Railbird Music Festival Shifts to Mainstream Country for 2025

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The 2025 Railbird Music Festival is taking a sharp turn toward mainstream country music, with Lainey Wilson and Jelly Roll headlining the two-day event at The Infield at Red Mile on May 31 and June 1.

Wilson, a rising country star, will close out the festival’s opening night, preceded by performances from Bailey Zimmerman and Shaboozey. The following day, Riley Green and The Red Clay Strays will warm up the crowd for Jelly Roll, the festival’s Sunday headliner.

This year’s lineup marks a significant departure from Railbird’s roots. The festival, which debuted at Keeneland in 2019, initially showcased alternative and Americana acts like Tyler Childers, Brandi Carlile, and My Morning Jacket. The 2021 edition featured Dave Matthews, Jason Isbell, and a then-emerging Zach Bryan, though it was marred by logistical issues, including extreme heat and insufficient cooling stations.

In 2023, the festival relocated to The Infield at Red Mile, where it drew praise despite parking challenges. Last year’s lineup included Zach Bryan, Nathaniel Rateliff, Hozier, Noah Kahan, and Chris Stapleton, maintaining the festival’s reputation for eclectic, non-mainstream acts.

“Railbird had a distinct sound,” said one attendee. “It was alt, Americana, whatever you want to call it. This pivot to popular country music is a bold move.”

Festival organizers have not commented on the shift in musical direction, but the inclusion of chart-topping country artists suggests an effort to broaden the event’s appeal. Whether this strategy will resonate with Railbird’s core audience remains to be seen.