Carolyn Kruse

Weekdays 9:00am - 2:00pm

Just when you’ve managed to recoup some funds after a summer of spending on big ticket concerts, here come some more to add to the bucket list. The good news is that tickets for musical entertainment at the Big E are way more affordable than the venues in and around Boston. And if you want to see some impressive emerging artists, entrance to the E stage is free with your admission. From superstars to rising stars, see these 7 country acts at The Big E.

The Various Stages

One of the many great things about this massive New England Fall fair is the variety of music, and stages to see some of our favorite performers. It’s also a great place to discover up and coming talent from New England. There are 3 stages for music at Springfield’s iconic fair. Here they are from largest to smallest.

  • The Big E Arena
  • The Court Of Honor Stage
  • The E Stage

You’ll have the chance to see some big names, from back- in -the- day to today! Rising stars from New England get to shine their light, too.  Over the years the fairgrounds have seen their share of legends. Johnny Cash played the Big E, so did Reba, Blake Shelton and even Roy Rogers.

Dates, Times and Tickets

The Big E runs September 15- October 1st. Gates open at 8:00am. The best value is the full season pass. That’s a 17 day admission pass. For adults it’s $70 and for kids 6-12 it’s $35. Otherwise at the gate adults are $20 and kids are $12. (kids under 5=free). There are discount days, including a Military Appreciation Day on opening day, September 15. Veterans or active, and retired military with ID get free admission, as do dependents of active military.

This Way To the Big E

Eastern States Expo is home to the Big E. Put this address in your GPS: 1305 Memorial Ave. West Springfield, MA 01089. For more info you can call them at  413.737.2443 or email  

There is on-site parking available for $10 in Lot 9, and that is cash only. Motorcycles can park in Lot 9 for $5 (cash only). Bicycles and Bird Scooters can park for FREE at 915 Memorial Avenue. The Big E also has 580 handicapped accessible parking spaces on a first-come, first-served basis. Gate 9A area is available for drop-off/pick-up of passengers , It has a large tent with benches to sit while you wait.

Cue The Music

Let’s find out what’s in store for country music lovers. From superstars to rising stars, see these 7 country acts at The Big E. You’ll find great acts for everyone, below, in order by date.

  • 1. Parker McCollum- September 17

    Sunday, September 17 @ 7:30pm 

    The Big E Arena

    Tickets: HERE

    See Texas troubadour and multi-platinum selling country star Parker McCollum on the Big E Arena State. Parker’s Hollywood Gold EP became the top-selling debut Country EP of 2020. He scored his first #1 from that with his debut single to radio, “Pretty Heart.” Parker quickly followed it up with his 2nd career #1, “To Be Loved By You.” Last year’s “Handle On You” was a #2 Billboard country hit. You may have seen him opening for Morgan Wallen at Fenway Park this summer.

     

     

  • 2. Whitney Doucet and Moonshine Band- September 20

    Wednesday, September 20: 7:00-8:30pm

    The E Stage (free with your fair Admission)

    A local favorite and a Local Catch favorite, Whitney Doucet from Massachusetts is a star on the rise. Her original songs have been featured on Netflix Ginny and Georgia, as well as the hit reality show Love is Blind.  She’s a fan favorite all over New England from clubs to opening shows for major acts at amphitheaters. You also may have seen her singing the National Anthem for the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, The Boston Bruins and in front of 100,000 fans at New Hampshire Motor Speedway for NASCAR. That one aired live for millions of viewers on ABC.

  • 3. Megan Maroney - September 21

    Thursday September 21 @8pm

    Court of Honor Stage- Free with admission to The Big E.

    Nashville’s new “It Girl” made her mark this year with a clever debut single steeped in honest lyrics and catchy hooks. “Megan Maroney’s “Tennessee Orange” earned her accolades, high profile gigs, and Old Dominion collab,  and a top 4 country hit. CMT called her a “musical risktaker with powerhouse pipes.” 

  • 4. Lexi James and Wildheart- September 26

    Tuesday, September 26: 3:00-4:30

    The E Stage (Free with fair admission)

    Soulful, sassy and strong, Lexi James steals a show. You will fall for her smart lyrics, captivating melodies and powerful vocals. Lexi, who grew up in Boxford, MA has also been featured as my Local Catch artist.

    Lexi James

    Lexi James is a new country-pop artist with a voice as vibrant as her fiery red curls. With musical messages of empowerment, love, and heartbreak, Lexi delivers a powerful and passionate symphony of harmony and flow firmly leaving you with chills.

  • 5. Chris Young- September 24

    Sunday, September 24 @7:30pm 

    The Big E Arena 

    Tickets: HERE

    Chris Young will bring his 13 career #1 singles to the big stage at the Big E, not to mention countless top 20 hits. The Grammy nominated artist was also named one of Billboard’s Top Country Artists of the Decade. From his traditional “Gettin’ You Home” to the Kane Brown collaboration, “Famous Friends,” that became of one 2021’s biggest hits, Chris has plenty of punch to pack into a live show. His latest hit, “Looking For Love” is a fan favorite.

  • 6. The Nate Ramos Band- September 27

    Wednesday, September 27: 3:00-4:30 

    The E Stage (Free with fair admission)

    A recent featured artist on my Local Catch of the Week, Nate Ramos grew up in Auburn, MA. Nate’s band does a mix of country covers and originals. Even though he’s fairly new to the game, he comes off as a master of it.  The Nate Ramos Band also features AJ Ottino, and Michael Copperwhite. His original stuff is strong and his vocals spot on.

    Nate Ramos

    Nate Ramos is a singer/songwriter from Auburn, MA currently based in Plymouth, MA. With a naturally powerful voice and detailed storytelling in his lyrics, Nate is carving a unique path in the world of music as an upcoming alt-country sensation.

     

  • 7. Lonestar- October 1

    Sunday, October 1 @ 8:00pm

    Court of Honor Stage (Free with fair admission)

    Where to even begin with Lonestar? How about with the band’s quadruple-platinum 1999 album Lonely Grill. The album cooked up 4 #1 hits for the highly awarded, multi-platinum selling band. Their 2000 hit “Amazed” became a global smash. With other huge hits in their repertoire like “Mr. Mom,” “I’m Already There,” “What About Now,” and “My Front Porch Lookin’ In,” it’s bound to be a great big sing-a-long kind of show.

     

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