Country Thunder Alberta to celebrate a decade with new date, stellar lineup

Lainey Wilson performs a medley during the 59th annual Academy of Country Music Awards on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Country Thunder Alberta has a new date and stellar lineup for its 10th edition.

The popular festival, which turns the East Village into Calgary’s biggest honky-tonk for three days every summer, is moving to June in 2026.

And to celebrate, country superstar Lainey Wilson is returning to the city as one of the showcase acts for the festival.

Other headliners include the Red Clay Strays and Kane Brown.

“We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate 10 years in Calgary than kicking the party off earlier in the year,” said Troy Vollhoffer, Country Thunder CEO.

“Kane, Lainey and the Red Clay Strays represent everything that makes country music so exciting right now: fresh energy, incredible talent and true connection with their fans.

“This anniversary year is all about celebrating where we’ve been and where we’re going, and we can’t wait to spend an unforgettable weekend in Calgary this June.”

The Red Clay Strays won the 2025 CMA award for vocal group of the year with their blend of rock, soul and country grit.

Some of the other acts include Tyler Hubbard, Ian Munsick, Noeline Hofmann, Mark Chesnutt, Logan Layman, Adrien Nunez, Elizabeth Nichol, Chevy Beaulieu, Alee, Tony Stevens and Jaiden Riley -- the winner of this year’s Ranchman’s Rising star competition.

Wilson, who is the reigning CMA entertainer of the year, performed in Calgary at the Saddledome this past August, about 10 days after Country Thunder.

She also participated in a meet-and-greet with fans at Ranchman’s.

Brown’s songs have generated billions of streams online en route to amassing 13 No. 1 singles.

The 2026 Country Thunder Alberta festival takes place June 26-28 at The Confluence.

For more information, go here.