Country 500

This is a must do event in Daytona. 2016 was the 1st year with its issues but the organizers REALLY I.PROVED the VIP experience. Even without the upgrade the talent was great, the stage was well laid out and even the vendors were great. The staff were the nicest people I've encountered at any venue. We are already talking about going next year!

The festival is an amazing event. A fantastic price for the chance to see countries finest. I loved Blake Shelton. He was very interactive with the crowd and played an additional hour beyond his set. Keith Urban gave an awesome show and made a young girls year by pulling her from the audience and giving her his signed guitar. There are water slides to keep you cool and fun events through out the festival. Its a great time for all ages.

Great atmosphere with great entertainment. All artists were very good. Stand out performances by Jake Owens, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban. I am a Kid Rock fan but he did not fit the lineup at all. Keith or Blake could/should have been the closers to this event. Highly probable we're in for next year!!

I attended Country 500 on Sunday and had an amazing time!! Parking was very easy in and out, the stage layouts were perfect and it was just an overall good time. Also Luke Bryan was amazing per usual. I will definitely be back next year!!!

The line up was phenomenal and everything was well done for the 1st Country 500.

Country 500 was great! It was very well organized. All of the artists started on time and stayed on schedule. The venue was clean and safe. Loved it!

Stapleton and Kid Rock were AWESOME. Bathroom lines were too long and there was no cell coverage inside to send messages.

I had a really good time. Great value. I would have liked to see the acts staggered between stages. With all of the acts being at the same time, you virtually had to choose a stage and stay there. The ports-let wash areas quickly ran out of water.

What an Awesome weekend! We saw Chris Stapleton, Kid Rock and Florida Georgia Line! All 3 concerts were AWESOME!! I would buy tickets again for this event

Concert was decent. It sucked having to rush back an forth to each stage. I wasn't happy about having to miss willie Nelson perform because I also wanted to see kid rock. There was children running around a bunch of drunk people. I think there should of been an age limit. As I watched 2 Kids get pushed an shoved by rowdy crowd members. I had an anxiety attack, emt was not helpful at all. I was told I was going to be givin a ride close to my car, I had to walk over a mile crying an sick. So I was lied to.

The entertainment was great, everything was right on schedule and we really enjoyed ourselves. Here's the not so great, It required at least a mile or more of walking to get from the parking area and/or camping areas. The festival organizers need to work with DIS and pay to have the trams that run for the races also running for this festival. While it was fun, way too many people were "over beveraged" starting pretty early in the day. We saw 2 young women carried off the ground by fire rescue right in front of us, who knows how many others there were each day. It's a long day and it's hot, people need to learn to pace themselves. Will I go again next year; maybe; I guess it depends on the talent that comes and if I want to deal with all the drunk people. Parking cost $30.00

The band line-up was good but I really hate to see the price gouging. One bar ran out of call vodka on Friday before dark but could not honor same price for a well. Charging $13 for a single call is highway robbery in my book. Then to run out the first day of the event... I won't be back.

Everything was pretty awesome, line up was great, food was good from the vendor's we ate from, the speedway is a neat place for a festival. Only two major problems; prepare to walk ALOT if you aren't camping/rv'ing for the weekend on site, and there is hardly any shade so prepare accordingly. Well maybe three, if you count expensive beer, but that's any concert I've been to.

Went to country music festival to hear Kid Rock. All the acts were great but KR brought down the stadium. Great show

The most fun ever. Totally awesome for my first concert ever.

Best $75 I ever spent. Event was very well organized and fun was had by all.

What a great event to come to Daytona and I would definitely go again if they do this again next year

Only Thomas & Blake were worth seeing out of group

We had an awesome time watching everyone. The only downside is that we were standing right at the front and as more and more people crowded in it was impossible to leave our spot to go to the restrooms and make it back to the rest of our group. Other than that I would absolutely go again.

The festival was fun and I enjoy the shows. But they should organize the setup better. In other words the vendors should not have been place so close to the main stage. If you can't walk or roll yourself to the nearest beer/other vendor than you either need to quit drinking or not drink at all. The vendors should not be place between the viewing area and the stage.

