Country Roots Festival: Clay Walker

Taking a break from his Country Side Tour, which took off in February, Clay Walker will join headliners Gabby Barrett, Chris Young, and Trace Adkins at the Country Roots Festival in Kansas City, Kan., on May 13 at Legends Field. The Country Roots Festival is produced by Kustom 440 and all guests must be 21 or older. For tickets and VIP options, explore current availability on TicketSmarter, including Country Roots Festival tickets and Clay Walker tickets.

Rise to Success

Walker’s music career would get its jumpstart after he was noticed at a Beaumont bar by James Stroud, famed producer and president of Giant Records. Shortly after, Walker’s self-titled album debuted in 1993. It featured one of his all-time popular hits “What’s It to You,” which hit No. 1 on Billboard ’s Hot Country Songs chart (formerly Hot Country Singles & Tracks). He won Best New Male Artist by the Radio & Records Association that same year. This success was closely followed by the release of Walker’s second No. 1 single, “Live Until I Die” in 1994.

Walker has released 11 albums, four of which are platinum certified, and two others gold, as well as more than 39 singles. According to the Recording Industry Association of America, several of Clay Walker’s 1990s albums earned RIAA certifications (multiple platinum and gold awards). Nearly all of his singles have charted on Billboard ’s Hot Country Sounds’ Top 40, including “If I Could Make a Living,” “Rumor Has It,” and “Dreaming with My Eyes Open.” Throughout his career, Walker has been a devout advocate for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) awareness, following his own diagnosis in 1996. His frequent charity work and fundraising would earn him a Humanitarian Award in 2008. Years later, Walker was inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2015. His ongoing foundation work for MS has raised multimillion-dollar support and continues to shape selected benefit appearances.

Walker on the Road

Following his 2021 tour with fellow country act and friend Tracy Lawrence, Clay Walker kicked off his Country Side Tour this February. The tour will feature some of the singer’s most popular hits as well as music from his 11th album, Texas to Tennessee (2021). The top single on the album, “Need a Bar Sometimes,” became the country singer’s first charting single since “Jesse James” in 2012. Walker’s Country Side Tour began in February and is scheduled to run through August. Get Clay Walker tickets today and catch this country giant on tour. Fans of his 2021 co-headliner can also compare dates and prices with Tracy Lawrence tickets.

What to expect from the setlist

Festival sets are typically tighter than full tour stops. Expect a hit-forward run that often includes:

“What’s It to You” and “Live Until I Die”
“If I Could Make a Living” and “Rumor Has It”
“Dreaming with My Eyes Open”
Recent singles like “Need a Bar Sometimes”

Walker often balances 1990s chart-toppers with newer material, keeping energy high for large outdoor stages.

Clay Walker at the Country Roots Festival

Walker is one highlight in the star-studded lineup for Country Roots Festival this spring where Lonestar and Jo Dee Messina will also grace the stage. General admission and VIP tickets are available now. Get your Country Roots Festival tickets from TicketSmarter and get ready to enjoy Kansas City’s next big country music festival. For more information, visit countryrootsfest.com and follow Country Roots Festival on Instagram.

GA versus VIP: how experiences compare

Country Roots typically offers multiple tiers, from general admission to premium VIP. Based on common festival models:

General admission: festival field access with lively crowd energy, food options, and merch.
VIP tiers: early entry, dedicated VIP check-in, private platforms or lounge access, upgraded restrooms, and commemorative items. Pricing scales with amenities.

Multi-day festivals often range from roughly $250 to $450 for full passes, while single-day options can land around $120 to $200 before fees. VIP pricing is higher due to added comfort and access. Availability can change quickly during presales and early releases, so monitor TicketSmarter listings for current inventory. Recent regulatory changes also aim to make fees more transparent, so review total prices and fees before checkout; the FTC’s new pricing rules require clearer all-in pricing for tickets and related purchases, making it easier to compare total costs upfront.

