Red background with cowboy boots, hats, horses, cowboys, guitars, stars, horseshoes, and roping rope motifs. Centered text reads 'Heart of Country Music Festival' with date 'September 13, 2025' and location 'Kenton County Fairground, Independence, KY'.

Get updates on our 2026 lineup

Get updates on our 2026 lineup

thank you to our 2025 artists

A woman with blonde hair holding a vintage teal telephone receiver to her ear, sitting on a bed with a tufted orange headboard in a dimly lit room. The text overlay reads "Ashland Craft."
A man with a beard wearing a cowboy hat and plaid shirt playing an acoustic guitar, standing in front of a white wooden building with horizontal siding. Overlaid text reads 'DEREK ALAN'.
A man wearing a black cowboy hat and a striped shirt, looking to the side. There is text overlay that reads 'JAKe WORTHINGTON'.
Lauren Watkins with wavy brown hair taking a selfie in a desert landscape, sitting on a striped lounge chair, with the caption 'LAUREN WATKINS' overlaid on the photo.
A man wearing a black cap with a CAT logo, sunglasses, and a brown jacket, playing an acoustic guitar and singing into a microphone on a stage with red-orange lighting.

heart of country MAIN STAGE

An orange, six-pointed star with points of varying lengths.
Orange star-shaped badge with a seven-pointed star.
Image of a man with a beard wearing a cowboy hat and plaid shirt, holding a guitar against a clear blue sky. Orange starburst graphics contain the text '2025 Headliner'. Bold text on the image reads 'Randy Houser'.

stay tuned for 2026

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The Heart of Country Music Festival is Northern Kentucky’s newest and fastest-growing country music and community celebration. With two stages and seven standout artists, from national headliners to rising stars and hometown favorites this festival is sure to be an all-day party that showcases the heart of the NKY community at its core.

In the midst of live music, guests can also explore a variety of activities, curated brand experiences, and some of NKY’s best food and drinks through our partnership with One Holland. You can also browse our vendor market brimming with over 20 vendors including everything from boutiques, vintage tees, and band merch to art and unique treasures.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

  • Two stages and seven standout artists, from national headliners to rising stars and hometown favorites this festival is sure to be an all-day party featuring: Randy Houser, Jake Worthington, Lauren Watkins, Ashland Craft, Maurice the Music, Derek Alan and John Morgen.

  • Browse our vendor market brimming with over 20 vendors including everything from boutiques, vintage tees, and band merch to art and unique treasures.

  • Getting hungry? Dine at one of our 5 selections of NKY’s favorite eats through our partnership with One Holland.

    Sweet tooth? We will also have 3 dessert vendors ready to fill any cravings and 2 specialty soda, lemonade and tea vendors!

  • Expect plenty to do between sets from family-friendly fun to bigger-kid thrills (hint: a mechanical bull to oversized yard games) and scattered sponsor booths and branded pop-ups packed with demos, giveaways, and photo ops.

  • If you’re thirsty, we’ve got you covered—mini bars will be tucked all around the grounds, plus a pop-up sports bar from Barleycorn’s Brewhouse pouring fresh craft beer and streaming the game (yes, the Cats kick off that day—GO UK!).

A large blue logo with the word "EASY" in block letters.

  • Yes! Once you enter, do not take off your wristband! If you leave the fairgrounds, you must have your parking pass and wristband intact. We've got everything you need to enjoy the full day.

  • Yes, Personal, soft folding lawn chairs are permitted (in permitted sections) . Chairs are NOT provided, if you purchase a GA Seated ticket, you must bring your own chair.

    There is first-come, first-served seating available in the dining area, as well as scattered benches and rest areas.

    VIP ticket holders will have access to first-come, first-served seating.

  • Heart of Country Music Festival will be held at:
    Kenton County Fair Grounds
    2836 Harris Pike, Independence, KY 41051
    A full festival map will be available on our website soon!

  • YES, we allow strollers and wagons for children during our daytime event (12-5pm), however strollers are NOT permitted in the Main Stage area (5-11pm).

  • Heart of Country Music Festival is open to all ages.

    • Children ages 12 and under enter free for the day event (12-5 PM)

    • Children 16 and under are admitted but must be accompanied by an adult. All ages need a ticket to enter.

  • YES, we allow strollers and wagons for children during our daytime event (12-5pm), however strollers are NOT permitted in the Main Stage area (5-11pm).

  • Heart of Country Music Festival has a clear bag policy to provide everyone with a safer festival experience, as well as to decrease the time it takes to get into the fairgrounds. Please take note of the following, prior to making your way to the festival.

    • CLEAR BAGS ONLY

    • Wallets and small clutches are permitted (no larger than 6.5” x 4.5”)

    • Backpacks, large bags, and luggage are NOT permitted.

    • An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at a gate designated for this purpose

  • No. All outside food and beverage is prohibited. Exceptions may be made for small children under the age of 7). We have a number of amazing food vendors, including kid-friendly options! Water bottles can be purchased and reusable cups can be found and filled at our free water refilling stations throughout the venue.

  • We highly encourages you to take pictures with your friends and family at the event and share the awesome time you’re having! However, due to contracts with the performers, professional recording equipment* (photography, video, and/or sound) will not be allowed on premises without proper media credentials.

    • If you have questions regarding your equipment, please contact us at heartofcountryfest.com

      * Please Note: Classification of “professional recording equipment” is at the sole discretion of HOC event staff. HOC is not liable for items refused entry and left off site. Individuals with unauthorized equipment may be asked to leave. Repeat offenders may be refused admittance.

  • Parking lots open one hour prior to gates. On Saturday, parking opens at 11am AM with gates open at 12 PM.

  • Heart of Country Music Festival encourages a smoke-free environment and asks that you respect the health of your fellow fest-goers and refrain from smoking or vaping in areas where it may affect someone else. Smoking is prohibited under all tents and inside buildings. Please find an isolated area if you must smoke, and dispose of your butts properly.

  • These items are off limits for the safety and comfort of guests and performers, we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

    • Weapons or firearms of any kind (regardless of permit)

    • Outside food and beverages

    • Illegal substances or drug paraphernalia

    • Fireworks

    • Signs & banners of any kind

    • Explosives of Any Kind

    • Weapons or Firearms of Any Kind

    • Bladder Style Backpacks

    • Bota Bags

    • Kites

    • Coolers

    • Umbrellas

    • Audio Recording Devices

    • Professional Recording Equipment (photography, video, and/or sound)

    • Tents

    • Framed Backpacks

    • Laser Pointers

    • Pets and Animals

    • Glass containers

    • Drones or professional camera equipment without a media pass

    • Bicycles, scooters, or skateboards

    • Pets (service animals permitted)

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BE THE FIRST TO KNOW

Want to get involved?

BECOME A SPONSOR

Meet country music fans face-to-face on festival day with logo placements, immersive activations, or audience-building campaigns.

BECOME A vendor

Set up shop in our bustling vendor village to showcase your product, service, or art, and ride the festival buzz all day long.

COMING SOON!

media passes

Apply for a Heart of Country media pass to access premium sightlines and story angles without the need for backstage credentials.