All the artist were amazing! I saw some I my favorite country artists all in one day for a relatively low price. They all put on spectacular shows and made it so much fun. They really kept the party going al day long! And I was able to get pretty damn close to the stage. Can't beat that! My only complaint is the rediculously over priced food. But what can you do?

Amazing time with such awesome artists loved every minute of it!

The venue was beautiful. The music was fantastic. The drinks and food were all delicious and it was a wonderful time

Don't waste your time getting the $699.00 VIP. They have an upgraded version that is $999.00. The VIP doesnt put your up front. You must spend $300 more to get what I had the previous year. Ridiculous. Also security was awful. The last night (sunday) they were checking to see who had VIP bands. The Americrown workers were amazing and took care of our needs while in VIP. The stage was moved this year because they wanted the people who paid for the camping sites to come into the complex instead of enjoying it at the campsite. Also you can't bring in your own alcohol. Alcohol was $11 can beer and $13 single drink plus tip. This event is located at Daytona International Speedway. I have been to numerous races and we are allowed to bring in a cooler with beer. This event does not allow that. Beware it is expensive for 3 days.

My boyfriend and I drove up from Fort Lauderdale and it was definitely worth the trip! We can't wait for next year and we plan on enjoying all three days. This was definitely in competition with Tortuga which we went to in April.

The concert was great. Only recommendation would be more trash cans as some people can tend to be pigs.

Had a great time!!! Everyone did an awesome job!! Definitely will return next year if possible!

Was a great 3 days of music. Love the setup and atmosphere. Weather was perfect

For being the first year of Country 500 Music Festival, I think they did a fantastic job. 3 full days with awesome country artist such as, Willie Nelson, Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, and ending the festival with my favorite artist Luke Bryan. I purchased GA passes and was worried that I would be way way in the back. But that was not the case at all. I didn't really see anything that I was missing out from vip. I compared it to Stagecoach because it's a festival that I attend. The crowd was different. Not rowdy at all. Definitely much smaller than Stagecoach. The sound system could have been better but it wasn't really bad at all. I would definitely attend again. I traveled from Fresno California for this event Ave I was not disappointed.

Great concert. only problem was handy cap parking. to much walking when with difficulty walking

Concerts were amazing! The price was so worth the experience! The weather was perfect!

Weather was great, music was good and they did not run out of mich ultra!!

Concert was a must see a doctor a definite return too. But come on 11 dollars a can of beer bit much..

We went on Saturday of this 3 day event. Great country music. Well worth the price of admission. The only downside was the afternoon temperatures soaring into the '90s at this outdoor event. Have the event in late March or early April next year and it will be perfect!

The whole concert was awesome. It was super hot but worth every bit of it

My daughter and I had an amazing time and will definitely go back next year! The only thing I did not like is that we didn't have internet service when we were close to the stage. The last day the weather looked bad and they kept saying over the intercoms to check their website for important weather updates but no one had internet service.

My first country festival and it was awesome! There were so many great artists there. I did the VIP and I was pleased with how close I was able to get. Being at Daytona International Speedway for the first time was pretty cool. I really hope they do it again next year, if so I will be there!! I recommend sunscreen!!! 100+spf!!! ;-)

Such a great concert/festival. Great musicians and great set up! Very well organized and good food options.

Overall, I would recommend the event. However, the rules seemed to change every day. Day one if you had a three day pass and VIP parking you were allowed re-entry. That changed on day two. Day one and day two there was a line where all chairs were to be behind to make room for standing people. I had no problem staying behind the line, but on day three there were chairs all over the place after people entered early to set up where they were supposed to. It was a feeble attempt to try and move all the squatters that filled up the middle once the headliners were starting to come on. The talent was tremendous - a good mix of contemporary and classic artists. Liked the shade and misters at the Bluebird. Food and drink was plentiful.

Amazing acts all weekend long would have loved to see more of them but even with a 3 day wrist band you couldn't exit to eat and cool off and return. Due to the heat, lack of shade and misting stations only saw the evening acts. Sound system on right side of the Country 500 stage was terrible all 3 days. Was disappointed in Florida Georgia Lines performance but everyone else was amazing. Friday night enjoyed Trace ADmins and Jason Aldean. Saturday Monthomery Gentry and Sara Evans were good but Kid Rock stole the show what a pleasant surprise had everyone on their feet singing and clapping. Sunday nights acts were great too Jennifer Nettles, Little Big Town, Lady Antebellum, and Luke Bryan what an amazing final night lineup!

