Under the Big Sky 2027 lineup drops with Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves

Under the Big Sky Festival has revealed its 2027 lineup, and it brings together three headliners from very different corners of American roots music.

Zach Bryan, Kacey Musgraves and Nathaniel Rateliff will top the bill at Big Mountain Ranch in Whitefish, Montana, from July 16 through July 18, 2027.

The announcement marks the festival’s eighth year.

Bryan returns for his third appearance at Under the Big Sky.

Musgraves, by contrast, will make her debut at the festival.

Rateliff also returns, having headlined the festival’s inaugural edition in 2019.

The festival describes itself as a mix of country, folk, Americana and alternative music.

The full lineup includes Brandon Flowers, Sam Barber, Midland, Buffalo Traffic Jam, Paul Cauthen, The Dead South, The Wallflowers, Dawes, The Devil Makes Three, Evan Honer, Jonah Kagen, The Infamous Stringdusters, Futurebirds, Josiah and the Bonnevilles, Wade Forster, Laci Kaye Booth, Allah-Las, The White Buffalo, Lily Fitts, Chaparelle, Big Richard, Hogslop String Band, Two Runner, Jess Williamson and Shelby Stone.

Additional artists are expected to be announced later.

The festival takes place at a working ranch, so activities aside from the music include rodeo competitions, horseback rides, a tattoo barn and a petting zoo.

Tickets go on sale Friday, November 6, 2026.

A presale begins at 10 a.m. Mountain Time.

General tickets open at 2 p.m. Mountain Time the same day.

Tickets are available through the festival’s website.

The festival is also active on Instagram, Facebook, X and its own website.

Separately, Musgraves appears on the soundtrack for the upcoming Hunger Games prequel film, Sunrise on the Reaping.

The soundtrack includes a track by Musgraves titled “Ruthless (Arena Mix).”

Other country artists on the soundtrack include Ella Langley, Kashus Culpepper, Carter Faith and Tyler Childers.

The soundtrack releases Friday, November 13, 2026.

The film premieres November 20, 2026.

The film is directed by Francis Lawrence and is an adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel.

It revisits the world of Panem 24 years before the original Hunger Games, starting on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.

The cast includes McKenna Grace, Jennifer Lawrence and Joseph Zada.

The full soundtrack tracklist includes 29 songs.

Notable tracks include “Deep in the Meadow” performed by Jennifer Lawrence, “Alone (Live in Berlin 2022)” by The Cure, and “Doing The Best That I Can (Arena Mix)” by Stevie Nicks.

The soundtrack also features previously released tracks by Noah Kahan, The Smashing Pumpkins and Gigi Perez.

Musgraves’ appearance on the soundtrack is separate from her Under the Big Sky debut.

Zach Bryan has emerged as one of the biggest draws in country and folk music over the past few years.

His third appearance at Under the Big Sky reflects his continued popularity.

Nathaniel Rateliff, who leads Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, helped launch the festival in 2019.

His return ties the 2027 lineup back to the festival’s origins.

Brandon Flowers, best known as the frontman of The Killers, brings a rock and alternative element to the bill.

The Wallflowers, led by Jakob Dylan, add another veteran rock act.

The Dead South and The Devil Makes Three represent the bluegrass and folk-punk side of the festival.

Midland, a neo-traditional country band, has been a regular on the festival circuit.

The Infamous Stringdusters are Grammy-winning bluegrass musicians.

Futurebirds blend country, rock and psychedelic sounds.

Paul Cauthen, known for his baritone voice, has built a following in the Americana scene.

Laci Kaye Booth, a former American Idol contestant, brings a country-pop perspective.

Allah-Las, a California-based band, draw on 1960s surf and garage rock.

The White Buffalo, the stage name of singer-songwriter Jake Smith, is known for his deep, gravelly voice.

Big Richard, an all-female string band, has gained attention for their instrumental skill and harmonies.

Hogslop String Band plays traditional Appalachian string-band music.

Two Runner, a duo from Texas, plays acoustic country and folk.

Jess Williamson is a singer-songwriter with roots in folk and country.

Shelby Stone rounds out the announced acts.

The festival’s working-ranch setting is a signature feature.

Rodeo competitions are held on-site.

Horseback rides are available for attendees.

A tattoo barn offers on-site tattooing.

A petting zoo provides family-friendly entertainment.

The combination of music and ranch activities distinguishes Under the Big Sky from other festivals.

The festival is held in Whitefish, Montana, near Glacier National Park.

The location draws attendees from across the country.

Ticket demand has been high in previous years.

The presale on November 6 is aimed at fans who sign up in advance.

General tickets go on sale later the same day.

The festival has not announced daily lineups or set times yet.

Those details are typically released closer to the event.

The 2027 edition is expected to draw tens of thousands of attendees.

Montana’s summer festival season is short, and Under the Big Sky is one of the state’s largest music events.

The festival’s eighth year marks a milestone.

Organizers have not indicated whether the 2027 lineup will be the largest yet.

But the combination of Zach Bryan, Kacey Musgraves and Nathaniel Rateliff gives the festival three headliners with distinct fan bases.

Bryan’s audience skews younger and leans heavily on streaming.

Musgraves has crossover appeal beyond country, including pop and indie audiences.

Rateliff has a strong following in the Americana and rock worlds.

The festival’s undercard is deep, with more than 30 acts announced so far.

Additional artists may be added in the months leading up to July.

For now, fans can plan their travel to Whitefish.

Lodging in the area fills up quickly during festival weekend.

The festival provides camping options on-site.

Shuttles run from nearby towns.

The lineup announcement comes as the music festival industry continues to recover from the pandemic years.

Under the Big Sky has grown steadily since its launch in 2019.

The 2027 lineup suggests the festival is aiming to compete with larger destination festivals.

Whether the event will expand its capacity or add stages has not been announced.

What is clear is that the festival is betting on a mix of established stars and rising talent.

Musgraves’ debut is a notable addition.

She has headlined major festivals including Coachella and Stagecoach.

Her appearance at Under the Big Sky fills a gap in her 2027 touring schedule.

Bryan, meanwhile, has become one of the most in-demand live acts in the country.

His 2024 and 2025 tours sold out arenas and amphitheaters.

Rateliff’s return provides continuity.

He has remained a festival favorite since his 2019 headlining set.

The festival’s ranch setting means attendees can expect a more rugged experience than at a typical amphitheater show.

Dust, heat and afternoon thunderstorms are part of the package.

Organizers recommend bringing sunscreen, water and sturdy shoes.

The festival also emphasizes local food and drink vendors.

Montana breweries and distilleries are featured.

Rodeo events are professional, with competitors from across the region.

The tattoo barn has become a tradition, with many attendees getting inked during the weekend.

Petting zoo animals include goats, sheep and alpacas.

The family-friendly atmosphere is part of the festival’s marketing.

Children under a certain age are admitted free.

The festival has a dedicated kids’ area with activities.

Music runs from early afternoon until late night on three stages.

Headliners typically play in the evening.

Set times are usually released a few weeks before the festival.

The 2027 edition will take place July 16–18.

Those dates fall in the middle of Montana’s summer.

Daytime temperatures can reach the 80s and 90s.

Nights cool down into the 50s.

Attendees are advised to bring layers.

The festival is held rain or shine.

Tickets are non-refundable except in case of cancellation.

Under the Big Sky has not canceled an edition since its launch.

The 2020 edition was postponed to 2021 due to the pandemic.

Since then, the festival has run annually.

The 2027 lineup announcement was made on November 5, 2026.

That timing gives fans about eight months to plan.

Tickets go on sale the next day.

The quick turnaround between announcement and sale is typical for the festival.