Just wrapped up my fourth consecutive year at the festival. While getting to see some incredible performances was a highlight, the overall value and logistical execution this year left a lot to be desired--especially considering how much ticket prices continue to climb. If you are planning to attend next year, the best advice I can give is to buy your weekend GA tickets while the current festival is still going on. Prices increase every single year, but next year's prices have absolutely soared. If you don't lock in that early on-site loyalty rate, you will face major sticker shock once the lineup drops. On the plus side, the festival entry system is very seamless. They mail you your wristbands ahead of time, which feature a built-in chip that you use to scan into the venue. You can also link your credit card directly to the band, making it incredibly easy to pay for food and drinks with a simple tap. The festival also consistently offers great merchandise. There were tons of great patterns, colors, and sizes available for shirts, sweatshirts, and hats this year. Just make sure to grab what you want early in the weekend, as the best items definitely sell out as the weekend progresses. The festival itself felt noticeably less crowded this year than last. While the overall lineup was just okay for the premium price point--I really expected them to pull in some bigger, top-tier headliners--the artists I loved absolutely delivered. Jay Webb, Lonestar, Shaboozey, and Dasha were massive highlights and put on incredible sets. Navigating the venue rules required some strategy. The venue has an official online list of prohibited items, though enforcement completely depends on which security guard you get, as some are much more lenient than others. Finding safe food was also a challenge, as there were fewer food vendors overall this year, and it was mostly typical festival food. The venue does not guarantee dedicated gluten-free meals, and the options were scarce. For instance, the Ben & Jerry's truck listed GF options, but they used a shared scoop for everything, which is not how their actual stores safely operate. I did find one food truck with a gluten-free sign that only served fries, and the staff explicitly assured me every day that they used a dedicated fryer. Because options are so limited, I was able to bring in my own non-perishable snacks by showing a doctor's note at security, though you have to keep in mind that coolers are not allowed inside the venue. The environmental and logistical conditions outside the stages are always tough. We had zero rain all weekend, and while the weather was clear, the lack of moisture meant the venue became incredibly dusty as the days wore on. If you aren't parking on-site, be prepared for a headache because staff members are incredibly strict about the designated pick-up and drop-off zones. Furthermore, we always walk to and from the venue, and the surrounding subdivision is borderline scary at night. There are little to no streetlights and zero sidewalks. The festival desperately needs to work with the city to provide temporary lighting or at least cut the grass on the roadsides so pedestrians have a usable shoulder to walk on instead of being forced into the dark street. The camping experience was also a major downside for a friend who joined me. Security in the campgrounds was seriously lacking, and his cooler was stolen right out of his site with everything inside. Furthermore, camp staff did absolutely nothing to enforce the official quiet hours, leaving camping neighbors to blare music until 3:00am on Friday night. I love the tradition of this festival, but for the prices they are demanding, the infrastructure needs a massive upgrade. They need better security in the campgrounds, safer pedestrian access outside the gates, and a lineup that actually justifies the soaring ticket costs. If you go, buy early, hit the merch booth on day one, bring your own safe snacks if you have allergies, and brace yourself for the dust. read more

