Brady Drake
Under the wide Minnesota sky, country music fans packed Soo Pass Ranch each night last August to celebrate WE Fest 2025. The country’s largest and longest-running country music and camping festival once again lived up to its reputation, offering not just star-powered performances but new experiences, a thriving community spirit, and a heartfelt nod to tradition.
From the roar of the main stage to the intimate feel of the new Trading Post Stage, the festival expanded its footprint with four stages in total, giving fans more opportunities than ever to discover their next favorite act.
But WE Fest has always been about more than just the music. This year, its community impact shone as brightly as the stage lights. More than $81,000 was distributed to 19 local nonprofits, thanks to partnerships led by Propel DL. The annual Paint WE Fest Blue campaign once again turned the grounds into a sea of blue in support of military members, police, and first responders while raising funds for the Detroit Lakes Fire Department. Meanwhile, the inaugural Ranch Hands Recycle program inspired campers to collect cans, raising $1,800 for Boy Scout Troop 674.
Looking Ahead to the Star-Studded 2026 Lineup
With the dust barely settled from this year’s festival, WE Fest wasted no time unveiling its massive 2026 lineup. Headliners include three of the genre’s brightest stars:
- Lainey Wilson, fresh off her Grammy win and back-to-back CMA Entertainer of the Year honors.
- Brooks & Dunn, the legendary duo returning to Soo Pass after electrifying past performances dating back to the ’90s.
- Thomas Rhett, the chart-topping, stadium-filling entertainer making his long-awaited WE Fest debut.
Joining them are Little Big Town, Jamey Johnson, Flatland Cavalry, Randy Houser, Nate Smith, Max McNown, and a wide roster of both rising names and country veterans. From the harmonies of Diamond Rio and Shenandoah to up-and-comers like Maggie Antone and Noeline Hofmann, the 2026 lineup is designed to bridge generations of country fans.
Save the Dates
- When: August 5–8, 2026
- Where: Soo Pass Ranch, Detroit Lakes, MN
- Tickets & Camping: On sale starting Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. CST at wefest.com
- Box Office: 1-833-2WE-FEST (1-833-293-3378)
As Lainey Wilson, Brooks & Dunn, Thomas Rhett, and dozens more prepare to take the stage next summer, one thing is certain: WE Fest will continue to be more than just a festival. It’s an experience, a tradition, and a celebration of the country music community at its finest.