Ticket buying tips for a smooth experience

Sign up for presale alerts from the event and artist channels for first access to limited batches.
Buy from authorized sellers or verified resellers to avoid speculative listings; the Federal Trade Commission has pursued enforcement actions against resellers that bypass purchase limits and other protections, underscoring the importance of buying from authorized or verified sellers.
Double-check date, city, venue name, and start time before purchase.
Follow mobile ticket instructions and keep your phone and charger ready for entry at Legends Field.
Review age restrictions and the festival bag policy in advance. Many events allow one clear bag up to about 12 x 6 x 12 inches or a small clutch.

Plan your Kansas City festival day at Legends Field

Legends Field is a spacious outdoor venue with paid parking and security screening. Arrive early to account for magnetometer lines and wristband pickup. Most festivals provide ADA accommodations, so check event pages and plan accessible entry routes in advance. For a broader planning overview, TicketSmarter’s Country Roots Festival guide has tips on safety, timing, and what to bring.

Explore more of the 2025 lineup

Fans often browse artist profiles to decide which day or ticket tier to buy. Learn more about featured performers:

FAQs: Clay Walker and the Country Roots Festival

How can I find tickets and VIP options for a country festival headlined by Clay Walker?

Use TicketSmarter’s Country Roots Festival tickets page to compare general admission and VIP options. You can also browse Clay Walker tickets for his solo tour stops on the Country Side Tour.

What are Clay Walker’s career highlights before seeing him live at a festival?

Clay Walker has multiple No. 1 singles, four platinum albums and two gold, and more than 39 charting singles. Expect signature hits like “What’s It to You,” “Live Until I Die,” and “If I Could Make a Living.” TicketSmarter’s artist pages and festival profiles help you review highlights alongside ticket availability.

How does general admission compare with VIP at a large outdoor country festival?

General admission offers a high-energy crowd experience at a lower price, while VIP typically includes early entry, dedicated check-in, premium viewing areas or platforms, lounge access, and better restrooms. TicketSmarter listings note ticket tiers so you can pick your ideal experience.

What are typical Clay Walker setlist expectations at festivals?

Festival sets favor chart-toppers and recent singles. Walker often performs 1990s radio staples like “Rumor Has It” and “Dreaming with My Eyes Open,” plus newer tracks such as “Need a Bar Sometimes.” Check TicketSmarter for dates where you can hear these songs live.

How can TicketSmarter help me secure last-minute passes to a star-studded lineup?

TicketSmarter updates inventory as passes are released. Watch the Country Roots Festival tickets page for new drops and VIP upgrades, and verify details like date and venue before checkout.

When is the Country Roots Festival and are there age restrictions?

The event is scheduled for May at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kan., and is produced by Kustom 440. As noted by organizers, all guests must be 21 or older. TicketSmarter includes event notes so you can review policies before buying.

How does Clay Walker’s advocacy for Multiple Sclerosis influence his appearances?

Walker was diagnosed with MS in 1996 and has led significant fundraising for MS causes. His foundation work has inspired charitable events and recognition, including a Humanitarian Award. TicketSmarter profiles and ticket pages often highlight these background details to inform fans.

What tips should I follow to buy verified tickets for multi-artist country festivals with acts like Gabby Barrett and Trace Adkins?

Sign up for presale alerts, avoid speculative listings before the official on-sale, and verify seller credentials. TicketSmarter emphasizes secure purchasing, clear ticket tier labeling, and mobile delivery instructions to protect your purchase.

What logistical considerations should I plan for at Legends Field in Kansas City?

Plan for paid parking, security screening, and mobile ticket scanning. Check ADA information in advance, bring a portable charger, sun protection, and comfortable shoes, and review any clear bag policy noted by organizers. TicketSmarter’s Country Roots Festival guide provides additional planning tips.

Author

Written by TicketSmarter Editorial Team

Updated: January 17, 2026

Country Roots Festival Performer Profile: Clay Walker