Country music fans, get ready to mark your calendars and dig out your flip-flops. The Barefoot Country Music Fest, now a staple of the Jersey Shore summer, has announced that Eric Church will headline its 2026 edition, joining an already star-studded lineup on Wildwood Beach. The sixth annual festival is set to run from June 18 to 21, 2026, and anticipation is already running high, with tickets on sale and a sell-out expected, according to Cat Country 107.3.
The announcement, made on October 3, 2025, positions Church as the second headliner for the 2026 festival, following the earlier reveal of genre-bending chart-topper Post Malone. With two more headline acts yet to be announced, the buzz around the event is palpable. "Eric Church is The Chief for a reason. He’s a standout live performer and one of the most awarded artists in country music," said Bob Durkin of Southern Entertainment, the company behind Barefoot, as reported by The Press of Atlantic City. "His return to BCMF is big — we’re honored to feature him in the 2026 lineup and can’t wait to see him back in Wildwood."
This won’t be Church’s first rodeo at Barefoot. The North Carolina native previously headlined the festival in 2022, leaving an indelible mark on fans and organizers alike. His list of hits is impressive, spanning favorites like "Springsteen," "Drink in My Hand," "Talladega," and "Heart on Fire." His latest single, "Hands of Time," is already making waves, featured on his May 2025 album, Evangeline vs. The Machine. Notably, Church has donated all publishing royalties from the album’s track "Darkest Hour" to relief and recovery efforts in his home state following Hurricane Helene, a gesture that underscores his deep roots and commitment to North Carolina.
But Church’s influence stretches well beyond the music charts. As The Press of Atlantic City details, he’s a minority owner of the Charlotte Hornets NBA team, co-owner of the Field & Stream brand, the creative force behind Whiskey JYPSI, and the owner of Chief’s, a six-story bar and concert venue in Nashville. His entrepreneurial spirit and community engagement have only added to his reputation as one of country music’s most dynamic figures.
The Barefoot Country Music Fest itself has grown into a can’t-miss event for music lovers along the East Coast. Since its inception, the festival has brought together an eclectic mix of country’s biggest names and up-and-coming stars. Past headliners read like a who’s who of the genre: Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson, Jason Aldean, Jelly Roll, Florida Georgia Line, and the Zac Brown Band have all graced the festival’s stages. The 2025 edition, for example, featured Rascal Flatts, Lainey Wilson, Jason Aldean, and Jelly Roll among its 60 acts, according to The Press of Atlantic City.
The 2026 festival promises to build on this legacy, with more than 40 artists expected to perform across five stages. The event isn’t just about the music, either. Festival-goers can look forward to a vibrant atmosphere filled with food, drinks, vendors, and plenty of fun under the sun. The festival’s unique beachfront setting has become part of its charm, offering a scenic backdrop that sets it apart from other music gatherings nationwide.
For Wildwood, the festival is more than just four days of music — it’s a major economic and cultural event. The festival is under contract to remain in the shore town through 2030, a sign of its importance to the local community and its enduring popularity. Last year’s festival sold out before the gates even opened, and organizers are bracing for another ticket frenzy in 2026. As Cat Country 107.3 notes, tickets are already available, and fans are encouraged to act fast if they want to secure their spot on the sand.
Church’s return is especially meaningful to longtime festival attendees. His 2022 performance was widely praised, and his evolution as an artist has only added to the excitement. Since breaking onto the scene in 2016, Church has cultivated a devoted following, thanks in part to his willingness to blend genres and push boundaries. His most recent work, Evangeline vs. The Machine, showcases a more introspective side, with tracks that reflect on time, loss, and resilience — themes that resonate with many country fans.
Beyond the music, Church’s philanthropic efforts have not gone unnoticed. His decision to donate all publishing royalties from "Darkest Hour" to hurricane relief efforts in North Carolina highlights his ongoing commitment to giving back. It’s a move that’s been lauded by fans and industry insiders alike, reinforcing his status as not just a performer, but a leader within the country music community.
The festival’s organizers are keeping some cards close to the vest, with two more headliners set to be revealed in the coming weeks. If past years are any indication, attendees can expect a diverse and exciting lineup that appeals to both die-hard country fans and newcomers alike. Southern Entertainment, the team behind Barefoot, has a track record of landing big names and delivering memorable experiences, and 2026 looks to be no exception.
Wildwood itself is gearing up for another summer of music-fueled tourism. The festival injects a burst of energy into the local economy, drawing visitors from across the region and beyond. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses all benefit from the influx of festival-goers, making the event a win-win for artists, fans, and the community at large.
As the countdown to June 2026 begins, excitement is building on social media and among ticket holders. The prospect of seeing Eric Church, Post Malone, and dozens of other artists perform against the backdrop of the Atlantic is enough to get even the most seasoned festival-goer’s heart racing. And with the festival’s contract locked in through 2030, it’s clear that Barefoot is here to stay, continuing to shape the cultural landscape of the Jersey Shore for years to come.
With tickets already selling fast and more headline announcements on the horizon, the 2026 Barefoot Country Music Fest is shaping up to be a highlight of the summer. For Eric Church, it’s a homecoming of sorts — a chance to reconnect with fans, showcase new music, and continue a tradition that’s become a defining part of the Wildwood beach scene. For everyone else, it’s an invitation to kick off their shoes, soak up the sun, and experience the magic of live country music by the sea.
