Meet The WE Fest 2026 Lineup: Your Backstage Pass To The Artists Heading To Soo Pass Ranch

Headliners: Thomas Rhett, Lainey Wilson, Brooks & Dunn

Vibe: Big-stage country + rising Midwest talent

Meet The WE Fest 2026 Lineup Headliners

The names lighting up the Main stage and drawing fans from across the Midwest.

Thomas Rhett

Featured artist alert. Georgia native Thomas Rhett is one of country’s most consistent hitmakers, with a multiple ACM and CMA Award-winning catalog and crowd-pleasers like “Marry Me,” “Life Changes,” and “What’s Your Country Song.” His top track, “Die A Happy Man,” is basically a wedding playlist staple at this point. This will be his WE Fest debut, and he’s bringing the full pop-country, sing-along, high-energy show that’s made him a festival favorite.

"I can't wait to play the legendary WE Fest stage this year. The fans up there are just incredible and the energy is always off the charts. Last time we played outdoors in Minneapolis it was minus 10, so I am especially excited to be coming back in the summertime."

— Thomas Rhett

Lainey Wilson

Ever felt the energy shift when thousands of fans sing the same chorus back to an artist? That’s the kind of moment Louisiana’s Lainey Wilson delivers. The reigning queen of bell-bottoms and bold country storytelling is making her WE Fest debut after a meteoric rise to CMA Entertainer of the Year. With anthems like “Heart Like A Truck,” “Watermelon Moonshine,” and “Wildflowers and Wild Horses,” Wilson brings grit, glamour, and the kind of stage presence that turns every lyric into a moment. Don’t miss this one.

Brooks & Dunn

Think of this as country music’s most legendary masterclass. Country Music Hall of Famers and 8-time WE Fest performers (last seen at the Ranch in 2019), Brooks & Dunn are back and ready to remind everyone why their catalog still defines country. From “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” to “Neon Moon,” “My Maria,” and “Red Dirt Road,” this set is decades of country history packed into one show. Bring your dancing boots.

Little Big Town

Returning to the Ranch for the first time since 2019, Little Big Town brings their signature four-part harmonies and Grammy, CMA, and ACM Award-winning catalog to the Main Stage. Think “Pontoon,” “Girl Crush,” “Boondocks,” and “Better Man.” Their music shifts effortlessly from summer party tracks to emotionally layered ballads, which is exactly what makes them festival magic.

Jamey Johnson

A songwriter’s songwriter and one of country’s most distinctive traditional voices, Jamey Johnson has earned a reputation for raw honesty and outlaw-country authenticity. The 10-time Grammy-nominated artist is also known for hits like “High Cost of Living,” “The Dollar,” and “Between Jennings and Jones.” His live performances are rich with grit, storytelling, and reverence for country music’s roots — bringing a deeper, more reflective edge to the festival lineup that fans love him for.

Flatland Cavalry

If you love authentic songwriting and a little dust on your boots, this is your set. Texas favorites Flatland Cavalry are one of the most beloved bands in the Red Dirt and Texas country scene, making their WE Fest debut this summer. Led by Cleto Cordero, the band’s catalog (“A Life Where We Work Out,” “Sleeping Alone,” “Mountain Song,” “Wandering Star”) blends Americana warmth with modern country storytelling.

Explore the Full Lineup

Fan Favorites

The artists longtime country fans know and love — plus catalogs worth revisiting.

Shenandoah

Celebrating 40 years together in 2026, Shenandoah is making their WE Fest debut with the harmony-driven catalog that helped define late-’80s and early-’90s country radio. Think “Two Dozen Roses,” “Church on Cumberland Road,” “Next to You, Next to Me,” and “Sunday in the South.”

Diamond Rio

Last seen at the Ranch in 2001, Tennessee’s Diamond Rio brings impeccable musicianship and a stack of radio staples back to WE Fest. “One More Day,” “Meet in the Middle,” “Beautiful Mess,” and “Unbelievable” still hold up, because great songs never go out of style.

 

Modern Country Standouts

The current generation dominating streaming charts and festival stages.

Nate Smith

California’s Nate Smith is making his WE Fest debut after breaking through with “Whiskey On You,” “World on Fire,” “Bulletproof,” and “Fix What You Didn’t Break.” Known for emotional vocals and radio-ready hooks, he’s the kind of artist who turns a festival slot into a career moment.

Randy Houser

With a booming baritone and classic-country edge, Mississippi’s Randy Houser is making his WE Fest debut. Big songs like “How Country Feels,” “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight,” “We Went,” and “Like a Cowboy” are made for singing loud with a crowd.

"I'm fired up to be back at WE Fest this year. It's circled on our tour schedule. Minnesota brings an energy you feel long after leaving the stage."

— Randy Houser

Max McNown

Looking for the introspective, heartfelt lane? Oregon singer-songwriter Max McNown is one of the most exciting names in the country-folk space. With breakout tracks like “A Lot More Free” and “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes),” McNown brings emotional storytelling and a fresh perspective. A strong “discover him now” pick.

Cooper Alan

But what if you want the high-energy, rowdier side? North Carolina’s Cooper Alan has built a massive fanbase through social media and high-energy live shows. Known for “Take Forever (Hally’s Song),” “First Rodeo,” “Plead the Fifth,” and “To the Bar,” he blends humor, personality, and country-rock energy. Especially popular with younger festival audiences.

Don’t Wait — Lock In Your Tickets

Discover Your Next Favorite

The artists you’ll be talking about on the drive home.

Editor’s Picks — Don’t Miss These Sets:

• Flatland Cavalry (Red Dirt standout)

• Maggie Antone (alt-country breakout)

• Matt Rogers (local must-see)

---

Minnesota Stars

The home-state crew. Catch these sets and brag that you saw them first. We’re starting with the artist we caught up with directly.

Matt Rogers

Rising Minnesota artist Matt Rogers brings a strong live-show presence and the kind of set that turns festival fans into long-term followers. We sat down with Matt for an exclusive chat about his road to the WE Fest stage.

Watch the Full Interview

Other Minnesota Artists

Braden Jamison — fresh energy and a modern country sound.
Nathan Bess — another emerging Minnesota voice.
Maiden Dixie — back at the Ranch for the first time since 2015.
Dan Brekke Band — a regional favorite with strong live energy.
Jordan Beem — built for live performance.
Zach Thomas — rising talent with real momentum
Brianna Helbling — returning to the Ranch for the first time since 2022.
Laila Noelle — emerging-star energy and a sound all her own

Plan Your WE Fest Weekend

• Arrive early for rising artists
• Check full schedule on WE Fest site
• Camping = full experience
• Don’t skip daytime sets

The Lineup Is Set. Are You?

Twenty-nine artists. Four days. One Ranch. The 2026 lineup is the kind that gets circled on your calendar in January and talked about on the drive home in August. Whether you’ve been coming to Soo Pass Ranch for years or this is your first trip, this is the year to show up.

Prices are rising - Get Your WE Fest Tickets

Click here

See you at the Ranch! 🤠

Find WE Fest on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.