Festival Season Kicks Off in San Diego at Boots in the Park!

As the golden sun dipped behind the horizon, casting a soft glow over the San Diego Bay, the familiar strum of a steel guitar filled the air—and just like that, country music festival season was officially underway. With perfect spring weather, ocean breezes, and a lineup packed with top-tier talent, Boots in the Park transformed San Diego’s Waterfront Park into a paradise for country music lovers on Saturday, April 5.

It wasn’t just a concert. It was an experience—a Southern-infused escape tucked into the heart of Southern California, where cowboy boots met beach vibes and the music was as endless as the Pacific.

A Star-Studded Soundtrack to Spring

The afternoon kicked off with high-octane sets from Presley Tennant and Tyler Holder, two rising stars who brought boundless energy to the stage. Tennant, a powerhouse vocalist and former The Voice standout, lit up the crowd with her bold vocals and fresh takes on country-pop, while Holder had fans swaying and singing with a set that radiated charm and charisma.

As the day stretched on, the party turned up a notch. Parmalee shook things up with a genre-defying performance that blurred the lines between Nashville and the Top 40. Their covers of Usher and OutKast surprised and delighted the crowd, proving that good music—no matter the label—brings people together. Their original hits like “Take My Name” and “Just the Way” kept the good vibes rolling, with couples dancing and friends throwing their arms around each other in celebration.

Next came Tyler Hubbard, who continues to carve out a compelling solo identity post-Florida Georgia Line. With a seamless blend of new material and nostalgic nods, he took fans on a journey through his musical evolution. The crowd roared for “5 Foot 9,” a heartfelt solo anthem, and erupted when he dipped back into FGL territory with mega-hits like “Cruise.” But the night’s most touching moment came when Hubbard’s young daughter joined him onstage for a sweet, unscripted dance during “Dancin’ In The Country”—a moment that brought more than a few tears and wide smiles across the crowd.

As twilight settled in, Chris Young stepped into the spotlight, his velvety baritone weaving through the dusk like a warm breeze. With a deep catalog of hits, he balanced heartbreak and hope in songs like “Tomorrow” and “I'm Comin' Over.” He paid homage to country legends with a stirring rendition of Brooks & Dunn’s “Neon Moon,” the kind of performance that quiets a crowd and leaves you clinging to every note.

Then, it was time for the headliners.

Old Dominion: A Masterclass in Festival-Finale Magic

Old Dominion, one of country music’s most reliable hitmakers, closed the night with a performance that was equal parts polished and playful. From “Snapback” to “No Such Thing As A Broken Heart,” their set was a greatest-hits parade, delivered with the kind of easy chemistry that only a band of brothers can conjure. “Hotel Key,” “Make It Sweet,” and “Written in the Sand” had the entire park singing as one—strangers locking arms and dancing like lifelong friends.

Lead singer Matthew Ramsey took time to reflect on the beauty of the setting, noting the surreal blend of music and scenery. With the city skyline behind them and the harbor glistening under stage lights, it was clear: this wasn’t just another stop on the tour. It was a moment. And the band made sure it lingered.

The Road Ahead

If San Diego’s Boots in the Park was any indication, the rest of the festival tour promises to be just as unforgettable. The traveling event will continue bringing country’s brightest stars to fans across the U.S., with upcoming dates in Las Vegas, Fresno, Santa Clarita, Albuquerque, and Norco.

From beachy ballads to boot-stomping bangers, Boots in the Park is delivering something special to cities across America—and if you’re lucky enough to be near one of the stops, you won’t want to miss it.