Country Thunder
Country Thunder is a music festival brand that hosts several concerts in North America each year. They have operated festivals in Wisconsin and Arizona since 1983 and shows in Calgary and Saskatchewan since 2016.[1]
Each festival offers entertainment on multiple stages. The main stage hosts the biggest acts, with new upcoming talent playing throughout the day. The side stage gives local artists the opportunity to perform.
Florence, Arizona
Country Thunder Arizona is held on the Canyon Moon Ranch in Florence, Arizona about an hour southeast of Phoenix.[2] The Arizona Republic writes "Country Thunder is the biggest music festival in Arizona, with approximately 29,000 people there each day".[3]
The festival runs Thursday through Sunday, typically during the first week of April. Fans can purchase a single day pass or a weekend pass that allows them access to the festival for the entire weekend. The festival also offers reserved seating.[4]
In addition to food vendors, the festival features booths that sell cowboy boots, belt buckles, cowboy hats, and artist merchandise. Other attractions include a mechanical bull and carnival rides. Country Thunder Arizona operates a circus tent called Electric Thunder, an experience offering line dancing lessons and karaoke during the day, with a DJ spinning until 2 AM each night.[5]
The 2017 lineup included headliners Chris Young, Dierks Bentley, Blake Shelton, and Thomas Rhett.
Twin Lakes, Wisconsin
Country Thunder Wisconsin is held in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin about an hour and half northwest of Chicago. The event was awarded the "Festival of the Year" Academy of Country Music Award in 2015.[6]
The festival runs Thursday through Sunday, typically during the third weekend of July. Fans can purchase a single day pass or a weekend pass that allows them access to the festival for the entire weekend. The festival also offers reserved seating. Country Thunder Wisconsin also offers camping, with 6 different campgrounds.[7] Country Thunder also operates Electric Thunder in Wisconsin and features carnival rides and a mechanical bull.
The 2017 lineup included Billy Currington, Keith Urban, Thomas Rhett, and Jason Aldean.
Craven, Saskatchewan
On October 27, 2016, Craven Country Jamboree was relaunched as Country Thunder Saskatchewan.[8] Previously the festival had been in operation since 1983. The festival runs Thursday through Sunday, typically during the second weekend of July.
Fans can purchase a single day pass or a weekend pass that allows them access to the festival for the entire weekend. Reserved seating is not offered.
The 2017 lineup included Toby Keith, Blake Shelton, and Keith Urban.
Luke Bryan has been announced as a 2018 headliner.[9]
Calgary, Alberta
In August 2016, Country Thunder launched Country Thunder Alberta in Calgary, Alberta, located in Prairie Winds Park.[10]
2017 headliners include Brad Paisley, Thomas Rhett, and Blake Shelton.
References
- ↑ http://www.countrythunder.com/aboutus
- ↑ http://www.abc15.com/entertainment/events/country-thunder-2017-fan-guide-what-to-know-about-tickets-schedule-concerts-getting-there
- ↑ http://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/music/2017/03/27/top-tips-advice-how-to-country-thunder-florence-arizona/99459326/
- ↑ http://www.abc15.com/entertainment/events/country-thunder-2017-fan-guide-what-to-know-about-tickets-schedule-concerts-getting-there
- ↑ http://www.countrythunder.com/blog/country-thunder-arizona-news/arizona-electric-thunder-lineup-
- ↑ https://www.acmcountry.com/industry-awards
- ↑ http://www.countrythunder.com/festivals/twin-lakes-wi/camping
- ↑ http://www.countrythunder.com/aboutus
- ↑ http://www.620ckrm.com/2017/07/16/luke-bryan-to-serve-as-headline-act-for-2018-country-thunder-saskatchewan/
- ↑ http://calgarybuzz.com/2015/10/country-thunder-alberta-calgary-2016/