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The line-up was not as strong as in past years. Almost half of the preferred seating was empty on the biggest nights. (A big clue that people were not as thrilled with the line-up.) The performers were all excellent, going above and beyond to deliver a great experience. The sound guys were definitely better than previous years, especially for the earlier acts. The video guys did not live up to last year's video production. Lots of blank screens as well as not highlighting the band members performing solos. The roads in preferred camping are completely dust. It would help if they would use a water truck and water down the roads at least once a day to help keep the dust down. They did do that in a couple of areas by the venue, but never out in the campground. Everything we own was covered with dust. We expect that but this year was especially bad. Refreshments were very expensive. It was hot and dry and dusty, and you can only carry in one small bottle of water. So you either need to spend a lot of money to buy more water, or you can spend $30 and get one beer and one Mike's hard lemonade. Security definitely could be improved. We had preferred camping sites. People would cut through your camping site even though they know that it's kind of like private property. If your cooler isn't tied down, they'll pick it up and carry it off. If it is tied down, they open it up and clean it out. The young people doing this obviously are not Cowboys because a cowboy would not steal from another cowboy. If you tell these people that they cannot cut through, they go. FU and go anyway. At least the county sheriff caught one of these perpetrators and held him until Monday. We paid over $1100 for reserve seats near the main stage. We especially like this area because it's non-smoking, and that way it doesn 't bother our Asthma as much. I politely asked a smoker that was upwind of us a few feet to either put out the cigarettes or go to a smoking area and they just smile and continue smoking. I have smoking friends, and they would never do such a thing, but I was very disappointed that this certain couple totally ignored the rules. And even when politely asked, they just smiled and puffed, more. When I asked security about it, he said, well, I need to speak with my supervisor. He finally took the couple to a designated smoking area. But in a 1 hour, they were back smoking again. And this time, security said it was okay. When you pay that much money for non-smoking seats, you expect to be able to enjoy the show without having smoke blowing in your face. Why pay for reserved seating that is supposed to be non-smoking? Overall, I was very disappointed with this year's Country Thunder. read more

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Being my 4th year attending one of the more popular country music festivals, I was shocked by the low attendance and even more disappointed by the prices that have seemed to skyrocket since my first experience. Sitting next to longtime attendees, close to 20 years of loyalty, they too were saddened by the lack of "thunder" the lineup and audience were displaying. Over $20.00 for 2 beers is insane when you think an entire case can be bought for less. So, yes, it was like being at the ballpark. Therefore, one has to question the motive. Maybe it's the demands of the players- though they weren't the heavy hitters like the past lineups. Maybe it's to lessen the consumption of provisions consumed before the last out of the final stretch- though they still can be smelled and seen from the VIP section to the campground. Whatever the reason, the employees must make some bank, for the tip after purchasing a simple shirt is 18%. And that t-shirt is of course no less than $25.00. Add the 4 day pass, parking, beverages, food, souvenir, tip money... and you got yourself one hell of a paid vacation to a wave of thongs and a sea of boobies in addition to what one hopes to be a collection of country tunes pleasing to the ears. Hoping next year is more made memories with my sister; however, the word is out that other festivals, not far from the Twin Lakes. are stealing the roar of this once thunderous festival... and they are promising better prices along with more prestigious musicians than what CT can deliver. Hmmm... can neither the new owners nor old clientele "afford" the loss of "living the dream" promised when settling on the grounds offered to all but limited to what appears to be those whose pockets have no limits? Next year's attendance will be the answer to that question. So, here's to hoping the tradition doesn't come to an abrupt end- for the saved memories are one I can bank on, always! read more

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Amazing concert. But that's because of the singer. The parking situation...HORRIBLE. The pushing and shoving...HORRIBLE. I've been coming here since the ripe age of 5. To see my city concave to all these horrible wokers and unorganized tradition it heartbreaking. I can't believe I spend thousands of dollars to bring my family to a concert and it's the absolute worst chasosis in the entire world. read more

two nights in a row our tent had beer spilled into it. we don't drink. one night our tent was broken into. the lack of security is issue enough to skip this event all together. especially if youre a person of color. I've NEVER felt More UNSAFE camping. read more

What the F$&k. Been coming for 19 years VIP section with VIP parking. They just told us they will tow us if we tailgate. The most aggressive and egregious definition of parking security ever. This is the last time I ever come back. Fuck you Shadow Creek and your line up sucks. The security threatened me with 1500 tow and rip my tent down. Where is the asshole owner of this property? wrong wrong wrong. read more

Thank you so much for an amazing 12 years. I looked forward to each and every year . All good things come to an end . I used to enjoy early bird waiting in line to get next years tickets. I guess not anymore. I was able to buy all me family tickets but I guess not anymore . I raise a guess to you and thanks for the memories read more

Terrible event , don't waste your money. Horribly ran and terrible communication. Would give this place a 0/5 if I could.

