Country Jam Colorado, One Of Country Music’s Longest Running Festivals, Announces They Are Taking A Pause In 2026

Another music festival has decided to hit the pause button… and I don’t think anyone saw this announcement coming.

Country Jam has been operating for 33 years, which makes it one of the genre’s longest running festivals. And with the growth in popularity that country music has experienced recently, you would have thought that Country Jam would continue to roll on as they have across the past three decades.

But in a surprising announcement, festival organizers for Colorado Jam made it public just a few days ago that the long-running festival that has historically drawn in some of the best country music acts (thus the most die-hard country music fans) will be taking a pause in 2026.

Festival cancellations have become commonplace in the past couple of years. The Iron Hills, Country Roads, and Faster Horses festivals have all made the tough decision to waive the white flag in the past couple of months, with most citing “softer than expected demand” as the main reason for shuttering.

It’s unclear why Country Jam decided to call off their festival for 2026, but you could assume that it’s for the same or similar reasons. The official social media account shared the news, saying:

“Important Update: Country Jam Colorado will be pausing in 2026 as we take time to re-evaluate and plan for the future. We’re grateful to all the fans, artists, partners, and the entire Colorado community & beyond who have supported the festival and made it such a special event year after year.”

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And it’s important to note that Country Jam prefers the term “pause” rather than “cancellation,” even though that’s what it is… at least for 2026.

The pause may come as a surprise to some, but we’re entering into a time where more and more festivals are struggling, postponing to future dates, and even closing up shop altogether. It’s truly become a crowded landscape, and despite many bigger festivals faltering, it seems like a new festival pops up every single year.

There’s also the issue of cost. Festivals need to charge fans a certain amount to justify putting on the whole kit and caboodle, and that price can sometimes be too steep for even the most passionate music lovers. Tack on the fact that festivals often require fans to travel, book lodging, and pay for food and drinks… and you’ve got yourself an economic activity that not everyone can pull off during these times.

Despite all that, festivals that are still operating are fighting (and finding a way) to stay affordable. Others are making an effort to differentiate themselves. Country Jam definitely had longevity on its side, as it was a staple in the festival space for three decades… but even that’s apparently not enough to keep it rolling into 2026.

And it’s wild to think that just this past summer, the organizers behind the now-paused country music festival boasted a lineup of Eric Church (he filled in for Luke Bryan when Bryan dropped out), Cody Johnson, Tracy Lawrence, and Flatland Cavalry, among others. That’s a great lineup, and it’s like many that they’ve had in previous years.

If that isn’t bringing in the fans, I don’t know what will… and maybe that’s why they are choosing to pause the festival in 2026.The post Country Jam Colorado, One Of Country Music’s Longest Running Festivals, Announces They Are Taking A Pause In 2026 first appeared on Whiskey Riff.