Cowboy hats encouraged, but not required.

In 1990, Country Jam USA had its modest start in Eau Claire. Now, 21 years later, it’s one of the biggest country music festivals in the nation, drawing in some of the biggest names country music has to offer, and even bigger crowds. This year’s three-day festival kicks off with a few opening bands before Blake Shelton, known for hits such as Some Beach and The More I Drink, graces the stage for his fourth return appearance on Thursday night. Friday night Jam veterans Little Big Town (singers of Little White Church and Boondocks) and Martina McBride (with hits like Independence Day and When God Fearing Women Get the Blues) will make their third returns to the Jam. The festivities wrap up Saturday night with first-timers, The Zac Brown Band, a group known for bringing guests onstage for fantastic jam sessions. Trek down into the valley, and witness a sea of lawn chairs, rows of vendors, more food options then you could ever hope to see (deep fried Oreos, anyone?), and plenty of beer gardens to keep you hydrated over the weekend. Known for its rowdy atmosphere, cowboy attire, and anything-goes attitude, Jam is one of the biggest events of the summer. Who wouldn’t want to spend the weekend relaxing in the sun with hundreds of thousands of your favorite lifestyle comrades?