Worst concert experience ever. 2022 If they don't get sued it will be a miracle. Those who had a VIP parking pass purchased ahead of time had no better parking than we did. Our friends had one and parked next to us and paid more by purchasing ahead of time. Not sure what the benefit of that was. Signs to indicate those special parking lots, if any, were nonexistent. And when they ran out of parking, people had to park on side roads outside the venue. It was dark after the concerts, and these roads are unlit. People walking in the middle of the roads, in the dark, while hoards of people were trying to exit the venue on the same roads in vehicles. Drunk people stumbling into the roads. Total cluster. Even the police there couldn't handle it all. Country Thunder should not be held at this particular site ever again. They simply cannot handle the crowd size...or they should limit the amount of tickets they can sell to make it an enjoyable experience. Lines for porta potties were out of control. The waits were ridiculously long. I refused to drink anything for that reason. It was so crowded if I had to use the bathroom I would never find the rest of my group. And cell service was horrible. As it got more crowded, you had no service to reach the rest of your group if you got separated. Should-to-shoulder in the concert area. People puking where they were standing, falling over drunk, laying in the grass in the dark, people trampling and tripping over them and knocking others down. It was definitely not a family-friendly venue. If there were a medical emergency, no cell service and zero way to be able to move quickly enough to get help or see in the dark. No clearly marked or lit exit paths were available. But they were still selling beer! People were launching full beer bottles and cans into the air and into the crowds. People had to have gotten hurt and security was non-existent. Sound system was horrible. When the announcements came to shut it down due to lightning, no one could understand what was said. And the side screens were not legible if you weren't close to them to read them. Without cell service, you couldn't pull up the weather radar to see what was happening. When I did hear something like "take shelter immediately", I thought...either someone is going to get trampled or if there is severe weather, something bad about to happen because no one can exit the parking lot. We didn't eat anything either. Lines too long...first a line for tickets, then a line for food. Separating from your party and getting lost with my daughter there was not an option. Garbage was EVERYWHERE. Zero stars would be given. read more

Horrible venue. After being stuck just outside the entrance for 1.5 hours over a 2 mile drive we finally gave up because it was another 2 miles from the entrance to the parking lot and traffic coming into the entrance from both sides was at an absolute standstill. Sheriff's were doing absolutely nothing to assist. A complete shitshow, total waste of time and money. Would NEVER consider this show ever again. This was AZ Country Thunder, Saturday Oct 16 read more

Don't bother unless you want to get stuck in 2 feet if mud. We can't get out of the car. Seriously, they're using bulldozers to get people in and once in you can't get out. Unless you're 20 and are totally tanked and partying. Stay home. We aren't going to go thru this tomorrow through Sunday. Too old for this kind of situation. We've been stuck for four hours!!! read more

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The venue is terrific. The music is very good. The lack of attention by staff and volunteers was very disturbing. Many of us don't understand why hay/straw was not spread in the high traffic areas...the entrance to the venue, the bathrooms and walkways etc (to name a few). Everything they focus on is on the money with very little customer service. read more

Country Thunder - These are examples of the many places that the water unsafe and they did little to nothing to assist. - Festivals Near Me - Twin Lakes, Wisconsin

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Country Thunder just isn't worth it anymore. I cannot believe how expensive it has gotten and for the amount of money we spend on food, alcohol, tickets, camping, etc. we can go on an actual vacation for that kind of money! If you're a die hard fan like so many others who just cannot resist going, take a major tip. LOCK YOUR STUFF UP! There are SOO many under-aged teeny boppers there that will take advantage of your stuff while you're at the concerts. We had so many of our things stolen last year and it really put a damper on the trip. We spent so much money to bring things up and for what? These kids to steal it so they can get drunk? Definitely not worth it. This fest has really gotten out of hand. read more

Festival has gotten so expensive... To the point of getting out of hand.... The quality of the acts has been slowly creeping downhill... Just not as many big names anymore... read more

