Thursday Kick-Off Set to Bring the Party to Wildwood Beach – Tickets On Sale Now
WILDWOOD, N.J. (November 14, 2025) – The party starts early at Barefoot Country Music Fest (BCMF) as the Northeast’s largest outdoor country music celebration announces its Thursday Kick-Off lineup, featuring Miranda Lambert, Cole Swindell, and Chase Matthew, plus more. The Thursday lineup will launch a star-studded weekend packed with live music and fan experiences when BCMF returns to Wildwood Beach, June 18–21, 2026.
Headlining Thursday’s Kick-Off is Miranda Lambert, one of country music’s most acclaimed and decorated artists, making her BCMF debut in 2026. A three-time GRAMMY® winner, 14-time CMA Award winner, and the most-awarded artist in Academy of Country Music history, Lambert continues to set the standard with her 10th studio album, Postcards from Texas, featuring her latest single “Run.” With 10 consecutive Top 10 albums, seven No. 1 records, 10 No. 1 singles, and more than 80 major awards, Lambert’s powerhouse vocals, fearless songwriting, and electric performances have made her one of the most respected and dynamic artists in country music.
Returning to the BCMF stage is Cole Swindell, the multi-Platinum singer-songwriter behind crowd-favorite anthems like “She Had Me at Heads Carolina,” “Chillin’ It,” and “You Should Be Here.” With 13 No. 1 singles as an artist and 14 as a songwriter, Swindell has earned multiple ACM and iHeartRadio Music Awards and continues to deliver the kind of high-energy, fan-driven shows that have made him one of the genre’s most in-demand live performers. His newest album, Spanish Moss, features the chart-topping single “Forever to Me,” showcasing his ability to evolve while staying true to the sound fans love.
Also returning to Wildwood Beach is Chase Matthew, one of country’s fastest-rising new artists. With more than 1 billion global streams and hits like “County Line” and “Love You Again,” Matthew’s blend of grit, heart, and authenticity has made him a standout among the next generation of country stars. Named to MusicRow’s “Next Big Thing” and the Opry’s “NextStage” Class of 2024, he’s built a massive following through his explosive live shows and will bring that energy back to BCMF in 2026.
“Thursday Kick-Off is where the party starts, and this lineup is built for it,” said Bob Durkin of Southern Entertainment. “With Miranda’s BCMF debut and Cole and Chase joining the lineup, we are set to kick off this beach party like never before.”
Recognized by outlets like USA Today, Billboard, and Rolling Stone as one of the nation’s premier destination festivals, Barefoot Country Music Fest has quickly become a summer tradition, drawing tens of thousands of fans from across the U.S. and beyond. With multiple sellouts in its first five years, BCMF continues to deliver unforgettable experiences with a one-of-a-kind oceanfront backdrop.
Tickets for BCMF 2026 are on sale now at barefootcountrymusicfest.com. The Black Friday Sale is happening now — lock in your SVIP package for just $199 down with no payments until February! Sale ends November 28 at midnight. For the latest updates and exclusive #BCMFHints, fans are encouraged to follow Barefoot Country Music Fest on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.
