Kickin' Up Dust Brings Country & Americana to Forest Fest 2026
A Brand-New Home for Country Music at Forest Fest
Forest Fest 2026 has built its reputation on listening to its audience, and for 2026 the festival is embracing one of the fastest-growing genres in music. Following the recent launch of the Forest Fleadh Stage for Irish folk and trad, the festival has now unveiled Kickin' Up Dust, a brand-new arena dedicated to Country and Americana music.
Taking place at Bee's Wing Farm in Emo, Co. Laois from July 24-26th, Forest Fest continues to evolve while staying true to its independent roots: creating unforgettable experiences for music fans.
What's Inside the Kickin' Up Dust Arena?
The new arena will feature its own dedicated stage showcasing some of the biggest names in Country and Americana, giving the genre a spotlight of its own at the festival.
Festival-goers can also enjoy the return of the popular Port Art Collective family area, packed with arts, crafts and interactive activities throughout the weekend.
Meanwhile, Top of the Crops brings a unique farm-barn disco experience, with Wexford DJ Nigel Quaid spinning everything from funk and synth-pop to rockabilly, ska and 90s classics.
Kickin' Up Dust Lineup Highlights
The lineup includes major country favourites such as Nathan Carter, Hermitage Green, Mike Denver, Jimmy Buckley, Michael English, Cliona Hagan, Robert Mizzell & Band, Johnny Brady and Keywest.
Fans can also catch tribute favourites including the Chris Stapleton Experience, Beautiful Crazy Luke Combs Collection, Absolute Eagles and Mack Fleetwood, alongside a strong lineup of emerging Irish talent.
Part of a Huge Forest Fest Weekend
Kickin' Up Dust joins an already impressive Forest Fest bill featuring Echo & The Bunnymen, James, Madness, The Boomtown Rats, The Charlatans, The Undertones, Deacon Blue, The Coronas, Paul Brady, Feeder and many more.
Standalone Kickin' Up Dust tickets are available from €40 per day or €100 for the weekend, while access to the arena is included with all standard Forest Fest day and weekend tickets.
For fans of Country, Americana and great festival experiences, Kickin' Up Dust looks set to become one of the standout additions to the Irish festival calendar in 2026.
Lineup and tickets at forestfest.ie
Photo Credit: Brian Bastic
