
Tailgate N’ Tallboys 2026: Lineup, Dates, Tickets & Bloomington, IL Festival Guide

If you love country music, cold beers, pickup trucks, and all-night party energy, Tailgate N’ Tallboys is your festival. Held in Bloomington, Illinois, this rowdy, fan-favorite event—often called “the country party of the year”—brings thousands together for live music, epic tailgating, and nonstop entertainment.
As we look ahead to 2026, fans are asking:
“When is Tailgate N’ Tallboys 2026?”
“Who’s on the 2026 lineup?”
“How do I get tickets for Bloomington?”
While official 2026 details haven’t dropped yet, we’ve analyzed past years and industry patterns to give you the most accurate preview possible—updated for 2026.
Table of Contents
Toggle🗓️ Tailgate N’ Tallboys 2026 Dates & Location
As of December 2025, the official 2026 dates are not yet announced—but history gives us a strong clue:
- Tailgate N’ Tallboys 2024: July 19–20
- Tailgate N’ Tallboys 2025: July 18–19
✅ Expected 2026 Dates: July 17–18, 2026 (Friday & Saturday)
📍 Location: Iron Ridge Festival Grounds, Bloomington, IL
(formerly known as the Illinois State Fairgrounds parking lots—now a dedicated festival site)
🚨 Note: In 2024, the festival moved permanently to Iron Ridge, a custom-built venue just outside Bloomington with better camping, sound control, and layout.
🎤 Tailgate N’ Tallboys 2026 Lineup (Rumored & Expected)
The festival consistently books top-tier country stars alongside rising artists. Here’s what we saw in 2025:
🔥 Tailgate N’ Tallboys 2025 Lineup Highlights:
- Headliners: Luke Combs, Jason Aldean, Morgan Wallen
- Support Acts: Hardy, Bailey Zimmerman, Ella Langley, ERNEST, Tyler Childers
🔮 Likely 2026 Artists (Based on Tour Cycles & Trends):
- Chris Stapleton
- Eric Church
- Lainey Wilson
- Zach Bryan
- Post Malone (if his country era continues)
- Jelly Roll
- Koe Wetzel
- Corey Kent, Carter Faith, Dasha (rising stars)
⚠️ Official 2026 lineup expected: Late January or early February 2026
Follow @tailgatenntallboys on Instagram for real-time updates.
🎟️ Tailgate N’ Tallboys 2026 Tickets
Tickets typically go on sale in December (for presale) and January (general public).
Expected 2026 Ticket Options:
- 2-Day General Admission: ~$249–$299
- VIP Pass: ~$449–$599 (includes front-stage viewing, private bars, air-conditioned lounges, dedicated restrooms)
- Camping Packages: On-site tent & RV camping (sells out fast!)
- Payment Plans: Available through official site (usually 3–4 installments)
🔔 Pro Tip: Sign up at tailgatenntallboys.com for presale access—tickets often sell out within hours.
🚙 What Makes Tailgate N’ Tallboys Unique?
- Massive Tailgate Zones: Bring your truck, grill, and crew—competition-style tailgating is encouraged!
- Multiple Stages: Main Stage, Side Stage, Silent Disco, and Bar Zones
- Party Atmosphere: Think foam zones, mechanical bulls, cornhole tournaments, and beer pong
- Strict “No Judgment” Vibe: It’s all about fun, freedom, and country pride
🗺️ Tailgate N’ Tallboys in Bloomington, IL – Travel Tips
- Nearest Airport: Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI) – 15 mins away
- Hotels: Limited in Bloomington—many fans camp on-site or stay in Normal, IL or Peoria
- Parking: Free with camping; day-parkers must use remote lots with shuttles
- What to Bring: Tent, cooler (empty—fill on-site), lawn chairs, earplugs, portable charger
❌ Not Allowed: Outside alcohol, glass containers, drones, professional cameras
People Also Ask – Answered
Q: Where is Tailgate and Tallboys 2026?
A: Iron Ridge Festival Grounds, Bloomington, Illinois—same location as 2024 and 2025.
Q: Who will be at Tailgate and Tallboys 2025?
A: (For reference) Luke Combs, Jason Aldean, Morgan Wallen, plus Hardy, Bailey Zimmerman, and more.
Q: Is Tailgate N’ Tallboys the same as Country Thunder?
A: No! Country Thunder is a separate festival series (held in Wisconsin, Arizona, etc.). However, both feature big-name country acts and attract similar crowds.
Q: Can I bring my own alcohol?
A: No. All drinks must be purchased inside the venue—but beer is plentiful and affordable!
📅 Tailgate N’ Tallboys 2026 Schedule (Expected Format)
While the hour-by-hour 2026 schedule won’t drop until closer to the event, expect:
- Friday: Gates open at 2 PM | Music 3 PM–1 AM
- Saturday: Gates open at 11 AM | Music noon–2 AM
- Silent Disco: Runs until 4 AM both nights
- Camping: Opens Thursday at 10 AM
#TailgateNTallboys2026 #TNT2026 #CountryFestival #BloomingtonIL #CountryMusicFest #TailgateParty #TNTFest
Read More –Cloud City Music Festival 2026
Official Website: https://www.tailgatenntallboys.com
















