There are only 18 weekends left until Memorial Day, which not only means that the end to seasonal depression is in sight, but also that there’s still time to plan the best country festival weekend imaginable.
If you happen to be in the Virginia Beach area (or, after hearing this incredible lineup, want to book a flight), The Patriotic Festival Country Weekend is returning to the Scope Arena from May 22-24. The three-day lineup is a dream trio with headliners Zach Top, Brooks & Dunn, and The Red Clay Strays.
Opening night on Friday, May 22, features CMA New Artist of the Year, Zach Top, joined by Mackenzie Carpenter. Country music legends and 16-time CMA Vocal Duo of the Year winners, Brooks & Dunn, take the stage alongside newcomer Lanie Gardner on Saturday. Closing out the festival, fan-favorite CMA Vocal Group of the Year, The Red Clay Strays, will be joined by the rising sister trio, The Castellows.
For obvious reasons, coinciding with Memorial Day, Patriotic Festival’s fitting name also ties in with its numerous partnerships supporting the Armed Forces. Now in its 22nd year, the annual event has become the “most popular military celebration in the region” and not only seeks to promote patriotism but also works hand in hand with the US Navy. During its time, the fest has hosted several big-name acts, including Riley Green (2025), Megan Moroney (2024), Cody Johnson (2023), Morgan Wallen (2022), etc.
Though the festival hosts a more compact lineup, each night promises to be well worth it, as well as ample entertainment throughout the day. For those unfamiliar with the area, the Scope Arena is in Norfolk, Virginia, just 20 minutes from the Virginia Beach coastline. With pre-show activities opening to the public from 3 pm until 9 pm ahead of each night’s opening act, there’s ample time to sneak in half a beach day before the show. After all, what better PRE-pre-game is there than soaking up some sun? After showering off a day’s worth of sunscreen, concertgoers can head back to the arena to enjoy a packed itinerary with giveaways, product samplings, live entertainment, and even hang out with the military working dogs.
Helping to kick off the “non-official” start of summer, this concert is a rarity for fans hoping to see Top, given he’s only got a handful of shows lined up in the States for 2026 so far. With a brand new set list of songs from his August 2025 album, Ain’t In It For My Health, and of course his viral hits and 90’s country covers, Friday night’s show is bound to be amazing. Not to mention Brooks & Dunn, with over thirty years in the industry, there’s a good reason they continue to be voted the best vocal duo. Finally, not to jump the gun, but this summer is probably the last chance to catch Red Clay Strays before they move up to stadium-level, Ticket-Master-brawl stardom. Hearing Brandon Coleman serenade the crowd with their hits like “Wondering Why” and “Wanna Be Loved” is the perfect way to wrap up the festival.
For those hoping to snag their arena seats while still available, there is currently a Valentine’s Day BOGO promo to get two 3-day passes for the price of one. Both 3-day passes or single night passes can be purchased via Ticket Master.