REGINA, Sask. — Country Thunder Saskatchewan is bringing a new mix of country and rock to Craven Valley next summer, with Jon Pardi and Collective Soul joining Megan Moroney as headliners for the festival’s 44th edition.
Moroney was the first major name announced for the festival, with organizers revealing in September that the multi-platinum country singer would close out the weekend on Sunday, July 11. The latest announcement fills out the top of the bill, with Pardi set to headline Friday and Collective Soul taking over Saturday.
Megan Benoit, digital manager for Country Thunder, said the festival had been eager to share the additions after keeping the bookings under wraps.
“It was a very tough secret to keep,” Benoit said. “And now we get to unveil who will be joining her.”
Pardi is expected to bring a traditional country sound to Craven, with popular songs including “Head Over Boots” and “Dirt On My Boots.” Collective Soul, meanwhile, will offer a different atmosphere, drawing on a catalogue of rock hits that includes “Shine,” “December” and “The World I Know.”
The band’s booking reflects Country Thunder’s recent willingness to make room for rock acts alongside its country performers. Nickelback and Def Leppard have previously played the festival, while Creed appeared this year.
“We’ve just started experimenting with this rock genre the last couple years and we’ve explored different subgenres of rock,” Benoit said. “So this will be the first time that someone with their sound takes the stage here.”
Collective Soul has never performed at Country Thunder Saskatchewan, making its 2027 appearance a first for the Craven festival.
The expanded lineup also gives Canadian performers a significant share of the main-stage schedule. Blue Rodeo, the Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductees and 12-time JUNO Award winners, will join country group Lonestar, country-rock artist Kameron Marlowe and CCMA Award-winning singer Tim Hicks.
Saskatchewan’s Jess Moskaluke is also returning to the festival. Her appearance comes after a recent milestone in her career: making her Grand Ole Opry debut.
Other performers announced include Owen Riegling, Nashville-based John Morgan, Quebec country artist Savannah Jade, Americana singer-songwriter Anna Graves, Teigen Gayse, Tony Stevens and Elyse Saunders.
Benoit said the opportunity to showcase artists from across Canada is an important part of building the festival’s annual lineup.
“We always love to shine a spotlight on Canadian homegrown talent,” she said. “So very proud of the lineup we have in regards to Canadian superstars.”
The music will begin before the main headliners arrive. Saskatchewan singer Brayden King is returning for the Thursday night kickoff party, giving fans an opportunity to get to Craven a day early.
There will also be more than concerts for festivalgoers to take in. Buckin’ Thunder Pro Bull Riding is returning after its first year, with organizers planning to expand the event at the Agribition Arena.
“It was such a success that it was a no-brainer to bring it back,” Benoit said. “The Agribition Arena over there is the perfect setup and we’re excited to make it even bigger and better next year.”
The SaskMusic Songwriters Showcase will also return, continuing its focus on Saskatchewan musicians, while the beer gardens will offer additional entertainment throughout the weekend.
Country Thunder has been bringing music fans to Craven for more than four decades. Benoit credits the festival’s loyal audience with helping make it a lasting summer tradition.
“The fans that come out year after year truly make it what it is, so we’re thankful for them,” she said.
Tickets are on sale now, with single-day, weekend and premium admission options available, along with camping packages. Organizers say current prices are the lowest available before the holidays, with prices expected to rise.
Benoit said fans interested in premium viewing or camping should make arrangements early because those options have limited availability.
Country Thunder Saskatchewan runs July 8-11, 2027, in Craven Valley, approximately 20 to 30 minutes north of Regina. Tickets and further information are available at countrythunder.com/sk.
