Eric Church Is Coming Back to Wildwood for Barefoot Country Music Fest 2026
Barefoot Country Music Fest (BCMF) just dropped another massive announcement for its 2026 lineup, and it’s one fans have been waiting for.
The Northeast’s largest outdoor country music festival has officially confirmed that Eric Church, known to his fans as “The Chief,” will headline the four-day celebration taking place June 18–21, 2026, right on the beaches of Wildwood, New Jersey.
Eric Church Is Coming Back to Wildwood for Barefoot Country Music Fest 2026
The Chief Returns to Wildwood
Church, one of country music’s biggest names, will bring his powerhouse live performance and iconic catalog to BCMF in what organizers are calling one of the highlights of the weekend. Known for his marathon-length concerts and ability to turn stadiums into singalongs, Church’s addition to the lineup cements BCMF’s reputation as one of the premier destination festivals in the nation.
“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. “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.”
New Music, Big Impact
Church is riding a wave of momentum with his latest album Evangeline vs. The Machine, his first release since 2021’s Heart & Soul. That triple album produced hits like “Hell of a View,” “Heart on Fire,” and “Stick That In Your Country Song.”
His new work includes singles like “Hands of Time” and “Darkest Hour,” the latter of which he used as a platform for philanthropy. Church donated all publishing royalties from the track to support recovery in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene.
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Beyond the new record, Church’s career is stacked with accolades: seven Academy of Country Music Awards, four Country Music Association Awards including Entertainer of the Year and ten Grammy nominations. Add to that his recognition as a 2025 TIME100 Philanthropy honoree, and it’s clear why fans are eager to see him take the BCMF stage.
A Star On and Off the Stage
Eric Church has built more than just a music empire. He’s a minority owner of the Charlotte Hornets, co-owner of the legendary Field & Stream brand, the mind behind Whiskey JYPSI, and the force behind Chief’s, a six-story music venue in Nashville.
On stage, he’s equally ambitious from his record-breaking stadium tours to his Super Bowl National Anthem performance alongside Jazmine Sullivan, Church has a reputation for delivering unforgettable moments.
BCMF 2026: Shaping Up to Be the Biggest Yet
With Church now confirmed, BCMF’s 2026 headliner roster is already shaping up as one of its strongest yet. He joins previously announced headliner Post Malone, making this a uniquely genre-spanning lineup that will draw fans from across the country.
The full list of performers is still to come, but if history is any indication, BCMF will deliver more than 40 acts over four days, all set against Wildwood’s iconic boardwalk and oceanfront backdrop.
Recognized by USA Today, Billboard, and Rolling Stone as one of America’s premier music festivals, BCMF has become a summer staple for country fans. With past years selling out quickly, organizers are urging fans to lock in their tickets now.
Ticket Information
Tickets for the 2026 Barefoot Country Music Fest are already on sale and can be reserved with a deposit as low as $40. Fans can secure their spots and keep up with announcements by visiting bcmf.com and following BCMF on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok for exclusive #BCMFHints.