Hop Country Live Is Getting Closer—And We Have a Surprise Coming

October may still feel a little ways off, but behind the scenes at Sozo Sports, plans for Hop Country Live 2026 are moving quickly. On October 17, our indoor facility will look very different than it does on a normal weekend. Instead of soccer practices and athletes running through the gym, we’ll be welcoming approximately 600 guests for one of the most unique live music events in Yakima this fall.


This year is all about creating a more personal experience. Hop Country Live will be one night, indoors, and exclusively for guests 21 and older. We’re planning great entertainment, a festive atmosphere, food and drinks, and an evening where our donors, sponsors, community partners, and friends can spend time together. After four years of large outdoor events, we’re looking forward to seeing what Hop Country feels like with everyone gathered together under one roof.


Of course, there’s one detail we know everyone wants us to reveal: the entertainment. We’re getting closer. We’ve been working on something special, and soon we’ll be able to tell you exactly who is coming to Yakima. We think fans of live music in Washington State are going to have a very good reason to make the trip to Central Washington this October. Until then, we’re going to make you wait just a little longer.


Hop Country Live is also about returning to the reason Sozo hosts events like this in the first place. Every ticket, table, sponsorship, and donation helps support Sozo Sports and our work to create opportunities for young athletes. This year’s smaller format allows us to put even more emphasis on the supporters who make that mission possible and create an evening that feels like a genuine celebration of our community.


If you’ve been looking for October events in Washington, things to do in Yakima, or a great night of live entertainment in Central Washington, keep October 17 open. With only around 600 guests able to join us, Hop Country Live will be a much more limited experience than years past. And once you find out who’s coming, you may be glad you saved the date early.

By Kelly Martin August 25, 2026
There are plenty of places to see a concert, but there’s something special about getting to see nationally known entertainment without leaving Central Washington. That has always been part of what made Hop Country special, and it’s something Sozo Sports is carrying forward with Hop Country Live on October 17, 2026 . This time, though, we’re trading the huge outdoor setup for a much smaller, more personal evening inside Sozo Sports Complex. With capacity expected to be around 600 guests, Hop Country Live will offer an experience we simply couldn’t create with the old two-day format. Guests will be able to enjoy the show, spend time with friends, have dinner and drinks, and celebrate with many of the donors and community partners who support Sozo throughout the year. It will still have the energy and great live music Yakima has come to expect from Hop Country—just with a completely different feel. We’re also adding a little tropical fun to the evening. Think Hawaiian shirts, flip-flops, a festive luau, good food, cold drinks, and a gym that won’t look much like a gym by the time we’re finished with it. And then there’s the music. We haven’t officially shared the names yet, but we can tell you that we’re bringing together an evening of entertainment that reaches across generations and gives people another reason to come experience live music in Central Washington . For businesses and individuals who want to support Sozo in a bigger way, table packages will be an important part of this year’s experience. Premier tables for 10 guests will be available for $2,000 , with a $2,500 VIP option offering an upgraded experience. It’s a great opportunity to bring employees, clients, friends, or family together while supporting a nonprofit organization that works year-round to create opportunities for local youth. We’re getting closer to revealing the entertainment, and once we do, things are going to move quickly. If you’re searching for Yakima events, Central Washington live music, indoor concerts in Washington , or simply a different way to spend a Saturday night this October, Hop Country Live deserves a spot on your calendar. More details are coming very soon.
Aerial view of a soccer field with a crowd, tents, and mountains in the background at sunset
By Kelly Martin July 24, 2026
If you’ve attended Hop Country over the past four years, you know that Sozo Sports likes bringing great live entertainment to Yakima. We’ve had some pretty memorable nights together, and we’re incredibly thankful to everyone who bought tickets, sponsored the event, volunteered, performed, or simply showed up ready to have a good time. This October, we’re taking everything we’ve learned and creating something new: Hop Country Live . Hop Country Live will be a one-night, 21+ live music event in Yakima on October 17, 2026. Rather than filling our outdoor fields for an entire weekend, we’re transforming the indoor gym at Sozo Sports Complex into an intimate concert venue for approximately 600 guests. That means no worrying about October weather and no moving between different areas. Instead, guests can settle in for an evening centered around live entertainment, food, drinks, friends, and supporting a cause that matters to our community. We know one of the first questions everyone has is, “Who’s playing?” Nice try. We’re keeping that one under wraps just a little longer. What we can say is that we’re very excited about the entertainment we’re bringing to Central Washington this year. If you’ve followed Hop Country in the past, you know we’ve welcomed some recognizable names to Yakima, and we think you’ll understand our excitement when this year’s announcement arrives. This event will also put a greater focus on thanking the people and organizations that support Sozo Sports throughout the year. Hop Country Live is becoming more of a donor and community appreciation event , giving supporters an opportunity to gather, celebrate, and enjoy a great night while helping us continue our mission. Proceeds support programs and initiatives that provide more opportunities for local youth to participate in sports and recreation.  So, if you’re searching for things to do in Yakima , upcoming Central Washington concerts , or unique live music events in Washington State , put October 17 on your calendar. The details are coming, the excitement is building, and we have one particularly big announcement that we can’t wait to share.
