As spring fades into the warm summer months, touring artists tend to increase their touring schedules to capitalize on the feel good vibes. While Arizona’s biggest country festival, Country Thunder Festival, wraps up in the spring, there are still plenty of options for country music fans to explore their favourite genre in live settings throughout the summer.

August means peak summer heat and the country scene in Arizona proves to be no exception. Brantley Gilbert’s Take It Outside Tour brings his country rock blend to Phoenix on the 6^th, with Justin Moore and Colt Ford opening. The following week, on the 12^th, Jason Aldean also brings a diverse lineup with Thomas Rhett and A Thousand Horses complimented by the hip hop beats of Dee Jay Silver opening.

The biggest news in country music for Arizona residents is the Giggling Marlin Tequila Country Megaticket. This promotion provides fans with access to seven concerts throughout the summer, including the aforementioned shows, plus five more with lineups featuring the biggest names in country music today. The shows are spaced out from Brad Paisley’s kick-off on June 2^nd to the closing show on October 7 with Florida Georgia Line and Cole Swindell. Other artists playing through the summer as part of the package include Darius Rucker, Rascall Flatts and newcomers Tyler Farr and Maddie & Tae.

Those who want something a little less mainstream have plenty of alternatives in Phoenix. The Dixie Chicks are in the midst of a World Tour, with a stop in the city on July 17^th. For traditional country enthusiasts there are shows from Kenny Rogers (June 26) and Dwight Yoakum (June 5). Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler is in the midst of promoting his forthcoming country project and has a show on July 20. Old Crow Medicine Show and Brandi Carlile will play two shows in the state (August 16 & 17). Alt Country legends, The Jayhawks play Phoenix on July 27, while 90’s country star Martina McBride plays the same venue the next evening.

The majority of large country concerts in the state are in Phoenix, but there are great shows happening in other locales as well. Chase Rice plays Tucson on June 2^nd, while Randy Rogers Band brings the Red Dirt sound to Mesa the next night. Texas country staples Aaron Watson and Jon Wolfe bring their twang to Tucson on August 20.

Whether you enjoy mainstream country music or one of the many underground country subgenres, there are numerous options for live music in Arizona throughout the summer.