Lexington, Kentucky, October 21, 2025
News Summary
The Railbird Music Festival is set to return to Lexington, Kentucky, featuring Tyler Childers as the headliner. This marks his third performance at the festival, highlighting his ongoing influence in the music scene. Childers, a Kentucky native, has gained recognition for his hit singles and Grammy nominations. The festival will showcase over 30 artists across three stages, with tickets going on sale soon, promising a diverse musical experience for attendees.
Lexington, Kentucky – Tyler Childers to Headline 2026 Railbird Music Festival
The popular Railbird Music Festival will return to Lexington, Kentucky, on June 6 and 7, 2026, featuring Tyler Childers as its headliner. This announcement marks Childers’ third appearance at the festival, having previously performed in 2019 and headlined in 2023.
As a native of Lawrence County, Kentucky, Childers has made a significant impact on the music scene, starting his songwriting journey at age 13. His breakout moment came with the release of his acclaimed album Purgatory in 2017, which received high praise and recognition as one of the year’s best albums from various music publications. Childers has since released numerous successful albums, including the Grammy-nominated works Long Violent History and Rustin’ in the Rain.
Childers has an impressive catalog of hit singles, including “In Your Love,” which reached the top 10 of Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart in 2023 and earned three Grammy nominations. Another notable single, “All Your’n,” was also nominated for a Grammy, showcasing his talent and connection to personal experiences, as the song is dedicated to his wife, fellow performer Senora May.
With a total of seven Grammy nominations, Childers has made notable appearances at premier events and venues, such as the Grand Ole Opry, Lollapalooza, and the Newport Folk Festival. In a remarkable surprise performance, he collaborated with pop star Olivia Rodrigo at a sold-out show in Rupp Arena in July 2024, which further elevated his profile in the music industry. Prior to his appearance at Railbird, he is also scheduled to perform in several European cities throughout 2026.
The 2026 Railbird Music Festival will showcase an impressive lineup of over 30 artists across three stages. In addition to Tyler Childers, other performers will include artists like Zach Top, Ella Langley, Caamp, Mt. Joy, and The Lumineers, who will headline the first day of the festival.
Tickets for the event will go on sale at noon on October 22, 2025, with two-day general admission tickets priced at $265 initially, but expected to rise soon after the sale begins. Additional options will be available, including one-day passes, VIP packages, and premium packages featuring exclusive amenities. Notably, two-day platinum tickets will start at $1,850 and include features like VIP access and golf cart transportation, while the highest tier, the two-day trifecta ticket, will cost $12,500 and provide extensive VIP experiences and a pre-show reception.
The Railbird Music Festival, which celebrates Kentucky’s rich history in horse racing and bourbon, has been hosted annually at Red Mile since 2023. The event is named after horse racing fans who enjoy watching the races closely from the rail. Previous headliners include popular artists such as Lainey Wilson and Jelly Roll in 2025. Despite facing cancellations in 2020 and 2022, Railbird remains a beloved event on the music calendar.
Key Features and Ticket Information
| Ticket Type | Price Starting At | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Two-Day General Admission | $265 | Basic access to the festival for two days. |
| Two-Day General Admission Plus | $400 | Includes access to a lounge with amenities. |
| Two-Day VIP | $765 | Access to VIP lounge and preferred viewing areas. |
| Two-Day Platinum | $1,850 | Includes VIP amenities and golf cart transportation. |
| Two-Day Trifecta | $12,500 | Extensive VIP benefits and pre-show reception. |
FAQ Section
When will the Railbird Music Festival take place?
The Railbird Music Festival will take place on June 6 and 7, 2026.
Who is headlining the festival?
Tyler Childers has been announced as the headliner for the festival.
How much do tickets cost?
Two-day general admission tickets start at $265, with various other ticket options available at different price points.
How can I stay updated about ticket sales?
Fans can sign up for text message alerts regarding ticket sales and availability on the Railbird’s official website.
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Additional Resources
- Saving Country Music
- WDRB News
- WKYT News
- Kentucky.com
- WBKR
- Wikipedia: Railbird Music Festival
- Google Search: Railbird Music Festival 2026
- Google Scholar: Tyler Childers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tyler Childers
- Google News: Railbird Music Festival
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