I've been to a LOT of music festivals all over the country but I've never seen as many drunk people that could not hold their booze! If you're going to drink, don't get so drunk you don't remember even being there. Also don't behave like it's the two of you and you're in your bedroom - have some respect for those around you including small kids. I suggest that Daytona have a "family area" where it's a safe "eye zone" for kids. Everything else was nicely done.

Kid Rock rocked! Had a great line up and they all did a fabulous show. If done next year, please have a tram from parking lot to gate. The prices on food and beverages were extremely too high.

Luke Bryan was amazing. So glad I got to experience such a fantastic event

We had a fabulous 3 days in Daytona! From the variety of acts to the variety of foods, there was something there for everyone! The only slightly negative was how far you had to walk from the field to the parking lot. Can't wait for next year!

2nd year in a row to buy a 3 day pass. Loved seeing all my favorite country singers but the weather was way too hot again this year. Have it in the Winter months

Even tho it was the first year. It was amazing! It was everything I was expecting plus more! I'm so going to go next year and have more people go!

Everything was awesome, except the heat but well planned large tents helped with that. Loved we got to meet & greet several artists daily. My only complaint was the timing of the shows. Other festivals I've attended they alternated between the main stage and the second stage so I got to chance to see everyone I wanted to see. I did not like that I had to choose an artist over another. I missed getting to see a few artists I really wanted to see because I couldn't be in two places in once.

I attended this last year & enjoyed it totally EXCEPT for Kid Rock! Too vulgar & he is not country! I was very disappointed that Kid Rock closed out the 3rd day this year. Keith Urban was awesome & rocked his show. I left after his outstanding performance. I had heard lots of negative talk about Kid Rock the next day. Day 1: The only disappointing band to me was A Thousand Horses. Too much of rock not country. Totally enjoyed the other performances on Day 1. Day 2 of the Country 500 was perfect from start to finish! All country & that is what this show is supposed to be. Day 3 Eric Paslay was horrible! Again, too much rock for me. He forgot words to a song, held his microphone too far away & couldn't hear him...blaaah! I enjoyed Kip Moore, but he was so stuck on himself, he did not even thank the Military or mention Memorial Day. He & his band bowed & simply left the stage. Didn't even know he was done. I was disappointed I could not get over to the Bluebird Theater see the Marshall Tucker Band, Colt Ford, Martina McBride & a few others. This was due to scheduling over the other great bands. It was nice to have all the vendor stands closer than last year. I did the VIP seating last year, however, not this year. The VIP seating is way over priced. General Admission is the way to go.

Overall, we had a great weekend. Unfortunately, the lack of separation between the Pit Crew VIP and Crew Cheif VIP sections in the Golden Circle area tended to ruin the experience at times, (several people around us were removed for excessive drinking or aggressive behavior). The aggression for space among the VIP levels was at times unnecessary and created an unpleasant experience. In the future, tiered viewing areas around the stage within the VIP levels would be more appropriate. Comparable VIP programs typically create more speration and offer a few more added value perks. Paying through the nose for sponsored spirits/beer/wine with no selection or choice was a little much. If drinks are not a complimentary VIP perk, then we as consumers should be offered a selection of higher end spirits for purchase. Navigating between the VIP viewing deck and the Golden Cirlce viewing area was impossible at times. The concierge inside of the 500 Club stated that there was a direct path from the viewing deck and the stage area, which was not the case. You had to navigate through the general admission areas which were extremely crowded and virtually impossible to walk through. Not to mention everyone thought you were jockeying for a better position when navigating through. One of the VIP perks was a private bar, which you could not access due to the crowds, unless you planned on never leaving the viewing deck. The VIP viewing area in the Bluebird Theater felt like an afterthought. It was off the the side of the stage, where only the first few people had a view of the performer. Again, had a great weekend. However, we feel that a few more perks for the cost of the Crew Cheif VIP weekend pass would make purchasing again in the future more enticing.