Purple-lit concert stage with large screens and a seated audience in the foreground
By Kelly Martin July 10, 2026
For the past four years, Hop Country Music Festival brought live country and rock music to Yakima, Washington, creating some incredible weekends at Sozo Sports Complex. We’ve welcomed nationally recognized artists, gathered with friends and supporters, and created memories that we’ll always be proud of. This year, however, things are going to look a little different. Sozo Sports is getting ready to begin a new chapter for Hop Country, and we’re excited to start sharing more about what’s ahead. Instead of another large, two-day outdoor event, we’re bringing Hop Country inside for a more intimate, one-night experience on October 17, 2026. The Sozo Sports indoor gym will be transformed for an evening of live music in Yakima, great food, drinks, and plenty of fun. With attendance limited to around 600 guests, this year will feel very different from the outdoor events of the past—and that’s exactly the idea. We want to create a night where our supporters can enjoy great entertainment while spending time with the people who have helped make Sozo what it is today. We’re not quite ready to tell you who will be taking the stage, but we can tell you that we think you’re going to want to be there. Sozo has spent years bringing nationally known entertainment to Central Washington, and we’re excited about what we have planned for this next chapter. If you enjoy live music in Central Washington, memorable nights out, or are simply looking for something different among the events in Yakima, go ahead and save October 17 now. Most importantly, Hop Country has always had a purpose beyond entertainment. Sozo Sports is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and the support generated through this event helps us continue creating opportunities for young athletes throughout the Yakima Valley. This new format gives us an opportunity to celebrate the donors, sponsors, businesses, and community members who believe in that mission while continuing to raise funds that help put more kids on our fields.  There is much more to share, and we’re only getting started. Over the next few months, we’ll reveal more about the entertainment, the experience, and everything planned for October 17. For now, save the date, tell your friends, and get ready. Hop Country Live is coming to Yakima, and we think this new chapter is going to be a pretty fun one.
Enthusiastic concertgoers wave and cheer from behind a metal fence at an outdoor event.
By Kelly Martin September 25, 2025
What a weekend to remember! The 2025 Hop Country Music Festival at Sozo Sports Complex was a huge success, and we want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make it happen. From the moment the music started to the final encore, the energy, the crowd, and the atmosphere were everything we hoped for—and more. People from all across Yakima and Central Washington came together to enjoy great music, amazing food, cold drinks, and an unforgettable weekend of community. Thank You to the Artists We want to give a special thank you to all the incredible artists who took the stage and made this year’s Hop Country lineup something truly special. Every performance brought energy, heart, and the kind of connection that makes this festival more than just a concert. Whether you were front row singing along or relaxing in the back with friends and family, there was something magical about every set—and we’re so grateful to each artist for being part of this year’s festival. The Yakima Community Showed Up Big This festival wouldn't be what it is without you—our community. You came out in full force to support local events, enjoy live music, and be part of something that’s grown into one of Yakima’s favorite summer traditions. From the dancing to the food trucks to the late-night singalongs, the good vibes were everywhere. You reminded us why we do this—and why we can’t wait to do it again. Powered by Purpose Hop Country isn’t just about live music. It’s a key fundraiser for Sozo Sports Complex, helping us continue our mission to provide youth sports opportunities, scholarships, and a space where every kid has a chance to play—regardless of background. When you buy a ticket, you’re not just attending a festival—you’re giving back to the community in a meaningful way. And we can't thank you enough for that. Visit www.hopcountry.fun for updates and follow us on social media to relive all your favorite 2025 moments. From everyone at Sozo Sports Complex—thank you for making Hop Country 2025 unforgettable. Hop Country Music Festival Live in Yakima at Sozo Sports Complex Powered by community. Fueled by music.
Two women smiling, one in pink Harley Davidson shirt, the other in black, at an outdoor event.
