A Texas-Sized Country Music Experience

Cattle Country Festival has established itself as one of Texas's premier country music gatherings, attracting fans from across the state and beyond. Held annually on a 400-acre private ranch in Gonzales, Texas, the festival sits at the crossroads of three major metros—Austin, San Antonio, and Houston—making it easily accessible from across Central and South Texas.

The Festival Setting and Amenities

What sets Cattle Country Festival apart is its commitment to creating a complete festival experience. The sprawling ranch property offers three main stages for performances, ensuring continuous music across multiple genres within the country and Americana spectrum. Attendees can choose from various accommodation options: traditional tent camping in designated 20x20-foot spaces, powered or unpowered RV sites accommodating larger rigs, or premium glamping in 16-foot bell tents with memory-foam beds and exclusive amenities.

The festival operates with a focus on attendee comfort and safety. Free hydration stations dot the grounds, a dedicated on-site medical tent staffed with trained EMTs provides support, and 24-hour security protects campers throughout the weekend. Camping areas include full shower and restroom facilities with extended hours, and the festival welcomes generators (up to 4kW) and grills for campers who want to cook their own meals.

The Lineup and Music

The 2026 edition features an impressive roster of country artists spread across the three-day schedule from Friday, April 10 through Sunday, April 12. Headliners include Koe Wetzel (Friday closer), Treaty Oak Revival (Saturday headliner), and Randy Houser and Robert Earl Keen sharing Sunday headlining duties with Asleep at the Wheel. The festival highlights established Texas country stars like Jason Boland, Corey Kent, and Casey Donahew, while also providing stage time for emerging talents including Brandi Behlen, Tyler Braden, and Drake Milligan.

Each day's schedule provides continuous entertainment, with performances beginning Friday evening at 5 PM and running through early Sunday morning. The variety ensures both established country fans and younger listeners discover new favorites across the weekend.

Unique Festival Experiences

Beyond music, Cattle Country Festival offers distinctive experiences that enhance the gathering. The festival partners with renowned barbecue chefs for the Smoke & Song Supper, a curated dining experience available to Premium VIP ticket holders. The 2026 menu features Texas Asada Tacos from 2M Smokehouse's Esaul Ramos Jr. (Friday), Chopped Beef Sliders from Eaker BBQ's Lance Eaker (Saturday), and a Ranch Bowl (Sunday). Cowboy Cove, a water activity area with lifeguards, provides cooling relief during hot Texas days.

The festival also hosts the Big Rig Rodeo, a bobtail truck show with competitions and cash prizes, adding to the broader Texas culture the festival celebrates beyond music alone.

Ticketing and Access

Ticketing options range from single-day passes ($135) to full 3-day general admission ($239 pre-March 27; prices increase after that date). Tiered experiences include VIP ($479 for three days) with front-stage pit access, air-conditioned lounges, and private bars, and Premium VIP ($899) featuring elevated viewing decks, complimentary bars, and VIP parking. Group packages accommodate premium experiences for larger parties seeking organized attendance.

Local residents, military personnel, first responders, nurses, and teachers receive discounts with valid identification, and students with valid IDs get discounted rates. Children 10 and under attend free with a paying ticketed adult, making the festival accessible to families.

Why Cattle Country Festival Matters

Cattle Country Festival represents the modern iteration of Texas country tradition—rooted in the state's musical heritage while celebrating contemporary country artists shaping the genre's evolution. Its central location, comprehensive amenities, and carefully curated lineup make it a destination for both casual festival-goers and dedicated country music enthusiasts within the broader Texas community.