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Country Summer is coming up next weekend (June 15-17). The three-day Santa Rosa event draws country music fans from near and far — with headliners like Florida Georgia Line, Little Big Town, and Toby Keith, it's one of the hottest happenings in Sonoma County this summer. And it can get really hot, too. Last year, temperatures reached triple digits. To help you stay cool and make the most of your festival experience - before, during and after the shows - we've listed a few suggestions. Click through the gallery - and don't forget to pack the sunblock!
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Plan your outfit: Rocking festival fashion is all about mastering the art of dressing for hot weather during the day, and cooler temperatures after sunset. This means wearing layers - and lots of sunscreen. Punch Clothing in Healdsburg and Santa Rosa caters to festivalgoers - especially those who like to add a little rock n' roll to their fashion statement. Denim shorts, a graphic tee, and comfortable booties paired with a flannel shirt and a wide brimmed hat is one popular option.
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Let your hair down (or put it up): As much as we love loose locks, wearing your hair up during the festival might be the best look - keeping your head cool and hair strands from your face as you're partying in the audience. Ritual Salon + Style Bar in downtown Santa Rosa does festival braids and, for those who like to let their hair down, they also do messy waves. (Courtesy photo)
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Get your gear: Country Summer attendees can bring homemade lunches, snacks and one water bottle, along with lawn chairs. Head to Sonoma Outfitters in Montgomery Village for outdoor gear like a low back chair or an insulated water bottle, for refills at the fairgrounds. For those wanting to stay close to the action, there's a campsite for tents and RVs. (Courtesy photo)
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Party on: Music performances end at 9:45 p.m. There will be an onsite after party on Friday and Saturday with Dee Jay Silver (a great option for those camping at the fairgrounds). For those looking to continue the party in downtown Santa Rosa, there are plenty of options an Uber ride away. Swipe to the next slide for more details. (Photo by Alvin Jornada)
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Swap your bud for local brews: After a day of Budweiser, sample Sonoma County's famous craft beers. From light pilsners to heavy imperial stouts, you can find it all in downtown Santa Rosa. Get in line at Russian River Brewery on 4th Street for the second best beer in America, Pliny the Elder. Then head on to Beer Baron, just down the street from Russian River, for craft beers and whiskey cocktails. End your beer crawl with a Bodega Head IPA and a burger at Third Street Aleworks. (Photo by Alvin Jornada)
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Looking for late night eats? In Sonoma County, restaurants aren’t known for their late hours, but Santa Rosa has a few spots open past 9 p.m. Check out Perch + Plow on Courthouse Square for appetizers and craft cocktails (open until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday), or La Rosa Tequileria and Grill for a margarita and street tacos (open until 12 a.m. Friday and Saturday). For wood-fired pizzas, head under the freeway to Jackson's Bar and Oven by Railroad Square (open until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday). For more options, click here. (Photo by Beth Schlanker)
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Looking to party past midnight? Like late night eats, nightclubs aren't a staple on the Sonoma County scene. But, for those who dare venture into the shadows, there are some options. Kozy Kar Bar, a dive bar in downtown Santa Rosa, encourages no sleeves on Saturdays (in fact, you get $1.00 off drinks if you wear a sleeveless shirt). Open until 2 a.m. and featuring adult-only decor like Penthouse pinup “wallpaper,” this is not the kind of place you bring your Mom — like Vegas, what happens at Kozy Kar, stays at Kozy Kar. Want to know more? Visit their website for reviews. (Stock photo)
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The California Benedict, two poached eggs, avocado, tomato and Hollandaise sauce on an English muffin, served with cottage fries, at Hank's Creekside Cafe in Santa Rosa. (Photo by Alvin Jornada)
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Country Summer 2018 is June 15-17 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa. More information available here. More info about headliners in the next slides.
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Florida Georgia Line is the only country act to achieve Recording Industry Association of America’s Diamond certification – more than 10 million copies sold – for their breakout smash hit “Cruise,” the best selling digital country single of all time. (Courtesy photo)
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Little Big Town has been on Country Summer’s headliner wish list since the inaugural festival in 2014. The 2017 Academy of Country Music Awards Vocal Group of the Year and reigning People’s Choice Award winner for Favorite Country Group is on an extraordinary winning streak that dates back to 2007, when the band won the ACM Award for Best New Duo or Group of the Year. (Courtesy photo)
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Toby Keith has become one of the biggest country music stars since his debut in the 90's. The Nashville Songwriters Association International has named him Songwriter/Artist of the Decade. (Courtesy photo)
