What artists should play Tampa’s new country music festival?

We asked our readers who should take the stage for the incoming May 2025 show.

Country artist Chris Stapleton dons a hat and black suit while singing into a microphone and playing a guitar at a show.

Chris Stapleton could serenade us from the Ray Jay stage.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

The news about Tampa scoring “one of North America’s most beloved music festival brands” kind of broke the internet last week. That can only mean one thing: Our readers really love their country bops.

We’re still waiting on more news about the incoming festival — which is slated for May 2025. But in the meantime, we’re sharing some of the superstars our readers want to take the stage.

The most popular suggestions on the list were:

  • Chris Stapleton
  • Kacey Musgraves
  • Morgan Wallen
  • Zach Bryan
  • Lainey Wilson
  • Post Malone
  • Luke Combs

And, in case you’d prefer to listen along, we created a playlist of what the rockin’ Ray Jay show could sound like if our readers crafted the lineup.

    Events
    From Reggae Rise Up to Chase Rice, we’ve got the deets on Tampa Bay’s upcoming live music events.
    Experience the magic of a green Hillsborough River and tons of Irish culture.
    Celebrate America’s pastime with batting cages, home run derbies, music, brews, food, and fun.
    It’s time to honor the women who contributed to our past, and those building out our present.
    Daylight saving time has been around as early as 1918, and many legislators across the country are looking to change that.
    We’ve got the parking tips, reservation ideas, and more.
    Check out a few more of the local event offerings this week
    The Collard Green Festival, Localtopia, and St. Petersburg Science Festival are back.
    Peruse parade info and tips.
    Race along the Skyway, TPA’a runway, and in Tampa Bay’s historic neighborhoods.