While summer might feel like light years away – considering while I write this it’s snowing here in Chicago – the Wisconsin country music festival organizers are in high gear. With major lineup announcements fluttering my inbox and pre-season deals in full-swing, I thought it might be a good time to highlight some great deals for summer fun. Besides, with times like these, you might as well forgo that Caribbean getaway for a country music filled extended weekend in the Northwoods.
Looking forward: In June, Country USA will kick it off in Oshkosh on June 22 and Country Fest will fire up in Cadott on June 24.
Country Thunder in Twin Lakes and Country Jam in Eau Claire share the July 22 weekend. Country Thunder is considerably closer than Country Fest but they’re both well worth the trip. The new kid on the block this year is the Log Jam Fest in Phillips and it boasts a great lineup and fun additional activities. If you time it correctly, you could hit this festival with Country Thunder or Country Jam.
They ALL have excellent star-studded lineups, tons of great brew and for the outdoor 
enthusiast they all offer on-site camping. Be sure to book now. Early bird offers end soon and VIP/reserved seating move quickly. Camping generally requires multi-day passes and reserved sites go quick. Hotel rooms are typically very limited and usually way off site.
– North Central
NEW: Log Jam Fest – Phillips (July 30 – Aug. 1, 2010) logjamfest.com
Log Jam Fest is the newest addition to this list. While it’s the farthest North, the lineup and activities look well worth the drive and the Philips area is beautiful. You could really turn it into a great vacation. Bonus, it’s produced by AStar Promotions (Zoo Tunes/Pheasant Run/Joliet NASCAR /Southern Lights in Kentucky/ numerous events in Nashville & Country on the Beach in Cancun) they always put on a awesome show!
Major headliners include Montgomery Gentry, Cowboy Troy, Jake Owen, The Lost Trailers, Josh Gracin, Jeffrey Steele, Randy Houser and Gretchen Wilson. Plus one of our local artists, the PenneMaeDixon Band.
Ticket Options: 1 – 3 Day General Admission, Reserved Seating, Camping add-on
– South Central
Country Thunder – Twin Lakes (July 22 – 25, 2010) countrythunder.com
Country Thunder has been a Stateline favorite for many years and 2010 boasts a stellar lineup. Best of all, if you can’t manage the whole festival, you can hop up for a night or two but the best seats and camping are reserved for 4-day pass holders. Kenny Chesney is on a very limited engagement tour this summer. Could be one of his last shows for awhile!
2010 Headliners include, Kenny Chesney, Sugarland, Miranda Lambert, Sawyer Brown, Jason Aldean, Billy Currington, Kevin Costner and Modern West, John Michael Montgomery, Big Kenny, Craig Morgan, Jo Dee Messina, Luke Bryan, Collin Raye, Eric Church, Randy Houser, David Nail, Gloriana, Trailer Choir, Kate & Kacey and Jason Jones.
Ticket Options: 1 – 4 Day General Admission, Reserved Seating, Camping add-on
– Northwest
Country Jam – Eau Claire (July 22 – 24, 2010) – countryjam.com
It’s been a few years since I’ve been to Country Jam but as I recall, we had one heck of a time. If you have a bit more time for the extra drive, I highly recommend it. Eau Claire is a wonderful city and the festival is pretty impressive.
Featuring Jason Aldean, Sugarland, Miranda Lambert, Kellie Pickler, Billy Currington, Sawyer Brown, Big Kenny, LoCash Cowboys and Tim Sigler with additional acts to be announced.
Ticket Options: 1 – 3 Day General Admission, Reserved Seating, Skybox Seats, Camping add-on
Country Fest – Cadott (June 24 – 27, 2010) countryfest.com
I’ll be honest, I’ve never even heard of the town of Cadott prior to researching for this article but I wanted to share Country Fest because the lineup is pretty impressive.
Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire, Lady Antebellum, Blake Shelton, Toby Keith, Jamey Johnson, Darius Rucker, Rodney Atkins, Pat Green, Eric Church, Jo Dee Messina, Little Big Town, Neal McCoy, Heidi Newfield, Jason Michael Carroll, Darryl Worley, Eli Young Band, Trailer Choir and Walker Hayes.
Ticket Options: 1 – 4 Day General Admission, Reserved Seating, Camping add-on
– Northeast
Country USA – Oshkosh (June 22 – 26, 2010) countryusaoshkosh.com
Personally haven’t had the opportunity to attend this fest yet but it looks very promising. The lineup is impressive and it’s in June so it doesn’t overlap with the July fests.
Festival headliners include, Toby Keith, Blake Shelton, Darius Rucker, Zac Brown Band, Randy Houser, Jason Aldean, Darryl Worley, Rodney Atkins, Jason Michael Carroll, Confederate Railroad, Luke Bryan, Jack Ingram, Tracy Byrd, Lonestar and Sawyer Brown. Additional announcements to come.
Ticket Options: 1 – 4 Day General Admission, Reserved Seating, Camping add-on
FREE Festival Tips: Always make sure you bring the following: sunscreen, bug spray, a camera, rain gear, a 4×4 vehicle if possible and an open mind. Have fun but always play responsibly and respect fellow concertgoers. Remember, we’re all fans. See you this summer, Eh.
Who do you want to see?
You forgot fuddfest.org