One of the biggest and most unique events of the summer happens right in your backyard. No need to make a long drive, and for some, it’s just a walk or a golf cart ride away.
The Third Annual Hoedown Hill Music Festival, right here in Windsor, is coming September 18-19 and is packed with an all-star lineup, including The Band Perry, Dillon Carmichael, and Buckstein. Back by popular demand is a well-anticipated tribute night featuring Queen Nation and Van Zeppelin. The stage is set for an unforgettable weekend of live music, and the lower ticket prices ensure a budget-friendly experience.
The music festival launched in 2024 after the Hoedown Hill Ski and Tubing Resort opened. Promoter Mike Zapf, also the owner of the Boot Grill, approached Martin Lind with the idea, pulling from his own experience of providing music talent at the Boot Grill and the Bulls on the Beach, where acts such as Merle Haggard and Dena Carter graced the shores of Water Valley. Hoedown Hill’s first festival focused on classic rock hits and tribute acts, including The Petty Nicks Experience, The Long Run, and Asia. Topping the list was former lead vocalist of Journey, Steve Augeri.
Last year, the festival expanded significantly into a two-weekend event, splitting its dates between dedicated Rock and Country lineups. Cold War Kids, Plain White T’s, and Third Eye Blind, to name a few, filled the bill on Rock weekend. For the Country weekend, Randy Houser, Avery Anna, Chris Lane, and Dasha were among the bands that took the stage.
Each year, a significant amount of planning goes into constructing the Hoedown Hill venue, which houses the music festival. It is literally built from the ground up, with the stage, video walls, fencing, green rooms, and portable bathrooms being brought in.
Currently, the venture is a three-way partnership between promoter Mike Zapf, Tyler Lind of Hoedown Hill, and Michael O’Brien of Peak Performances.
Mike Zapf shares that music has always been a passion of his, and although he doesn’t play, he wanted to be involved in the industry on some level. That led him to open the Boot Grill 15 years ago with a concentration on music. Over the years, they’ve had such notable acts as Morgan Wallen, Kane Brown, and Dan and Shay and continue to bring well-known talent through their doors.
Mike notes the tremendous growth of Windsor, and with the festival, he wants to provide the community with something they can call home. He shares, “It’s fun to have our little community with those big names coming in. It’s a big venue with a personal touch. It’s fun being able to get up close and personal with artists.”
The future of the Hoedown Hill Music Festival lies in the hands of the Windsor community at large. Their support, through attendance, promotion, and enthusiasm, helps determine where the music festival goes from here. It’s a community effort. Will you be there?
Purchase tickets using this link, or scan the QR code on the next page:
https://www.tixr.com/groups/peak/events/hoedown-hill-music-festival-2026-197253
“It’s fun to have our little community with those big names coming in. It’s a big venue with a personal touch.”