Country music is on the rise in the UK, rapidly becoming one of the nation’s fastest-growing genres. For fans looking to immerse themselves in the Wild West’s iconic sound and style, new research from North American tour operator Journeyscape has revealed the top destinations every country music lover should put on their travel bucket list.
You can explore the full research here.
Top Destinations for Country Music Lovers
Journeyscape analysed multiple factors—including country dance venues, Google search trends for “Country music” and “Country dancing,” and the number of concerts in each state—to determine the ultimate destinations for fans seeking the full Western experience.
| Rank | State | Country Dance Venues | Total Google Searches for ‘Country Music’ & ‘Country Dancing’ | Ranking of US States with Most Country Music Concerts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montana | 2 | 8,190 | 1 |
| 2 | Tennessee | 13 | 61,990 | 2 |
| 3 | Nevada | 6 | 16,080 | 3 |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 1 | 8,660 | 5 |
| 5 | Colorado | 5 | 33,090 | 6 |
| 6 | South Dakota | – | 7,280 | 7 |
| 7 | Oklahoma | 5 | 29,210 | 8 |
| 8 | Nebraska | 4 | 14,360 | 9 |
| 9 | Missouri | 14 | 43,780 | 10 |
| 10 | North Dakota | 1 | 6,160 | 11 |
Why Montana Tops the List
Montana emerges as the ultimate destination for country music enthusiasts, thanks to its thriving music scene and deep-rooted Western and ranching culture. Highlights include:
- Montana Fair – A staple for locals and visitors alike.
- Under the Big Sky Festival – Held annually in July at Big Mountain Ranch, Whitefish, featuring folk and country artists.
The state also scores 8.44 out of 10 as a Western-style getaway, with rugged mountains and wide-open plains creating the perfect backdrop for fans seeking an authentic country experience.
Tennessee: The Heart of Country Music
It’s no surprise that Tennessee comes in second. Home to Nashville, the genre’s legendary epicentre, the state offers:
- Iconic venues like Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium
- A jam-packed live show calendar
- Major festivals such as CMA Fest each June and the CMA awards in November.
Whether it’s stepping inside a historic venue or catching a festival performance, Tennessee offers an unmatched experience for country music fans.
Nevada: Entertainment Meets Country
Nevada rounds out the top three. Known primarily for Las Vegas, the state is rapidly growing its country music footprint with:
- Major concerts and residencies from the likes of Brooks and Dunn, Blake Shelton, Reba, Kenny Chesney and the Zac Brown Band.
- Festivals including the iHeartRadio Music Festival’s country-focused events
It’s a destination where the glitz of Las Vegas meets the twang of country, making it a must-visit for fans looking for variety and excitement.
For readers wanting a deep dive into the full study and additional Western-style travel inspiration, check out the original research here:
👉 Journeyscape – Best Western-Style Getaways 👈
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source entertainment-focus.com ’
