Two nights, three headliners and one Louisiana river town ready to show out: the inaugural Top of the Boot Music Festival brings country music to Natchitoches, Louisiana on October 16–17, 2026. If you’re planning your trip, here’s everything to know about the lineup, tickets, festival hours and the best things to do before the music starts.
What Is the Top of the Boot Music Festival?
The Top of the Boot Music Festival is a brand-new two-day country music festival taking place at Festival Field on the Northwestern State University (NSU) campus in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Presented by Northwestern State Athletics, the inaugural event features two evenings of live music, local food trucks and vendors, with proceeds benefiting NSU student-athletes.
It’s the centerpiece of a jam-packed fall weekend in Natchitoches that also includes an NSU football game, the Natchitoches Parish Fair and everything the historic downtown has to offer, making it one of the top things to do in Natchitoches this October.
2026 Lineup: Lee Brice, Dylan Scott and Flatland Cavalry
The inaugural lineup is stacked with national country music talent:
Friday, October 16:
Co-headliners Lee Brice, known for hits like “I Drive Your Truck” and “A Woman Like You,” and Dylan Scott, the Louisiana-born singer behind “My Girl” and “Nobody,” return home for what’s shaping up to be a homecoming show.
Saturday, October 17:
Flatland Cavalry, an ACM Group of the Year nominee, headlines night two
Additional performers on the bill include Rodney Atkins, Ian Munsick and Bottomland, rounding out two nights built for every country music fan. For set times and lineup updates, check the official Top of the Boot Music Festival website.
Festival Details at a Glance
Dates | Friday, October 16 – Saturday, October 17, 2026 |
Hours | 4–11 p.m. both nights |
Location | Festival Field, 206 Tarlton Drive, behind the NSU Soccer Complex, Northwestern State University |
Tickets | Two-day General Admission and VIP passes available online |
VIP passes include access to areas closest to the stage plus VIP bars and restrooms. Buy tickets here. Ready to plan your trip? View the full festival location and map before you go.
Make it a Full Natchitoches Weekend
Cheer on the Demons
Kick off Saturday with one of Northwestern State’s biggest rivalries as the Demons take on McNeese at Turpin Stadium, noon kickoff on October 17, timed perfectly so fans can head straight to Festival Field afterward. Single-game tickets are available through the NSU Athletics Ticket Office, and you can check the 2026 Demon football schedule for the full slate.
Shop and Stroll the Historic District
Before the gates open, spend the afternoon in the Natchitoches Landmark Historic District. Walk the brick-lined streets along Cane River Lake, browse locally owned boutiques and galleries, and relax at Beau Jardin, a peaceful riverfront garden on Front Street. Explore Natchitoches shopping for the full list of Main Street merchants.
Catch the Natchitoches Parish Fair
The Natchitoches Parish Fair runs October 11–17, overlapping perfectly with festival weekend. Enjoy carnival rides, live entertainment, fair food and exhibits for all ages: see Parish Fair details here.
Things to Do Before the Music Starts
With festival gates opening at 4 p.m., you’ll have plenty of daylight to explore. A few local favorites:
- Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & Northwest Louisiana History Museum: celebrate the state’s greatest athletes and regional history on Front Street. Plan your visit.
- Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site: step back into 18th-century Natchitoches. Learn more.
- Buccaneer Bayou Miniature Golf: 19 holes of themed mini golf at Timber Ridge Adventure Park. See details.
- Taste Natchitoches: from the town’s famous meat pies to Creole plates and craft beer, fuel up before the show. Browse Natchitoches restaurants.
- Dark Woods Haunted Attraction: staying through the weekend? Natchitoches’ favorite Halloween tradition kicks off at Timber Ridge Adventure Park.
Where to Stay for Festival Weekend
Between the concerts, football and fall festivities, this is shaping up to be one of the busiest October weekends in Natchitoches, so book your accommodations early. Options include:
See the full list of places to stay in Natchitoches to find the right fit for your group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Top of the Boot Music Festival located?
The festival takes place at Festival Field, 206 Tarlton Drive, behind the NSU Soccer Complex on the Northwestern State University campus in Natchitoches, Louisiana. View the full festival location and map.
When is the Top of the Boot Music Festival?
The inaugural festival runs two nights, Friday, October 16 and Saturday, October 17, 2026, with festival hours from 4–11 p.m. each night.
Who is performing at Top of the Boot Music Festival 2026?
Lee Brice and Dylan Scott co-headline Friday, October 16, and Flatland Cavalry headlines Saturday, October 17. Rodney Atkins, Ian Munsick and Bottomland round out the two-day lineup. Check the official festival website for set times as they’re announced.
How much are tickets, and where can I buy them?
Two-day General Admission and VIP passes are available online. VIP includes access to areas closest to the stage plus VIP bars and restrooms. Buy tickets here for current pricing and availability.
What else is happening in Natchitoches that weekend?
Festival weekend overlaps with the NSU Demons football game against McNeese (noon kickoff, October 17) and the Natchitoches Parish Fair (October 11–17). There’s also historic downtown shopping, dining and attractions to enjoy before the music starts each evening. See the full Natchitoches events calendar.
Where should I stay for Top of the Boot Music Festival weekend?
Natchitoches offers hotels, historic bed & breakfasts and RV campgrounds throughout the area. Because festival weekend overlaps with a home football game and the parish fair, it’s a good idea to book accommodations early.
Plan Your Top of the Boot Weekend
From two nights of national country music to a rivalry football game, historic downtown shopping and a parish fair, Natchitoches has an entire weekend built around Top of the Boot. Get festival tickets, check the Natchitoches events calendar for everything else happening October 16–18, and request your free Natchitoches Visitors Guide to start planning today.
For full festival details, visit the Top of the Boot Music Festival page.