence.
Country Artists Taking the Stage in 2025
Lollapalooza 2025 boasts an impressive roster of country artists, showcasing both established names and rising stars. Below is a table listing the confirmed country performers:
| Artist | Description |
| Luke Combs | A chart-topping country superstar known for hits like “Hurricane” and “Beautiful Crazy,” headlining and closing the festival. |
| Sierra Ferrell | A rising star blending country, folk, and Americana with a soulful voice. |
| Ole 60 | A Kentucky-based band known for their hard-edged mix of country and Southern rock. |
| Wyatt Flores | An Oklahoma native whose raw, emotional storytelling has gained a massive following. |
| Graham Barham | A Louisiana-born singer-songwriter with a soulful, modern country sound. |
| Colby Acuff | An Idaho artist delivering traditional country with a contemporary edge. |
| Bo Staloch | A singer-songwriter influenced by Americana, country, and folk. |
| The Droptines | An alternative country band offering a fresh, gritty take on the genre. |
| Willow Avalon | A Georgia native with a modern country sound, signed to Atlantic Records. |
| Max McNown | An Oregon-born, Nashville-based artist blending country with indie folk and Americana. |
This lineup reflects the diversity within modern country music, from traditional sounds to genre-blending styles that incorporate rock, folk, and pop influences.
Country Music’s Historical Presence at Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza, launched in 1991 by Jane’s Addiction frontman Perry Farrell, has long been a haven for alternative rock, hip-hop, and electronic music. Country music, however, has been notably underrepresented. One of the earliest instances of a country artist performing was in 1996, when country legend Waylon Jennings took the stage, a move that was part of the festival’s effort to diversify its lineup after backlash over booking Metallica, which some fans felt strayed from its “non-mainstream” ethos. Other country artists who have performed include Dierks Bentley in 2008, Eric Church, Court Yard Hounds, and Kacey Musgraves in 2019. Despite these appearances, country music has remained a minor presence until this year’s significant inclusion, with Luke Combs becoming the first country artist to close the festival, a milestone in Lollapalooza’s 34-year history.
Why Country Music Is Surging in Popularity
Country music is experiencing a cultural renaissance, driven by several key factors:
- Streaming and Social Media Accessibility: Platforms like Spotify and TikTok have democratized music discovery, allowing artists like Wyatt Flores and Ole 60 to go viral with songs like “Please Don’t Go” and “Smoke & A Light.” These platforms expose younger audiences, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, to country music, with algorithms recommending tracks based on listening habits.
- Crossover Appeal: Modern country artists are blending genres, incorporating elements of pop, rock, and hip-hop. Collaborations like Morgan Wallen’s “Broadway Girls” with Lil Durk and Noah Kahan’s “Dial Drunk” with Post Malone exemplify this trend, making country music more palatable to diverse audiences.
- Authentic Storytelling: Country music’s focus on relatable themes—love, heartbreak, rural life, and personal struggles—resonates with listeners seeking genuine emotional connections in an era of polished pop.
- High-Profile Endorsements: Mainstream artists like Beyoncé, with her country-inspired album Cowboy Carter, and Post Malone have brought significant attention to the genre. Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” became the first song by a Black female artist to top the country charts, highlighting country’s growing inclusivity.
- Cultural Trends: The genre’s aesthetic, from cowboy hats to boots, has become a fashion statement, amplified by pop culture moments like the Barbie movie’s cowgirl aesthetic. This visual appeal has drawn new fans to the music.
- Live Performances: Country music festivals and concerts are seeing record attendance, with artists like Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen selling out arenas, indicating a strong, dedicated fan base.
These factors have propelled country music to new heights, with artists like Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs dominating charts and streaming platforms, as evidenced by country music’s historic trifecta at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in August 2023.
Best Day for Country Music Fans
For country music enthusiasts, Thursday, July 31, 2025, stands out as the prime day to attend Lollapalooza. This day features a robust lineup of country performances, including:
- Luke Combs headlining at 8:30 PM on the Bud Light stage.
- Sierra Ferrell, performing earlier in the day.
- Colby Acuff, bringing his traditional country sound.
- Bo Staloch, offering Americana-infused country.
- The Droptines, delivering their alternative country style.
With multiple country acts performing across various stages, Thursday provides the most concentrated dose of country music, making it the ideal day for fans to experience the genre’s presence at the festival.
Reactions and Backlash to the Country Inclusion
The inclusion of country music, particularly with Luke Combs as a headliner, has been celebrated as a historic moment for Lollapalooza, reflecting the genre’s mainstream surge. However, it has not been without its critics. Some longtime fans, particularly those loyal to Lollapalooza’s alternative rock roots, have expressed disappointment over the festival’s shift toward pop, hip-hop, and now country music. A 2025 article from Consequence.net noted that the 2025 lineup represents a “changing of the guard,” with no traditional rock band.
band headlining, suggesting a move toward more contemporary genres. This sentiment echoes past controversies, such as the 1996 backlash over Metallica’s inclusion, which some fans felt betrayed the festival’s alternative ethos.
Despite these concerns, the country music presence is largely viewed positively, as it aligns with the festival’s tradition of embracing diverse genres. The inclusion of artists like Sierra Ferrell and Wyatt Flores alongside Luke Combs highlights Lollapalooza’s commitment to reflecting current music trends, and many see this as an exciting evolution for the festival.
Lollapalooza 2025’s country music invasion, led by Luke Combs and a talented roster of emerging artists, marks a pivotal moment in the festival’s history. The genre’s surge in popularity, driven by streaming, crossover appeal, and authentic storytelling, has paved the way for this significant presence. Thursday, July 31, offers the best experience for country fans, with multiple performances culminating in Combs’ historic closing set. While some rock fans may lament the shift away from Lollapalooza’s roots, the embrace of country music reflects the festival’s adaptability and commitment to showcasing the music that resonates with today’s audiences. As Lollapalooza continues to evolve, this year’s lineup promises to be a vibrant celebration of musical diversity.
Who I’m excited for: I am a diehard Wyatt Flores fan for sad boy country and had paid $40+ to see him live. I’ve seen him live in Chicago before, and would definitely pay $250+ floor for a Luke Combs concert. I’m also excited for Bo Staloch and Graham Barham’s inclusion into Lollapalooza this year. Overall, I’m excited to see country get included despite the backlash, including those who say, “save that stuff for Windy City Smokeout.” Why not both? I’m sorry, country is mainstream now.
