Redwest Country Festival takes over the Fairpark

If you're in Salt Lake City this weekend, the Utah State Fairpark is the place to be for country music. The Redwest Country Music Festival, presented by KeyBank, is in its third year and is currently running across two days, with Friday, October 16, and Saturday, October 17, as the main dates. It's a big production for the region: over 30 artists spread across two stages, plus a special VIP+ Stage and an Acoustic Sessions stage, all set against the backdrop of the Wasatch Mountain range. The fairpark itself is a character in the story, with six historic buildings—the Grand, Promontory Hall, Pioneer, Zion, Deseret, and Bonneville—and outdoor spaces like the Days of 47 Arena, the Grass Malls, and The Pit.

Friday's bill was topped by Ella Langley, who's been on a run lately. She signed her first publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville in 2021 and a record deal with Sony Music Nashville and Columbia Records in February 2023. Her debut studio album, Hungover, came out on August 2, 2024, and her second, Dandelion, followed on April 10, 2026, with the title track and "Loving Life Again" leading the way. She was joined by Shaboozey, Koe Wetzel, Max McNown, Sons of Legion, Michael Marcagi, Tyler Nance, Tyce Delk, The Logan Ryan Band, Paige Fish, and Slater Nalley.

Saturday, which is today, is co-headlined by Sam Barber and Tucker Wetmore. Barber is the one to watch if you like the Americana side of country; a Missouri farm boy who auditioned for the 20th season of American Idol and walked away with a Golden Ticket to Hollywood before being eliminated shortly after, he's been building a following on TikTok since 2021 and frequently gets compared to Zach Bryan. The rest of the Saturday lineup rounds out with Wyatt Flores, Cameron Whitcomb, Mike., Ashley Cooke, Stella Lefty, The Jack Wharff Band, Late Night Thoughts, Rattlesnake Milk, Jason Scott & The High Heat, and Joe Jordan. For those who caught the pre-party on Thursday, Chase Rice headlined a bill with McCoy Moore, Landon Wilks, Cody Lohden, and a late-night DJ set from Country Night.

A few practical things are worth knowing before you head over. The festival is cashless, so leave the bills at home and bring an empty water bottle for free refills. Bags need to be clear and no larger than 12" x 12" x 6", and chairs and blankets aren't allowed inside. Re-entry is permitted, so you can come and go. Parking isn't included and should be bought ahead of time—there's no overnight parking—so the TRAX Green Line to the Fairpark station is the recommended way in. Tickets come in GA, GA+, VIP, and VIP+ passes, with limited single-day tickets available, and wristbands for anything bought after October 1 can be picked up at Will Call by the GA entrance. The Utah State Fairpark is run by the Utah State Fair Corporation, and the festival partners with local and national charities to raise funds, with sponsors ranging from Ford and State Farm to Happy Dad Hard Seltzer and Raising Canes.