Loved the groups! The venue was nice because you could choose where to sit and we were able to use chairs & regular umbrellas. Good food choice and drinks. Can't wait til next year!!! It was nice to have a covered stage was well to cool off during the day!

Lots of great country acts to see over the 3 day period. Wish that some of the more popular stars weren't on different stages at the same time! Sound systems were great and the big screens assured you could see it all. Only real complaint, the parking! $30 dollars to park per day was absolutely too much.

It was my first time going to Country 500. The first 2 days werent to bad as far as the heat, but on Sunday....totally different story! With over 73,000 people there for the days event, it was VERY HOT!! There is WAY TOO MUCH walking! There should be a tram service offered or something. I have a bummed knee and I parked in handi cap on Friday and was given wrong information from someone who worked at the track. I walked more then a mile an half to the wrong gate because I was told wrong. Had to walk even farther to the right gate. Employees were NOT informed with right information to give out. The next 2 days, I parked at Home Depot, closer, and cheaper to park there.

I was happy when they opened the event up to daily ticket purchases because I was unable to go on Friday because of work but did go to the Saturday and Sunday shows. They had a great line up of entertainers both days. I brought a chair with an umbrella which was great for the afternoon heat. I think the event would be better during the cooler months in FL. Plenty of food and drinks available for purchase at a reasonable price. Hope they have it again next year.

Concert Awesome! Facilities conditions FFFF grade!

All the artists were great, put on fantastic shows. The Crew Chief VIP improvements from last year were fantastic too -- much easier to get down to the 500 stage and into the special area for us. The two people running the vip restrooms did a great job. Always clean and kept the line moving if there was one. One bad thing -- the big bar in VIP section had NO wine or BUD Light at 9 pm on Saturday night. Seems like this could have been restocked better. The food stand right there was really good - the ladies/young girls were very nice and very quick getting the pulled pork, fries, etc ready

Awesome selection of artists. They need to work out the kinks in their sound system though. Music was too quiet at times or the instruments drowned out the singer. Overall it was very enjoyable and it needs to become a yearly event.

The music was awesome all 3 days! It was extremely hot though. Next time I'm defiantly bringing a cooler with water cause buying it at the venue was way too expensive! Definitely pre pay for parking beforehand. Saves nearly 20 bucks for all 3 days. Good event all around but be prepared for lots of standing and walking.

I enjoyed the show ! Each day got better and better!! I cant wait for next year

Fantastic! Speedway staff 1st class; plenty acts; eating places

Best 3 day country show! Great line up and location! This was my 2nd year! Loved every moment!

Show was absolutely incredible. Performers were great. Audience well behaved. Lots of food to choose from. Lots of activities. I do, however have some recommendations: #1 No umbrellas should be allowed. Umbrellas blocked view of stage. Tell people to wear clothing or sunscreen to protect themselves from sun. #2 Logistically...Ease to field terrible. Going up and down steps and walking almost a mile to get to field holding chairs was a problem in the heat. This needs to be addressed.

This is the second time I've been to the Country 500 and it is just a lot of fun hanging out listening to some amazing artists! I'm definitely going again next year.

All of the artists were fabulous. All unique. A high percentage were true entertainers in addition to their art. They persevered during the impossible heat - except Hank Williams Jr. He played 4 or 5 songs, then he and his band abruptly left the stage. It was an awesome venue. It was well organized. Security oversight was phenomenal. There were a couple of unruly fans which were removed quickly and quietly. First Aid was also quick to respond to a couple of folks. Grade A event !

Jennifer Nettles strapped on a black Bon Jovi-like acoustic guitar and sang "Who Says You Can't Go Home." Little Big Town brought their harmonies to Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain." Willie Nelson taught me "Still is Still Moving Me." Marty Stuart told a great songwriter meeting story and performed "Orange Blossom Special" on banjo. Kid Rock was powerful with"Born Free" and tender with "Picture." Florida Georgia Line's encore was called a "mix tape" of what they grew up on including "Everybody" by the Backstreet Boys. Lady Antebellum closed with "Need You Now." Brandy Clark sang her new hit "Girl Next Store." Eric Paslay opened with "Song About a Girl." Sara Evans began with "Born to Fly."

