Bust out the banjos, dust off the dobroes, fire up the fiddles... and mark those calendars now, because Grafton, Illinois is where you'll wanna be NOVEMBER 7th - 9th, 2025!Make your way across the entire town enjoying contests, specials, food & drinks, and FREE LIVE COUNTRY MUSIC all weekend long! The entire town comes together to make this this one special weekend in Grafton, and we couldn't be more excited for ya'll to join us.
It's gonna be a whole weekend of fantastic music, great food, and friendly faces. This community-driven event is a must-attend for country music lovers and anyone looking for a little country fun!
Here’s the full lineup of fun happening all over town:
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH
The Gusto | 7 PM - 11 PM at 3rd Chute Bar and Grill
Tracy Inman Band | 7 PM - 11 PM at Grafton Pub
Best Boots Contest | 8:30 PM at Grafton Pub - Shine 'em up and show 'em off! For this contest, the more unique and outlandish the better. You should see some of the boots we've had grace this stage in years past—it’s a sight to see!
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH
Kerry Lee | 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM at 3rd Chute Bar & Grill
Wolves of Lust | 12 PM - 3 PM at Grafton Pub
Left Handed Cowboy | 1 PM - 5 PM up at Aerie's Resort
Tanglefoot | 2 PM - 5 PM down at The Loading Dock
Save a Horse Ride a Cowboy Race | 2:30 PM at the Outdoor Mainstage - Yep, you read that right! Thanks to our great friends at Grafton Harbor, we're bringing back this fan favorite! Make your way to the Outdoor Mainstage in the green space next to the Grafton Pub for a race that is every bit as crazy and hilarious as you can imagine. Trust us, this is the one you’ll be talking about!
ONE LAST HOEDOWN SUNSET CRUISE | 3 - 5pm | Grafton Harbor Marina
Cruise down the majestic Mississippi River as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with breathtaking colors! This beautiful sunset river cruise is happening for ONE DAY ONLY on Saturday, from 3 PM to 5 PM! It's the perfect way to soak in the festival vibes and enjoy unparalleled views. Not joining the cruise? No problem! Grafton Harbor is your festival hub all weekend long!
Capture your memories at their amazing Photo Opportunity! Strike a pose and show off your festival spirit!
Swing by the ARRR Bar and try the official Grafton Country Music Festival drink special: the "SNAKE BITE"! It's the perfect refreshing treat! See our Spotlight below!
Russo & Co. (Supported by Jesse Vaughn) | 3 PM - 7 PM at the Outdoor Mainstage - See our Headliner Spotlight below!
Karaoke Contest | 6 PM - 11 PM at 3rd Chute - Ever sing into a hairbrush and dream of the big stage? This is your chance to be a country music star, at least for three glorious minutes!
Lasso Roping Contest | 7 PM at Bobby G's - Time to test your skills! What exactly will you be roping, you ask? Let's just say it's not live cattle... probably. You'll have to swing by to see what we've rounded up!
Outlaw Opry | 7 PM - 11 PM at Grafton Pub
Billy Hurst | 7 PM - 11 PM at Drifters
Kerry Lee | 7 PM - 10 PM at The Bloody Bucket Saloon
Mr & Mrs GCMF 2025 Competition | 8:30 PM at Grafton Pub - Calling all partners, pairs, and sweethearts! This is your chance to be crowned Mr & Mrs GCMF. Now, you do have to enter as a PAIR, but whether you're a romantic couple or just two pals who linked arms five minutes ago is your business! The goal is simple: show up together in your most elaborate country western get-up—the more creative, the better! The winning duo gets a full year of bragging rights and a very cool pageant sash... and we hear that sash might just have a few perks attached. 😉
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9TH
Midwest Avenue | 11 AM - 3 PM at Grafton Pub
Haulin Oats | 1 PM - 4 PM at The Loading Dock
Carl Mager | 1 PM - 5 PM at Aerie's Resort
Jake Weber & The Lonesome Drifters | 3 PM - 7 PM at the Outdoor Mainstage - See our Sunday Spotlight below!
Best Cowboy Hat Contest | 5:30 PM at Grafton Pub - The grand finale for the best lid in town!
SATURDAY FESTIVAL HEADLINER SPOTLIGHT: RUSSO & CO. Get ready for the main event! We are so excited to welcome Russo & Co., supported by the amazing Jesse Vaughn, back as our official weekend headliner! They're returning for their second year, and this time, they're bringing a secret weapon. This will be their first year performing with their new female fiddle player, and we hear she is going to bring the heat like you couldn't possibly imagine! Don't miss this incredible performance on the Outdoor Mainstage, located in the green space next to Grafton Pub. A special thank you to Grafton Pub, 3rd Chute Bar & Grill, and Bobby G's for sponsoring our headlining act!
ONE LAST HOEDOWN SUNSET CRUISE!
Imagine this: cruising down the majestic Mississippi River as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with breathtaking colors! This beautiful sunset cruise is happening for ONE DAY ONLY on Saturday, from 3 PM to 5 PM! It's the perfect way to soak in the festival vibes and enjoy unparalleled views. Contact them today to secure your spot!
But wait, there's MORE! This exclusive river cruise features some super fun Country Music Festival Contests just for passengers!
BEST DRESSED CONTEST! Show off your finest Western wear in categories like Cowboy , Cowgirl , and Couple! Grab your partner or your bestie and get creative!
DANCE CONTEST! Think you've got the moves? Get ready to line dance, two-step, or just boogie down! Even if you're a little shy, the music will make you want to join in!
SUNDAY FEATURED SPOTLIGHT: JAKE WEBER & THE LONESOME DRIFTERS ☀️ That's right, we're making history this year! For the first time ever, the music on our Outdoor Mainstage is continuing all weekend long. We are beyond thrilled to feature a Sunday performance from some local favorites who are near and dear to all our hearts: Jake Weber & The Lonesome Drifters! If you know their music, you know we're in for an incredible show to close out the festival. We absolutely can't wait to host them on the main stage in the green space next to the Grafton Pub. A huge thank you to Grafton Pub, 3rd Chute Bar & Grill, and Bobby G's for sponsoring this special Sunday performance!
A huge thank you to all our incredible sponsors who make this happen! Let's give a round of applause for Grafton Pub, 3rd Chute, Bobby G's, The Loading Dock, Aerie's Resort, Grafton Harbor, Drifters, and Ben Allen's Bloody Bucket Saloon.
Event Venue
Grafton, Illinois, United States
