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The Tragic History of Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas

Route 91 Harvest Festival was the largest country music festival in Las Vegas, known for unforgettable performances and a tragic event that left a mark in history.

What Made the Festival Famous

Route 91 Harvest Festival was known as one of the largest and most popular country music festivals in the United States. Held annually in Las Vegas across from the Luxor Las Vegas and Mandalay Bay hotels, it attracted thousands of country music fans from around the world. The festival has not been held since 2018, but there were plans for its revival in the future.

Route 91 Harvest Festival logo

Popularity and Uniqueness of the Festival

More than 20,000 listeners attended the festival each year, held from late September to early October. Route 91 Harvest Festival featured top stars of the genre, including Eric Church, Sam Hunt, Jason Aldean, the Osborne Brothers, and Lee Brice. For three days, the festival turned into a real celebration of country music, bringing together the best performers, live performances, and a unique atmosphere.

Festival Features

The festival took place on a venue with the main stage AstroTurf. The doors opened at 2 p.m. and closed around midnight. There was no parking at the festival site, so guests preferred to use Uber. Visitors could bring chairs, binoculars, vapes, scooters, and strollers. Pets, drones, selfie sticks, and sharp objects were prohibited.

Jason Aldean performing at Route 91 Harvest Festival Title: Jason Aldean

Festival Stars

  • Chris Janson performed his track "Buy Me a Boat" and invited a little girl on stage to sing along with him.
  • Brad Paisley performed his hits, including "Alcohol," with guitarist Lindsay Ell, adding a romantic touch to his performance.
  • Luke Bryan closed the festival with a party, dancing, and handing out free beer to the audience. He also invited Little Big Town on stage for a joint performance.
  • David Nail shared personal stories about his grandfather and his love for Las Vegas.
  • Tyler Farr entertained the crowd with jokes about his friends and life adventures.
View of the Route 91 Harvest Festival stage with Mandalay Bay hotel in the background

Closing of the Festival

Tragedy struck Route 91 Harvest Festival on the last day when Stephen Paddock opened fire on the audience, killing 59 people and injuring over 700. This event became the largest act of mass murder in the U.S. since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Following this incident, organizer Live Nation decided to cancel the festival in 2018. There were plans for its revival in 2019, but the event was never resumed.

Legacy and Impact

Route 91 Harvest Festival left an indelible mark on the history of country music and festival culture. It united thousands of people in their love for music and created memories that will live in the hearts of its visitors. Today, Route 91 remains a symbol of both incredible musical moments and tragic loss, reminding us of the importance of safety at mass events.

Sound equipment at Route 91 Harvest Festival

Hopes for the Future

Although Route 91 Harvest Festival is no longer held, its legacy lives on in the memories of those who enjoyed the music and atmosphere of this unique event. We hope the festival will someday return, bringing new bright impressions and uniting country music lovers.

Join the anticipation with American Butler.

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