Bristol Motor Speedway will not host Country Thunder in 2025

Co-Authored by Braden Holly

Country Thunder Bristol, the beloved music festival held inside Bristol Motor Speedway, will not take place this year.

Ashton White, the community and guest relations manager for Bristol Motor Speedway, said, “Country Thunder will not be at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2025.”

The traveling festival has made a stop in Bristol for the past four years bringing stars like Morgan Wallen, Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean and Brooks and Dunn. The Tri-Cities Scene reported that the 2024 Friday night Headliner, Cody Johnson, played for a crowd of around 25,000.

The Country Thunder Bristol Instagram page has been deactivated and Tennessee has been removed as an active location on the website.

“Bristol Motor Speedway is an amazing partner in this region,” said Beth Rhinehart, president and CEO of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce. “I think it was just a business decision for them with all the other things they had going on.”

Rhinehart said there are no concerns about tourism in the region as many big events are planned for the upcoming year, including other music events.

“We are so excited that BMS will be hosting Tim McGraw and friends for the MLB pregame concert on Aug. 2,” Rhinehart said.

We have not heard from any businesses or contributors to the local music scene. Country Thunder has not responded to our request for comment. 

It is unclear if Country Thunder will return to Bristol in the coming years.