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Stephen Wilson Jr. to Kaitlin Butts: Best Things We Saw at Under the Big Sky Fest
Under the Big Sky, one of the leading US festivals for Americana and country music, held its 2026 edition in Whitefish, Montana, with headliners Chris Stapleton, Cody Jinks and Zach Top drawing crowds alongside a strong roster of supporting artists. Now in its eighth year since launching in 2019, the festival has become known for its Western-themed atmosphere, complete with cowboy hats, large belt buckles and live rodeo events between musical sets, set against a backdrop of the northern Rockies.
Rolling Stone highlighted several standout performances from the July event, including Ryan Bingham's set featuring a surprise guest appearance from guitarist Duane Betts, who played his late father Dickey Betts' Gibson Les Paul during a cover of the Allman Brothers' "Whipping Post". Other notable moments came from rising star Stephen Wilson Jr., Oklahoma singer-songwriter Kaitlin Butts, who is breaking through nationally with her new single "Never Really Mine", and Kentucky musician Cole Chaney, who played a late-night set blending alt-country with Nineties hard rock at a downtown Whitefish venue.
In short
- Under the Big Sky festival 2026 took place in Whitefish, Montana in July.
- Highlights included Ryan Bingham with surprise guest Duane Betts on "Whipping Post".
- Stephen Wilson Jr. and Kaitlin Butts also drew praise for standout sets.
Explained simply
Under the Big Sky is a major American festival dedicated to Americana and country music, held annually in Whitefish, Montana. The event is known for its distinctive Western-themed atmosphere, featuring live rodeo shows, traditional cowboy culture, and musical performances set against the northern Rocky Mountains.
The festival launched in 2019 and has grown into one of the leading events on the Americana music calendar. By its eighth year in 2026, it had become established enough to draw significant audiences and major headliners to its summer edition.
The festival's combination of live music with Western cultural heritage has helped it stand out from other music events. It has become an important venue for artists working in country and Americana music to reach dedicated audiences.
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