Had a great time few things could be improved. First is the traffic. Getting in and out needs to be better directed. The first night we sat in unbelievable bumper to bumper traffic for hours. I was so disappointed we missed everyone except for the last oncore. Secondthe VIP area should have at least 2 johnnys, and a place to buy drinks. It cost a lot to be in VIP you think it would have had them. Again great event in Wisconsin. Next time I think we will try country thunder Arizona. read more

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I would leave zero stars if i could. I want to start by saying i run operations for a international event company that hosts thousands of competitors. Country thunder was an absolute joke. Was way too crowded for all infrastructure. Huge lines to get any thing. from parking, wristbands, drinks and event the porta toilets had 15 minute lines. We waited in line in the truck for over two hours before we parked a mile and half away in someone's personal yard (20$ good deal) Hardly any information anywhere. They had no rideshare set up with uber or lyft so we could not get a ride to the venue. The only way it could be somewhat fun or accessible is if you had a campsite there. But those areas were also insanely packed. I get it you try to max out your audience but at some point you need to make sure people are able to enjoy the experience. We tossed our pair of 250 dollar weekend passed in the trash and drove the three hours back home. read more

Country Thunder needs to clean up the campground. More dumpsters need to be put out so people actually have a place for there garbage. More security would be a plus too, so many underage drinkers in the campground causing issues like tipping port a potties. The concert area was a lot of fun but would not go back because of the camp grounds being so nasty. Clean up the grounds Country Thunder!!! read more

Super fun music festival if you like to party and camp and can deal with the elements and getting kinda dirty. if you can't deal with port o potties, don't go. But then again, what country fan thinks they are too good for port o potties? I am REALLY disappointed with the bump in pricing for this year combined with a sub-par lineup! And I agree with the previous comment about entrance traffic, it is a nightmare. If you are thinking about coming after work on Thursday or Friday, don't. Just don't. Take the half day off work or whatever to hopefully avoid the gate traffic, its a nightmare. Keeping all this in mind, there is definitely a good time to be had though. The negative rating is for the price bump and 2014 lineup only. Hopefully someone important sees that! read more

Have been going to this event for 3 years , the MUSIC IS GREAT, but all prices went up on food & beverage, Uber tripled there fees for evening pick up. The worst part of this event is THE FEST STAFF, they just don't care to help, lack of training, and Security guards - WHAT A JOKE. But as I have seen the service go down this year, that allows me to spend my money elsewhere for next year. What a shame to ruin a good thing read more

Went to Country Thunder last night and am extremely disappointed! First, I agree with other posts that traffic there is a nightmare!! Bumper to bumper and then once you pay, several lanes have to battle down to a single file line. With no system in place people are almost hitting each other. Especially those trying to cut in in after bypassing the line everyone else waited in. Then, once in a single file line your battling foot traffic and golf carts going both directions on the exact same route. Seriously??? I was not surprised that Country Thunder posted in their App that 2 people had been hit and Racine Police were looking for help to finding the guilty party. In my opinion, Country Thunder offered extremely poor planning from a logistical standpoint! Another issue, I can deal with the fact that the place was a mud as I have a 4x4. Unfortunately for many people, the way they directed traffic required cars to go through deep mud where many were getting stuck and then charged to get pulled out. Not to mention slowing down parking. Overall though, what really ANNOYED my wife and I the most was the fact that we had to buy tickets to get beer and food. I felt like I was at a poorly organized church festival!! Everything is different prices and they don't accept cash!!!! After trying to get a beer I had to walk half way across the venue to buy tickets. When buying tickets I asked how many I need for a beer and how many I needed for a water for my wife. They couldn't even get this right... After walking back to the beer booth again I finally managed to get a beer but not a water. During this process I was informed I needed 4 tickets for a water instead of 3 like I was told at the ticket booth. So back to the ticket booth to stand in line for another 15 minutes to buy 1 more ticket. This system is by far the worst setup I have seen in a long time. It honestly annoyed us to the point that we WILL NOT go back. In my opinion, the best advertisement for Country USA is Country Thunder.... read more