TRAVERSE CITY — Country music stars Chase Matthew and Lauren Alaina will co-headline a performance at the 100th National Cherry Festival on July 6, 2026. The concert is scheduled to take place at the Pepsi Bayside Music Stage in Traverse City, Mich.
The performance serves as a highlight for the festival’s centennial anniversary, which celebrates the local cherry industry and community traditions. For 100 years, the event has gathered visitors and families along the West Grand Traverse Bay for summer festivities.
Tickets for the co-headline performance will be available for purchase starting Friday, March 6, at 9:00 a.m. General admission tickets are priced at $53, while premium reserved seating ranges from $56 to $83 depending on the location. A VIP deck option is also available through the GT Band EDC for $178. Customers can purchase tickets through the festival’s official website.
Matthew is a Nashville native and Warner Music Nashville artist who has earned more than 1 billion global career streams. His career includes the Platinum-certified hit “County Line” and his sophomore album, “Come Get Your Memory.” Matthew has performed on sold-out national tours and previously toured with country music stars Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan.
Alaina, a Georgia native and member of the Grand Ole Opry, has achieved three No. 1 hits throughout her career. She is the only solo female country artist to earn an RIAA Diamond single for her song “What Ifs,” a collaboration with Kane Brown. Her recent 2025 releases include the songs “Those Kind of Women,” “Household” and “All My Exes,” the latter of which features Matthew.
Kat Paye serves as the executive director of the National Cherry Festival. Paye said the concert is a significant component of the upcoming centennial milestone. “This show is the perfect way to celebrate our 100th Festival,” Paye said. “Matthew and Alaina are incredible entertainers and their co-headline performance promises an unforgettable night for our community and visitors.”
The Pepsi Bayside Music Stage is presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and 910 Media Group. The venue, located along the shores of West Grand Traverse Bay, also receives support from Jim Beam and Big Country 102.9 Radio. The 2026 festival marks 100 years of honoring Northern Michigan’s cherry industry and community traditions.
Tickets go on sale Friday, March 6, at 9:00 a.m. at cherryfestival.org.