The Manchester Music Festival is preparing for another major year as organizers announce a strong lineup for the 2026 Manchester Music Fest, scheduled for September 3–5 in downtown Manchester.
Headlining this year’s festival will be The Creekers, the eastern Kentucky band that drew the largest crowd in festival history during their appearance at the event last year.
Tourism Director Tim Parks said bringing the band back was a natural decision after the overwhelming response from fans in 2025.
“We had the biggest crowd we’ve ever had when The Creekers played last year,” Parks said. “People packed the streets and the energy was unbelievable. When you see that kind of response, you know you’ve got something special.”
Parks believes the band’s growing popularity across the region could make this year’s performance even bigger.
“They’ve really taken off since last year,” he said. “Their fan base has grown tremendously, and we’re expecting an even larger crowd this time around. It’s exciting not just for the festival but for the entire community.”
Appalachian Roots
The Creekers were formed in Leslie County and have quickly become one of the fastest-rising bands in the Appalachian music scene. The group blends traditional bluegrass instruments with modern country influences, creating a sound that resonates with both younger listeners and longtime fans of mountain music.
The band’s popularity surged after one of their songs gained widespread attention on social media, helping them land performances at festivals and venues across the country. Despite their growing national recognition, the band continues to embrace its eastern Kentucky roots.
Their return to Manchester has become one of the most anticipated performances of this year’s festival.
Strong Lineup Announced
Joining The Creekers on the Manchester Music Festival stage will be a diverse group of regional and national performers including:
The three-day event has become one of Clay County’s signature tourism attractions, drawing visitors from across Kentucky and surrounding states to experience live music, food vendors and local culture in the heart of downtown Manchester.
Parks said the festival continues to grow each year and plays an important role in promoting the region.
“Events like this bring people into our town who may have never visited before,” Parks said. “They eat at our restaurants, shop in our stores and see what makes Manchester special.”
With The Creekers returning to headline the festival and a packed lineup of talented performers, Parks believes the 2026 event could surpass even last year’s record turnout.
“If last year showed us anything,” he said, “it’s that the Manchester Music Festival has become something people look forward to every year. We’re expecting this one to be bigger and better than ever.”
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