We had a great time and met a lot of new friends. The VIP sections were much better this year than last. I think the line up was much better last year, however the bands played their hearts out. It was Hottttttttt......Please leave Kid Rock out of next years line up......

Absolutely Incredible Day......Will do all three days next year without a doubt... If you Thought about going and didn't, save your money for next year...You WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED..

Great music! Great venue! Super great atmosphere! Should be held at the speedway every year!!!

stars playing was all great Beer was $14 a can umbrellas' should not be aloud people putting them up in front no one could see.

Keith was beyond amazing...Blake a close second. Miranda, Thomas Rhett, Jake Owen, Dan and Shay, were all wonderful. Way more than pleasantly surprised with Brooks and Dunn...they were great. Love Kip Moore's music, but really???,no interaction with his audience and no mention about the military. Not good. His acoustics were horrible...so loud that music and words were distorted. Being from Michigan, so looking forward to Kid Rock, but very disappointed. Too much rap... thought this was a country concert.

Great line up , worst time of year to have event outside. Recommend you don't go in until the sun goes down

I am old and I participated in the name of someone else. I have been to many concerts in my time, but nothing at all compared to this. This event was ONE OF A KIND for sure! I walked 25 miles over the course of 3 days in 90 degree heat and would do it all over again, and again. Every artist put on a very good show for the crowd. Some interacted much more than others and if there were any complaints that would be the only thing - mostly. Meaning some artists took the time to interact and make use of the stage going out to the crowd while others stayed back and never left the main stage - away from the paying concert-goers. A select few stood out to me and that was Colt Ford and Kid Rock. Colt Ford took much time to interact even bringing up a child onto the stage and sitting down - seriously and never heard of for me. Kid Rock, well it is Kid Rock - what a performance that guy put on - like NO OTHER - so much energy and talent!!!! I hope this initiated a trend as I will go again. I dragged 4 others with me and I think they would do it again and again. Thank you. NOTE: Many people paid hundreds of dollars for a VIP up-close session, but at times we were blocked from entering the VIP "PAID FOR" area because it was full. That is wrong and must be corrected if there is a next time. What was the point of paying HUNDREDS and HUNDREDS extra to be placed with others that did not pay HUNDREDS and HUNDREDS more?

From the line-up to the set-up, the Country 500 was awesome! Tens of thousands gathered to enjoy some of the best-known and soon-to-be best-known acts in country music, without any traffic snarls or long lines. Whether you paid for basic admission or Crew Chief VIP access, the event was enjoyable and well laid out, with lots of attention paid to using the grandiose space of the Daytona International Speedway to keep the crowd spread out and moving around. There were plenty of food stands, beer vendors, bars and bathrooms, and places to hang out in the shade. There were also other interesting diversions, like a Jack Daniels Distillery Tour (on wheels), a giant water slide and a Ferris wheel. It was a really good time! The event staff were accommodating and friendly, from Stephen and the parking staff to dancing Diana the bathroom attendant! Acts on two stages, one in-door under-a tent- theater, and the giant stage outdoors, kept music fans entertained from 3pm until 11pmish each of the three days. My favorite new-finds were Mo Pitney and A Thousand Horses, while so many of my old-favorites were there that it wouldn't be possible to say who I enjoyed the most. One outstanding performance came from Chris Janson (It Can Buy Me A Boat), who in-spite of being on the main stage at 3:30 pm on the hottest day, rocked the crowd for an hour and left them wanting more! As an annual event, this is one for the calendar!

my review of the show concentrates on the staff that were employed to work. They were amazing. Shuttles were a joke.

It was extremely hot... not a good time of year .. concerts were great

Loved the new layout, priority entry for three day ticket holders and preferred parking! Missed some of the food vendors from last time, but plenty of other good stuff to eat! Cant believe Martina McBride relegated to tent...she's awesome!

Loved it! Great artists, meet and greets and vendors

Awesome experience. All that could make it better would be many more restrooms. Not nearly enough for all the people.