Festivals
Boots & Hearts Festival 2025 – Day Four Recap & Photos
By the time Sunday rolled around at Boots & Hearts 2025, the sunburns were deep and the cowboy boots had taken a beating, but you wouldn’t know it from the crowd. If anything, the final day at Burl’s Creek felt like one big rally. With ten acts across two stages, the day stretched from rising talent to stadium-level headliners, and it ended in a way only Boots knows how: loud and unforgettable.
The afternoon kicked off with Jessie T on the Front Porch Stage, who mixed her country roots with a pop-rock punch that fit right in with the weekend’s genre-bending mood. Fresh off a string of award nominations and wins, she’s clearly on an upward swing.
Lakeview then jolted the Main Stage awake with a set that leaned heavier than most on the bill. Their mix of rock grit and country storytelling drew a roar from the crowd. It was a welcome shake-up after days of more straight-ahead country sounds.
On the Front Porch stage, Andrew Hyatt gave one of the most memorable sets of the day, bouncing between full-throttle crowd pleasers and stripped-down ballads. His raw take on “Time After Time” held the audience in absolute silence, while his rollicking cover of Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” sent them into pure chaos.
Meghan Patrick owned her main stage slot with a performance that was equal parts powerhouse and personal. She flexed her rock side with covers of Led Zeppelin and No Doubt, reminding everyone why she’s one of Canada’s sharpest country stars.
Default (Dallas Smith included) proved their reunion since 2018 was more than nostalgia. Their fiery side stage set included a blistering version of Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song,” which pulled even the beer tent crowd back into the sun.
As the sun started to come down, the rock-leaning streak kept rolling. Daughtry tore through his hits before slowing things down for a heartfelt duet with his daughter on “Superman (It’s Not Easy),” easily one of the most emotional moments of the weekend.
Texas wild card Koe Wetzel kept the energy rough and rowdy, paving the way for Hardy’s headlining slot.
Then it was time for Hardy to close the festival. Playing to about 30,000 fans, his set was a heavy, unapologetic mash of country grit and rock ferocity. The crowd screamed every word to tracks like “Truck Bed.” He even treated the crowd to a surprise duet with Meghan Patrick on “Wait in the truck.” In true Hardy fashion and similar to Chase Rice the day before, he pulled out a bottle of Jack Daniels, daring the crowd to finish it before the band stopped playing. They did.
By the time the last chord rang out, the festival grounds were buzzing, even as campers started packing up for Monday’s noon cutoff. Boots & Hearts 2025 will be remembered for its mix of country tradition and rock rebellion, but more than anything, for the gathering of people who love this music enough to stand shoulder to shoulder in the August heat until the very last note.
Stay tuned for our artist portraits!
Check out our favourite photos of the day below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
HARDY
KOE WETZEL
DAUGHTRY
DEFAULT
MEGHAN PATRICK
ANDREW HYATT
LAKEVIEW
JESSIE T
All Photo Credit: Kieran Delport
Festivals
Morrissey and The Smashing Pumpkins to Headline Darker Waves 2026
Morrissey and The Smashing Pumpkins will headline Darker Waves Festival on November 14, 2026 in Huntington Beach, CA. Returning to Huntington Beach City Beach at Huntington Street and Pacific Coast Highway, the ocean-side festival will feature legendary performances from over 35 artists across three stages including Simple Minds, Bad Religion, Adam Ant, The Psychedelic Furs, Soft Cell, The Damned, Manic Street Preachers, Gary Numan, Silversun Pickups, Buzzcocks, EMF, Circle Jerks, Spacehog, Marky Ramone and more. Fans can sign up now for the festival SMS list at DarkerWavesFest.com to receive a passcode to the presale beginning Thursday, April 2 at 10am PT with access to the lowest-priced GA tickets from 10am to 11am PT. GA, GA+, VIP, and Ultimate VIP Tickets will be available, with layaway payment plans starting at $19.99 down. Any remaining tickets will go on sale to the public following the presale.
