Railbird Festival 2026 in Lexington KY: Lineup, Tickets & Highlights

The acclaimed Lexington event, Railbird Festival, is ringing in yet another stellar year in 2026, making its sixth edition thus far.

The Railbird Festival, a renowned musical event in Lexington, Kentucky, is set to return for its sixth edition on June 6-7, 2026. Known for blending a mix of country, Americana, folk, and roots music, the festival welcomes both well-established artists and emerging talents. The 2026 lineup promises an exciting range of performances across two days, headlined by The Lumineers and Tyler Childers, alongside many other notable musicians. This summary provides detailed insights into the festival’s lineup, ticketing options, and the festival’s ongoing legacy.

Key highlights:

• Railbird Festival 2026 will take place June 6-7 at The Infield at Red Mile, Lexington, KY, marking its sixth edition.
• Saturday’s lineup leans towards Americana with headliner The Lumineers, while Sunday features a more commercial lineup, with Tyler Childers headlining.
• Over 30 artists will perform across three stages, including Caamp, Mt. Joy, Ella Langley, Zach Top, and others.
• Tyler Childers, a celebrated Kentucky musician and multiple Grammy nominee, will headline Sunday for the third time.
• Tickets offer multiple tiers from general admission to premium packages, with prices starting at $265 for a two-day pass.

Overview of Railbird Festival 2026

The Railbird Festival continues to build on its reputation as a key event for fans of country, Americana, folk, and roots music. Since debuting in 2019, the festival has become a beloved gathering for music lovers in the heart of Kentucky. The 2026 edition is scheduled for June 6 and 7 and will feature over 30 artists spread across three stages at The Infield at Red Mile.

Day One - Americana Focus with The Lumineers

Saturday, June 6, will highlight Americana and roots sounds, led by The Lumineers, known for their poetic songwriting and multi-platinum albums. Additional acts include Caamp, Mt. Joy, Sam Barber, Stephen Wilson Jr., and Watchhouse, among others. Attendees can expect a mix of heartfelt storytelling, acoustic melodies, and vibrant performances that connect deeply with Americana and folk traditions.

Day Two - Commercial Headliners and Rising Stars

Sunday, June 7, promises a more commercially-oriented lineup with Tyler Childers headlining. Childers, an esteemed Kentucky native, has rapidly become one of country music’s brightest stars. He will be supported by a strong roster featuring Zach Top, Ella Langley, Muscadine Bloodline, Houndmouth, Shane Smith & The Saints, Shakey Graves, Margo Price, and more. This day’s lineup reflects a balance of both radio-friendly hits and authentic roots music.

Spotlight on Tyler Childers

Tyler Childers, a Lawrence County, Kentucky native, is a major draw for Railbird Festival attendees. He began his musical journey writing songs at age 13 and steadily rose through the ranks by performing in local venues before breaking into the national stage with his acclaimed 2017 album *Purgatory*. The album earned widespread critical praise and established Childers as a leading voice in modern country and Americana music.

Career Achievements and Accolades

Childers has released seven studio albums, with *Long Violent History* and *Rustin’ in the Rain* both earning Grammy nominations. His 2023 single “In Your Love” reached the top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and earned three Grammy nods, including Best Country Song. Another notable single, “All Your’n,” was nominated for Best Country Solo Performance. To date, Childers has been nominated for seven Grammy Awards, underlining his impact on the genre.

Performance History and Style

With an emotive and honest songwriting style, Childers often explores themes of Appalachian life, love, and social issues. He has performed at major venues and festivals such as Rupp Arena, Bonnaroo, The Grand Ole Opry, Lollapalooza, Merlefest, and Newport Folk Festival. He also recently appeared at the Healing Appalachia Music Festival and will tour Europe in 2026 before returning to headline Railbird Festival.

Past Editions and Festival Growth

Since its inception in 2019, Railbird Festival has consistently attracted top-tier talent from the country and Americana scenes. Despite cancellations in 2020 and 2022, the festival has grown in stature, especially after relocating to Red Mile in Lexington in 2023. Previous headliners include Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Chris Stapleton, and numerous acclaimed acts like Zach Bryan, Sierra Ferrell, and Marcus Mumford.

The 2025 festival, held on May 31 and June 1, showcased a diverse lineup featuring Lainey Wilson and Jelly Roll as headliners and supported by rising stars such as Bailey Zimmerman, Riley Green, and Sierra Ferrell. The 2024 edition was notable for riveting performances from Noah Kahan, Turnpike Troubadours, Counting Crows, Wynonna Judd, Chris Stapleton, and Hozier.

Ticketing and Experience Enhancements

Tickets for Railbird Festival 2026 went on sale with various pricing options and packages designed for different levels of access and comfort.

Ticket Types and Pricing

• Two-day General Admission: Priced at $265 initially, with a price increase one hour after release.
• One-day general admission passes also available for those attending a single day.
• General Admission Plus: Starting at $400, includes access to a lounge with climate-controlled restrooms and a private bar.
• VIP Tickets: Beginning at $765, with perks such as preferred viewing areas and express checkout lanes for merchandise.
• Platinum Tickets: Starting at $1,850, include all VIP features plus golf cart transit between stages, access to a premium lounge with all-day dining, a full bar, and coffee service.
• Trifecta Package: At $12,500, this package combines all previous amenities, with exclusive onstage viewing and invitations to private receptions and festival tours.

Kentucky Bourbon Experience

Beyond music, Railbird Festival emphasizes Kentucky’s rich bourbon heritage, offering a curated bourbon experience featuring hand-selected barrels from top Kentucky distilleries. This immersive feature complements the festival’s Southern cultural vibe and adds a unique local touch to the event.

Conclusion

Railbird Festival 2026 promises to continue its tradition of blending groundbreaking Americana and country music with rich cultural experiences. With a stellar lineup headlined by The Lumineers and Tyler Childers, the event offers musical depth and diversity across two days in the heart of Lexington, Kentucky. Fans can look forward to over 30 artists performing on multiple stages, a specialized bourbon tasting experience, and a variety of ticketing options fitting different preferences and budgets. As the festival approaches, more details and ticketing information will be released to ensure attendees have all the information needed for this exciting event.

For additional information and ticket purchases, visit www.railbirdfest.com.