After 33 years, Colorado's biggest music festival is taking a "pause" for 2026. It remains unclear whether or not the festival will return next year.
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Just yesterday, the festival's Instagram account shared a message with its followers on the thought process behind this decision. "Country Jam Colorado will be pausing in 2026 as we take time to re-evaluate and plan for the future," the post said. "We're grateful to all the fans, artists, partners, and the entire Colorado community and beyond who have supported the festival and made it such a special event year after year."
In 2025, the festival featured headliners such as Eric Church, Cody Johnson, and Bailey Zimmerman. Traditionally, the festival has been a three-day event that boasts 15 country acts each year. It currently takes place at Jam Ranch in Mack, Colorado.
This is the first time in the festival's history that it has ever taken a step back.
More About Country Jam Colorado
The Country Jam Colorado festival originally began in 1992 as an expansion of the Wisconsin version of the festival. In 1994, the festival was moved from a rented property in Grand Junction, Colorado, to the Country Jam Ranch. Over the past several years, it's grown to accommodate tens of thousands of attendees. Over 100,000 people attended the 2024 festival, and even more were present in 2025.
Camping is also an integral part of the festival experience for attendees. In fact, many campers refer to the campsite as a "temporary party city" for the period during which the festival takes place. Campers can purchase a "Camp Access Pass" for up to six campers in addition to their admissions ticket.
Not only is the event often referred to as the largest country music and camping festival in the state, but it also provides a significant economic boost for Meca County, which is where the festival is held. According to a study conducted in 2014, the festival was estimated to have a $11 million impact on the local economy, a figure that has likely increased since then.
The festival has not confirmed the return of Country Jam Colorado in 2027.
Photo by: Scott Legato/Getty Images
