railbird 2025

From best friends to festival headliners—under the Kentucky sky. What could be better than that?!

LAINEY WILSON

The bell-bottom cowgirl herself kicked off Railbird with a bang! She performed her first number one hit, “Things a Man Oughta Know,” from her 2021 album Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’, alongside a blend of beloved songs from her 2022 album Bell Bottom Country and her 2025 release Whirlwind, including favorites like “Heart Like a Truck,” “Watermelon Moonshine,” “Country’s Cool Again,” and many more. With her signature bell bottoms and timeless country vocals, she brought an infectious energy to the stage, getting the crowd singing, dancing, and soaking in the perfect Kentucky summer night. As both a standout artist and a true trendsetter, she set the tone for an unforgettable festival weekend.

JELLY ROLL

This country rockstar brought the heat to The Red Mile. Jelly Roll has a rare gift for connecting with every crowd he plays to—proof of a true artist. He performed beloved early hits like “Son of a Sinner” and “Need a Favor,” alongside powerful new tracks from his latest album, Beautifully Broken, including “Liar,” “Heart of Stone,” and several others. His performance was outstanding, closing the festival weekend on a memorable note!

RAILBIRD RETURNS TO THE RED MILE

Country music fans from across the region flocked to Lexington, Kentucky, for the highly anticipated return of Railbird Festival at The Red Mile. With a standout lineup featuring both rising stars and household names, Railbird delivered an unforgettable weekend filled with exceptional performances and undeniable energy.

Some of the most memorable moments came during the daytime sets, where the energy was unmatched and the talent was nonstop. Fans enjoyed standout performances from fan-favorite bands like The Red Clay Strays, Treaty Oak Revival, Larkin Poe, and The Castellows, alongside captivating sets from artists such as Riley Green, Bailey Zimmerman, Max McNown, Wyatt Flores, and many more. With a lineup that catered to a wide range of musical tastes, Railbird proved once again that it offers something for every country music lover. Let’s take a deeper dive into some of the artists who made this year’s festival unforgettable.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

• FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

  • RED CLAY STRAYS

    The Red Clay Strays made a memorable return to Lexington, marking a major milestone in their journey—from performing on Railbird’s smallest stage just last year to now owning the main stage. It’s a clear sign of the band’s rapid rise in the country music scene. Their newest album, Made by These Moments, touches on powerful themes like mental health, love, and the hard work it takes to turn dreams into reality, with lyrics that feel strikingly honest and deeply personal. Brandon Coleman’s distinct voice and the band’s exceptional musicianship complement each other perfectly, creating a remarkable and unforgettable performance every time they take the stage.

  • SHABOOZEY

    Shaboozey’s breakout hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” took the world by storm, uniting listeners with its infectious energy and genre-blending style. But beyond the viral success, it’s Shaboozey’s authenticity and undeniable charm that truly set him apart. His Railbird set was a high-energy celebration, showcasing standout tracks from his new album Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going—a project packed with undeniable hits. With a growing fanbase and momentum building fast, all eyes are on Shaboozey as he steps confidently into what promises to be a remarkable career.

  • SIERRA FERRELL

    From a small town in West Virginia, Sierra Ferrell stands out as a truly distinct musician and artist. Her beautiful folk-infused tone and undeniable sense of style bring a fresh and captivating energy to the country music scene. Attending her concerts is more than just listening to songs—it’s a fully immersive visual experience that transports audiences into her creative world, making each performance truly unforgettable. Currently riding a career high, Sierra opened for Post Malone earlier this year and took home four Grammy Awards in 2025. Her unique artistry has earned widespread admiration, and the music community eagerly anticipates what she will create next.

From household names to Kentucky-grown talent, Railbird once again delivered a weekend that hit all the right notes!

PHOTOS LILY CRUSE @LILYONFILM

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