The 99.5 WYCD Hoedown is one of the premiere country music events of the Michigan area. Featuring an impressive selection of top country stars and rising talent, this one-day event celebrates all kinds of country music and gives fans a chance to check out all of their favorite artists gathered in a single place. The concert is hosted by 99.5 WYCD, one of Detroit's top country radio stations.
Created by the former country music station WCXI, the Hoedown has a long and illustrious history that dates back to 1983. It was at the time one of the largest free country music festivals in the world. Once WCXI began transitioning away from country music, however, WYCD took over as host of the event in 2000. The concert event moved from its traditional home of
Hart Plaza
to the
Comerica Park
grounds in 2012 to alleviate congestion due to the growing crowds. Three years later, the concert moved to the open air
DTE Energy Music Theatre
in Clarkston, MI, located just to the north of Detroit. The organizers also shortened the event from three days to only one day. Over its history, the Hoedown has attracted huge country stars such as Mel Tillis,
Tanya Tucker
,
Rascal Flatts
,
Trace Adkins
and
Hank Williams, Jr.
If you want to catch a live performance at the WYCD Hoedown, then you can purchase tickets at the online vendor StubHub either through the website or the mobile app. Both standard and premium seating are available for purchase by concertgoers, and disabled visitors who need special accommodations can find ADA accessible seating near the back.
The 2019 Hoedown featured a lineup that included stars like
Brantley Gilbert
,
Joe Nichols
,
Dylan Schneider
,
Logan Mize
,
Filmore
,
Austin Burke
,
Caylee Hammack
, Joey Vee, Mac Watts, Haley and Michaels and a special guest who turned out to be the legendary Grammy-winning country singer
Garth Brooks
.
The WYCD Hoedown features three different stages. The main stage is located inside of the theater itself. The other two stages are located in the DTE parking lot and The Pine Tap, respectively. Since moving to the DTE Energy Music Theatre, the Hoedown typically begins sometime in the afternoon with performances on the second and third stages, while the main performances inside of the theatre begin later in the evening.
The dates for the 2020 Hoedown have not been announced yet. However, the concert typically takes place sometimes around May or June. Stay tuned for more information from the festival organizers about the date, lineup, and other details.
Garth Brooks's surprise reveal at the 2019 Hoedown, which came exactly 30 years after he first appeared at the 1989 Hoedown, sent the crowd into rapturous shouting and applause. Brooks gave a quick speech and then played several of his hit songs with an acoustic guitar, including The River, The Thunder Rolls, The Summer and Friends in Low Places. His appearance was kept secret until the moment he walked onto the stage.
The WYCD Hoedown has plenty of shops, restaurants, bars and other food vendors located around the theatre for fans to enjoy. The Pine Tap Bar and Lounge, located inside the west entrance, features a wide selection of beer, sliders, dogs, brats and Mexican food. The Arbor has barbecue, specialty cocktails and beer. You can also check out other restaurants and attractions around the nearby area.