On February 27-28, 2026, Tempe Beach Park & Arts Park in Tempe, Arizona, will transform into a vibrant celebration of country music and baseball as the Extra Innings Festival returns for its third edition. Announced on September 16, 2025, the festival boasts a star-studded lineup headlined by four of country music’s biggest names: Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, HARDY, and Kane Brown. With presale tickets available starting Thursday, September 18, at 10 a.m. PT, fans are already buzzing with excitement for what promises to be a home run of a weekend. Blending chart-topping performances, interactive baseball activities, and appearances by MLB legends, the 2026 Extra Innings Festival is set to deliver an unforgettable experience for music lovers and sports enthusiasts alike. Here’s a deep dive into the lineup, the vibe, and what to expect from this can’t-miss event.
The Extra Innings Festival, a sister event to the Innings Festival held the previous weekend, has quickly become a staple for fans seeking a unique fusion of country music and America’s favorite pastime. Set against the backdrop of Major League Baseball’s spring training in Arizona’s Cactus League, the festival combines world-class performances across three stages with no overlapping sets, ensuring fans can catch every note. This year’s headliners—Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, HARDY, and Kane Brown—represent the heart and soul of contemporary country, each bringing their own flavor to the stage, from heartfelt ballads to high-energy anthems that will have the crowd singing along under the desert sun.
Friday, February 27: Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley Take the Lead
Friday’s lineup is anchored by Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley, two artists whose names are synonymous with country music’s mainstream appeal. Luke Bryan, the Georgia-born superstar, is a natural fit for the festival’s laid-back, party-ready vibe. With 30 No. 1 hits, including “Country Girl (Shake It for Me)” and “Knockin’ Boots,” Bryan’s performances are known for their infectious energy and crowd engagement. Expect him to deliver a set packed with fan favorites like “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day” and his recent chart-topper “Pour Me a Drink,” a collaboration with Post Malone. Bryan’s charisma, complete with his signature hip shake, will likely turn Tempe Beach Park into a massive singalong, with fans in cowboy hats and cutoff jeans dancing under the stars.
Dierks Bentley, a Phoenix native, brings a hometown pride to the festival that’s sure to resonate with Arizona locals. Known for his blend of country, rock, and bluegrass, Bentley’s hits like “Drunk on a Plane” and “What Was I Thinkin’” capture the spirit of good times and heartfelt storytelling. His set is expected to include tracks from his 2023 album Gravel & Gold, with songs like “Gold” showcasing his knack for blending introspective lyrics with upbeat melodies. Bentley’s connection to the festival is personal—he’s performed at previous Innings events and knows how to work a crowd, often inviting surprise guests or sharing anecdotes about his Arizona roots. Fans can anticipate a performance that feels like a backyard barbecue with 20,000 of their closest friends.
Joining them on Friday are Brothers Osborne, whose gritty harmonies and Southern rock edge will complement the headliners perfectly. Muscadine Bloodline, with their soulful take on modern country, and Bret Michaels, the Poison frontman turned country rocker, will add a nostalgic kick. Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors bring their Americana flair, while up-and-comers like The Brudi Brothers, Lola Kirke, and Ian Harrison round out the day with fresh energy.
Saturday, February 28: HARDY and Kane Brown Bring the Heat
Saturday’s lineup shifts gears with HARDY and Kane Brown, two artists pushing the boundaries of country music with their genre-blending styles. HARDY, the Mississippi-born singer-songwriter, has carved out a niche with his “redneck rock” sound, blending heavy guitar riffs with country swagger. Hits like “Truck Bed” and “Jack” have made him a favorite among fans who crave a harder edge, and his recent cover of Creed’s “My Sacrifice” at live shows has sparked viral moments online. HARDY’s larger-than-life stage presence, complete with his signature trucker hat and tattoos, will make his set a rowdy highlight, with fans likely moshing to tracks from his 2025 album Quit!!. His ability to connect with younger audiences while paying homage to country’s roots makes him a perfect fit for the festival’s diverse crowd.
Kane Brown, one of country’s most innovative voices, closes out Saturday with a performance that promises to bridge pop, R&B, and country. With hits like “Heaven,” “What Ifs,” and “One Mississippi,” Brown’s smooth vocals and relatable lyrics have earned him a global following. His 2025 single “Backseat Driver” has already climbed the charts, and fans can expect a set that mixes heartfelt ballads with high-energy anthems. Brown’s stage presence is magnetic, often engaging the crowd with personal stories about his family or his journey from posting YouTube covers to headlining festivals. His performance will likely include a nod to his wife, Katelyn, with whom he’s collaborated on duets like “Thank God.”
