Buffalo's Outer Harbor Hosts New Festival Blending Country and Hip-Hop

The Country Rising Festival will feature artists "redefining the genre" with a mix of modern country and hip-hop influences.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The group behind the popular Tacos & Tequila Festival is launching a new one-day outdoor country music festival called the Country Rising Festival at Buffalo's Outer Harbor Live at Terminal B on August 28, 2026. The festival will feature a lineup of artists "redefining the genre" with a blend of modern country, hip-hop influence, and immersive festival experiences.

Why it matters

This new festival aims to bring a fresh, genre-blending approach to country music to Buffalo's Outer Harbor, which has become a popular destination for music and entertainment events. The festival's diverse lineup and focus on "redefining the genre" could attract a new generation of country music fans to the city.

The details

The Country Rising Festival will feature headliner BigXthaPlug along with other artists like Redferrin and Graham Barham. It is produced by the same group behind the Tacos & Tequila Festival, which will take place the following day at the same venue. Tickets for the Country Rising Festival start at $59 for early bird general admission and $119 for VIP, with additional bundle and group rate options available.

  • The Country Rising Festival will take place on Friday, August 28, 2026.
  • The Tacos & Tequila Festival, also at Outer Harbor Live at Terminal B, will take place the following day on Saturday, August 29, 2026.

The players

Social House Entertainment

The group behind the Tacos & Tequila Festival and the organizers of the new Country Rising Festival.

BigXthaPlug

The headliner for the Country Rising Festival, known for blending country and hip-hop music.

Redferrin

An artist performing at the Country Rising Festival, also known for fusing country and hip-hop styles.

Graham Barham

An artist performing at the Country Rising Festival, part of the lineup of artists "redefining the genre".

Michele Cicatello

The marketing manager for Buffalo Waterfront, which is hosting the Country Rising Festival at Outer Harbor Live at Terminal B.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're excited to welcome Country Rising to Outer Harbor Live at Terminal B. This event brings together dynamic and modern artists, a vibrant atmosphere, and a community experience that's a perfect fit for our waterfront venue.”

— Michele Cicatello, Marketing Manager, Buffalo Waterfront (wgrz.com)

What’s next

Tickets for the Country Rising Festival are on sale now, with early bird pricing and VIP options available. The festival will take place on Friday, August 28, 2026, the night before the Tacos & Tequila Festival at the same venue.

The takeaway

The Country Rising Festival represents a new, genre-blending approach to country music in Buffalo, aiming to attract a diverse audience and showcase artists who are "redefining the genre." This event, paired with the popular Tacos & Tequila Festival the following day, solidifies Outer Harbor Live at Terminal B as a premier destination for music and entertainment in the city.