By Kelly Martin August 28, 2025
If you’re mapping out your summer travel plans and wondering what music festivals in Washington State are worth the drive—look no further. The 2025 Hop Country Music Festival in Yakima is calling, and it’s the perfect excuse for a late-summer road trip with your friends, partner, or coworkers. With warm weather, top-tier talent, and a welcoming atmosphere, this is one event you’ll want to build your whole weekend around. This year’s lineup is stacked with a mix of country legends and fan-favorite performers: Justin Moore, 38 Special, Ned LeDoux, and Generation Radio will be taking the stage alongside rising stars like Austin Miller, Englewood Heights, and local icons Cody Beebe & The Crooks. Whether you’re into rock-tinged country, heartfelt ballads, or high-energy party anthems, there’s something for everyone at Hop Country. What really makes the festival special, though, is the vibe. Hosted by Sozo Sports in the heart of Yakima, this 21+ country music festival is all about creating a fun, laid-back environment where adults can enjoy good music, cold drinks, and great food without the hassle. No age-restricted zones, no kids' areas—just a wide-open space full of friendly faces and unforgettable performances. And let’s not forget Yakima’s perfect late-summer weather. Warm days and cool evenings set the tone for a perfect outdoor concert weekend. Add in the local craft beer, food trucks, and easy access from cities like Seattle, Spokane, Tri-Cities, and Wenatchee, and you’ve got everything you need for the ideal summer festival trip. So if you’ve been searching for things to do in Washington in the summer, this is it. Grab your tickets, fill the tank, and head to Yakima for the 2025 Hop Country Music Festival. Whether it’s your first time or your third, this is the year to go all in. Let’s make some memories!
Band performing on stage with audience in front. Black and white image, bright stage lights.
By Kelly Martin August 15, 2025
There’s something about summer in Washington—the long days, warm nights, and the unbeatable energy of live music under the open sky. And nothing captures that feeling better than the 2025 Hop Country Music Festival, happening this September in Yakima. If you’re looking for the perfect way to end your summer, this is it. We’ve built a weekend experience that’s become a can’t-miss for fans across Seattle, Spokane, Tri-Cities, Wenatchee, and beyond. From legendary artists to rising stars, our two-day lineup is packed with talent that brings the heart and soul of country music straight to Central Washington. This year’s headliners include 38 Special, Justin Moore, Generation Radio, and Ned LeDoux, with support from regional favorites like Cody Beebe & The Crooks, Englewood Heights, Austin Miller, and more. But Hop Country is about more than just the music. As one of the most exciting country music festivals in Washington, we’re creating a full summer experience—think craft drinks, great food, local vendors, and an unbeatable community vibe. And since this is a 21+ event, you can enjoy it all without any restricted zones or wristbands. It’s laid-back, welcoming, and built for adults who want to kick back and have a good time. Whether you're coming for the music, the memories, or the chance to connect with people who love live country as much as you do, Hop Country is the place to be. With warm weather, a beautiful outdoor setting, and a high-energy lineup, it’s everything you love about summer wrapped into one unforgettable weekend. Tickets are going fast—so don’t wait. Lock in your spot, round up your crew, and get ready for an epic end-of-summer celebration at the 2025 Hop Country Music Festival in Yakima. We’ll see you there!
Justin Moore
By Kelly Martin July 25, 2025
Saturday, September 13 is shaping up to be the biggest day of the 2025 Hop Country Music Festival—and we’re bringing serious star power to the stage. With a stacked lineup of national headliners, regional favorites, and rising stars, Hop Country Saturday is the ultimate destination for fans of live country music in Washington. Headlining Saturday night is Justin Moore, one of country music’s most consistent hitmakers. With chart-toppers like “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” “Til My Last Day,” and “Small Town USA,” Justin’s voice and storytelling connect with fans across generations. His live shows are known for being heartfelt, powerful, and unforgettable. Also joining the lineup is Ned LeDoux, a modern cowboy carrying on the musical legacy of his late father, Chris LeDoux. With his authentic Western sound and roots-driven songs, Ned brings a dose of rugged, heartfelt country to the Hop Country stage that longtime fans of the genre will truly appreciate. Adding even more hometown pride to the bill is Cody Beebe & The Crooks, a Yakima-born band known for their powerful blend of roots rock and Americana. Their return to the Hop Country stage is something fans have been waiting for, and they never disappoint. And opening Saturday is none other than Austin Miller, a talented singer-songwriter who blends modern country with emotional storytelling and on-stage charisma. He’s a rising star in the PNW scene and the perfect act to kick off a Saturday full of incredible music. If you’re searching for the best country music festivals in Washington State or wondering what the top things to do in Washington this summer are—look no further. Saturday at the Hop Country Music Festival will be packed with unforgettable performances, good food, cold drinks, and that unbeatable Central Washington summer vibe. Get your tickets now and join us for a Saturday that brings the very best of country music to Yakima!
