HASTINGS, MI — This August, the quaint town of Hastings will welcome thousands of country music fans to its annual “Rock The Country” music festival, which this year honors a special theme: “250 years of freedom.” As one of only eight festivals being held in various U.S. towns, Hastings is proud to be the sole Michigan location on the tour.
The festival’s website emphasizes the event as a true celebration of community, tradition, and the American spirit. It promises an experience where neighbors turn into friends, families gather under the expansive sky, and people from all walks of life come together to enjoy great music and companionship.
Set for August 8 and 9, 2026, the event will be headlined by prominent Michigan musician Kid Rock and country star Jason Aldean, ensuring an unforgettable weekend. The festival will take place at the Barry Expo Center, located approximately five miles outside Hastings, which is situated 39 miles southeast of Grand Rapids.
General admission tickets for the weekend start at $144, which includes fees, while single-day tickets begin at $90. A tiered pricing structure offers a variety of options for attendees. Last year, the festival was expecting to draw in 25,000 visitors, a number that significantly exceeds Hastings’ population of 7,513.
For those traveling from afar, the expo center provides RV and car camping options for an additional fee. Attendees can also find hotel packages available through the festival’s official website.
As the festival’s sixth stop, Hastings will be followed by shows in Florida and New York, with South Dakota being the only other Midwestern location included in this year’s schedule. This celebration not only highlights the talent of country music artists but also fosters a sense of community and togetherness, making it an event to look forward to for locals and visitors alike.