GA+ tickets include access to the exclusive GA+ Lounge with shaded seating and air-conditioned restrooms, plus a dedicated entry lane at the festival main entrance, and more. VIP tickets include unlimited entry into the VIP Lounge with preferred viewing area by the main stage, charging stations, air-conditioned restrooms, dedicated entry lane at the festival main entrance and more. Ultimate VIP tickets feature all amenities of VIP, plus access to elevated and unobstructed views of both main stages with shaded open lounge seating, dedicated VIP concierge team, a complimentary locker to store personal items, three complimentary drinks including choice of craft cocktails, beer, wine or non-alcoholic beverages, a complimentary meal redeemable for exclusive food options in the VIP Lounge and more.
Official Darker Waves vacation packages from Jampack pair GA, GA+, or VIP tickets with beachfront stays at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa or The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel, and more. Bundles include a dedicated entrance, re-entry access, and commemorative merch.
For tickets and the full list of amenities available in each ticket package, please visit DarkerWavesFest.com.
Festivals
The Outlaw Music Festival Announces Its Highly Anticipated 2026 Tour Schedule
Willie Nelson, Mark Rothbaum, Keith Wortman, Blackbird Presents, and Live Nation proudly announce the return of the 2026 Outlaw Music Festival Tour as it enters its second decade on the road. Following last year’s milestone 10th anniversary, which Rolling Stone hailed as “undoubtedly the most exciting and eclectic multi-artist festival of the 2025 summer amphitheater season by a wide margin,” the festival ushers in a new era, continuing its tradition of unforgettable music and community that has made it a true cultural phenomenon.
Headlining this special limited run is once again the legendary Willie Nelson. With fewer appearances on the road this year, each night carries added significance, a rare chance to experience a living legend alongside a powerhouse lineup of iconic voices and next-generation trailblazers.
The tour, which kicks off on July 3 in Irving, Texas, features Willie Nelson & Family, The Avett Brothers, Sheryl Crow, Wilco, Lukas Nelson, Stephen Wilson Jr., Margo Price, Sierra Hull, Robert Randolph, Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble, and Lily Meola.
The tour also includes Willie’s annual Fourth of July Picnic, which will feature special guests Billy Strings and Rodney Crowell. Please see the market lineups below for the artists performing in each city.
“Being on the road and playing for the fans is what I love to do. We don’t get to do as many shows as we used to, so every night out there means a little more. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone and making it a special time.” — Willie Nelson
Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, March 27, at 10 AM local time through http://OutlawMusicFestival.com and http://ticketmaster.com. VIP packages will be available, offering great seats and exclusive festival merchandise. Citi is the official card of the 2026 Outlaw Music Festival Tour. Citi card members will have early access to presale tickets, available today through Thursday, March 26, until 10 PM local time via the Citi Entertainment program. For detailed presale information, visit www.citientertainment.com.
The first Outlaw Music Festival debuted in 2016 in Scranton, PA. The sold-out show was so popular that Blackbird, Rothbaum, and Nelson have made it one of North America’s biggest annual touring franchises. Musicians such as Chris Stapleton, Neil Young, Luke Combs, Van Morrison, ZZ Top, Eric Church, Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson, The Avett Brothers, and many more have been a part of the Outlaw Tour, sharing unforgettable music memories and unique vendor villages with local food, drinks, and shopping at Live Nation amphitheaters nationwide.
2026 OUTLAW MUSIC FESTIVAL TOUR DATES & LINEUPS:
Friday, July 3, 2026
The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory, Irving, TX
Willie Nelson & Family
Wilco
Sheryl Crow
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Margo Price
Lily Meola
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Germania Insurance Amphitheater, Austin, TX
Willie Nelson & Family
Billy Strings
Wilco
Sheryl Crow
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Margo Price
Rodney Crowell
Lily Meola
Sunday, July 5, 2026
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Willie Nelson & Family
Wilco
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Margo Price
Lily Meola
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Hollywood Casino Amphitheater, Maryland Heights, MO
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Mystic Lake Amphitheater, Shakopee, MN
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Friday, August 21, 2026
Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy, WI
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Sunday, August 23, 2026
Ruoff Music Center, Noblesville, IN
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, Tinley Park, IL
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Friday, August 28 2026
Northwell at Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, NY
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Robert Randolph
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, NY
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Robert Randolph
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Sunday, August 30, 2026
Albany Med Health System at SPAC, Saratoga Springs, NY
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Robert Randolph
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
For complete tour details, please visit: http://outlawmusicfestival.com