Field & Stream Music Festival Canceled for Second Consecutive Year; Organizers Cite Unforeseen Circumstances

The 2025 Field & Stream Music Festival, a highly anticipated event set to feature prominent artists like Eric Church and Miranda Lambert, has been canceled, organizers announced this week. The festival, originally scheduled for October 3-5 in Winnsboro, South Carolina, marks its second consecutive year of cancellation, leaving fans and the music industry contemplating the future of this ambitious event.

Official Announcement and Refund Process

Organizers released a statement via the festival’s social media channels, stating, “Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, Field & Stream Music Fest has been canceled.” This vague explanation offers little insight into the specific reasons behind the abrupt decision, and all previous social media posts related to the event have reportedly been removed. In a move to address attendee concerns, organizers have confirmed that the refund process is already underway. Refunds are being issued for all Field & Stream purchases, including tickets, upgrades, camping, parking, and any additional fees.

A Vision Halted: The Field & Stream Brand Revival

The Field & Stream Music Festival was conceived as a cornerstone of the revitalization of the iconic outdoor lifestyle brand, Field & Stream. In early 2024, country music superstars Eric Church and Morgan Wallen acquired the brand, aiming to relaunch its print magazine and create a unique festival experience. The vision for the festival was to blend top-tier musical performances with the rugged spirit of outdoor recreation, offering attendees activities such as trophy fishing, archery, and various outdoor excursions alongside the music.

Eric Church, who holds a stake in the company, was slated to headline the event. The planned lineup for the 2025 festival boasted a robust roster, including headliners Miranda Lambert, Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, Riley Green, and Bailey Zimmerman, along with numerous other artists across multiple stages. This comprehensive music event was intended to be a significant draw, with previous estimates suggesting an attendance of 12,000 to 15,000 people.

A History of Disruptions: The 2024 Cancellation

This marks the second year in a row that the Field & Stream Music Festival has failed to materialize. The inaugural 2024 festival was also canceled, not due to financial or organizational issues, but rather in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The storm’s impact, including damage to the grounds, power outages, and accessibility issues, made it unsafe to proceed with the event, forcing organizers to postpone it out of an abundance of caution. This precedent of cancellation due to external factors has now been followed by this year’s indefinite postponement.

Industry Challenges and Speculation

While organizers are attributing the cancellation to “circumstances beyond our control,” some industry reports have suggested that low ticket sales may have played a significant role. The music festival industry, in general, has faced considerable headwinds in recent years, including rising production costs, inflation impacting consumer spending, and increased competition. These factors have led to numerous festival cancellations and postponements across the country.

The location in Winnsboro, South Carolina, while offering expansive grounds, might also have presented logistical challenges related to infrastructure and accessibility for a large-scale music festival, as hinted at by some local commentary regarding the event’s viability. The dual consecutive cancellations raise significant questions about the festival’s long-term feasibility and the overall health of the Field & Stream brand’s foray into live music events.

The Road Ahead

With two consecutive cancellations, the future of the Field & Stream Music Festival remains highly uncertain. While refunds are being processed, fans who purchased tickets and made travel arrangements are left disappointed. The brand’s ambitious venture into the music festival scene has been significantly hampered, prompting discussions about the broader challenges facing the live music event sector and the strategic decisions needed for such large-scale productions to succeed in a dynamic market. As this news unfolds, the focus shifts to whether the festival will ever find its footing or if this chapter of the Field & Stream brand’s revival will remain incomplete.