Saturday’s supporting acts are equally compelling. Jessie Murph, known for her raw, genre-defying sound, and Shaboozey, whose “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” dominated 2025 charts, bring a fresh perspective. 49 Winchester, with their Appalachian grit, and rising stars like Noeline Hofmann, Colby Acuff, Laci Kaye Booth, and Cole Phillips add depth to the day, showcasing the next generation of country talent.
A Baseball-Themed Extravaganza
Beyond the music, Extra Innings Festival leans into its baseball theme, capitalizing on its timing during MLB’s spring training. Fans can expect interactive activities like batting cages, pitching challenges, and autograph sessions with MLB legends such as Darryl Strawberry, Jermaine Dye, Bret Boone, Jonny Gomes, and Kerry Wood. The festival’s signature “Off the Mound with Ryan Dempster” returns, featuring live interviews and performances with surprise guests, including artists from the lineup and baseball stars. Former MLB pitcher Jake Peavy will also lead the All-Star Baseball Jam, blending music and sports in a unique showcase that’s become a fan favorite. These elements create a festival experience that’s as much about community and fun as it is about music.
The venue, Tempe Beach Park & Arts Park, offers stunning views of Tempe Town Lake and the Papago Mountains, with three stages ensuring fans can move seamlessly between performances. Food vendors will serve up Southwestern favorites, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, while festival merch—like the official Luke Bryan, Kane Brown, Dierks Bentley, and HARDY Lead Extra Innings Festival 2026 T-shirt—will be a hot commodity for collectors. The festival’s layout, with no overlapping sets, allows attendees to catch every act, from the headliners to the rising stars, without missing a beat.
Tickets and Fan Experience
Presale tickets for Extra Innings Festival 2026 go on sale Thursday, September 18, at 10 a.m. PT, offering fans the chance to snag the lowest-priced tickets. Those interested can sign up for the festival’s SMS list at InningsFestival.com/Extra to receive an access code. Ticket options include one-day and two-day GA, GA+, Center Field Bleachers, Left Field Reserved, VIP, and Platinum passes, as well as exclusive Cabanas and Bungalows for a premium experience. GA+ tickets grant access to the GA+ Dugout, featuring a private bar, air-conditioned restrooms, and relaxed seating. VIP tickets offer dedicated viewing platforms and a lounge with complimentary drinks, while Platinum tickets include front-of-stage viewing, a full-service bar, and unique perks like golf cart transportation and Tempe Town Lake boat rides. Any remaining tickets will go on sale to the public following the presale, but with this lineup, they’re expected to sell out quickly.
Fans are already flooding social media with excitement, sharing posts about their favorite headliners and planning their festival outfits. One user wrote, “Luke Bryan and Dierks on Friday, HARDY and Kane on Saturday? This is the ultimate country weekend!” Another posted, “Can’t wait to see Shaboozey and 49 Winchester steal the show!” The festival’s blend of established stars and rising talent ensures a broad appeal, drawing everyone from longtime country fans to younger audiences discovering the genre through artists like HARDY and Brown.
A Cultural Phenomenon
Extra Innings Festival 2026 is more than a concert series—it’s a cultural celebration of country music’s evolution and baseball’s enduring spirit. Produced by C3 Presents, the team behind Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits, the event promises a seamless experience with top-tier production, from crystal-clear sound to carefully curated food and fan zones. The headliners’ star power—combined with the festival’s unique blend of music, sports, and community—makes it a must-attend event for 2026. Whether you’re singing along to Luke Bryan’s party anthems, rocking out to HARDY’s gritty riffs, swaying to Kane Brown’s soulful ballads, or cheering for Dierks Bentley’s hometown pride, Extra Innings is poised to be a grand slam.
As the presale approaches, fans are gearing up for a weekend that promises not just music, but memories that will last a lifetime. With Tempe’s sunny skies, a lineup stacked with country’s best, and the thrill of spring training in the air, Extra Innings Festival 2026 is set to be the ultimate destination for anyone who loves a good song, a great game, and the joy of coming together.