A woman is singing into a microphone on a stage while a man plays a guitar.
By Kelly Martin July 21, 2025
Friday, September 12 marks the start of an unforgettable weekend in Yakima as the 2025 Hop Country Music Festival kicks off with a high-energy lineup that blends classic rock influence, powerhouse country sounds, and hometown talent. If you’re looking for live music events in Washington State to anchor your summer plans, Friday night at Hop Country is where you want to be. 38 Special will take the stage as the Friday night headliner, bringing decades of Southern rock hits and legendary live performances. Known for smash hits like “Hold On Loosely” and “Caught Up in You,” this iconic band knows how to keep a crowd rocking from the first chord to the final encore. Their mix of country flavor and classic rock roots makes them a perfect fit for Hop Country’s high-energy crowd. Next up is Generation Radio, a supergroup featuring members of Rascal Flatts, Chicago, and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. They’ll be delivering a set packed with musical hits, flawless vocals, and polished showmanship. Their ability to blend country, pop, and rock makes them a can’t-miss part of Friday night’s lineup. Kicking off the night for the 2nd year in a row is local favorite Englewood Heights, representing Yakima with pride and energy. Their blend of modern country and rock has made them a staple of the Pacific Northwest music scene, and we’re excited to have them open the show with an electric performance. Whether you're coming from Seattle, Spokane, the Tri-Cities, or just down the road, this is your invitation to be part of one of the most exciting country music festivals in Washington. Friday night is only the beginning—get your tickets and let the countdown begin!
A man and a woman are dancing together in a field at night.
By Kelly Martin July 12, 2025
The countdown is ticking, and the energy is rising—the 2025 Hop Country Music Festival is coming to Yakima, and it's time to get excited! As one of the fastest-growing country music festivals in Washington, this year’s event is shaping up to be bigger, louder, and more unforgettable than ever. If you're searching for summer music festivals in Washington State, things to do in Central Washington, or the best way to enjoy live country music near Seattle, Spokane, or the Tri-Cities, this is your sign to grab your tickets now. Our festival brings together chart-topping artists, rising country stars, and thousands of fans from all over the Pacific Northwest. There’s nothing like the atmosphere at Hop Country—warm summer nights, incredible food and drinks, and the kind of country music that brings people together. This is more than just a concert—it's a full-blown Washington summer festival experience that you won't want to miss. We’re proud to host this event once again as a 21+ music festival in Yakima, giving you access to every area of the grounds with no wristbands or restricted zones. Sip on cold local brews, catch up with friends, and make memories that will last long after the lights go down. And with our official lineup dropping on May 5, you’ll soon see exactly why this year is already buzzing with anticipation. Whether you're a longtime fan of Hop Country or planning your first visit, this is one of the top country music events in Washington—and it keeps getting better every year. From the music to the mountains, there’s nothing quite like spending your weekend with us in beautiful Central Washington. So don’t wait! Lock in your spot, tell your friends, and join us for a high-energy, unforgettable weekend at the 2025 Hop Country Music Festival. This is where summer comes alive—see you in Yakima!
A black and white photo of a man playing a guitar on a stage.
By Kelly Martin June 27, 2025
The countdown is on, and the excitement is building—the 2025 Hop Country Music Festival is almost here, and we can’t wait to welcome you back to Yakima for one of the biggest weekends of the year! Whether you’ve been with us since year one or are planning your first trip, this year’s festival promises to deliver everything you love about live country music with even more to experience, explore, and enjoy. From chart-topping country stars to rising talent, our 2025 lineup is packed with incredible artists who know how to bring the energy and keep the crowd on their feet. There’s something special about dancing with your friends under the open sky while the music echoes across the valley—it’s the kind of moment you’ll be talking about long after the final encore. And with our official lineup dropping May 5, we’re just days away from letting you know who’s taking the stage! Beyond the music, the Hop Country Music Festival is all about community, celebration, and good summer vibes. Expect delicious food vendors, ice-cold drinks, and the kind of laid-back atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. We’re once again hosting this as a 21+ event, so you can enjoy every part of the experience—no wristbands, no roped-off areas, just one big, open celebration of music and life in Central Washington. If you’re coming from Seattle, Spokane, the Tri-Cities, or anywhere else in the Pacific Northwest, now’s the time to start making your plans. Hop Country is quickly becoming one of the must-attend music festivals in Washington, and we want you there with us when it all goes down. So grab your tickets, round up your crew, and get ready to make memories that last all year. Summer’s just getting started, and the Hop Country Music Festival is where it all comes together. See you in Yakima!
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