Plymouth’s South Shore to Go Country This Summer at The Spire

LYMOUTH, MA — Dust off your boots, Plymouth. The Spire Center for Performing Arts is officially leaning into the rhythm of the South Shore with the announcement of its inaugural CountryFest 2026.

Scheduled for Sunday, August 22, this brand-new festival marks the Spire’s first dedicated venture into a full-day country showcase, headlined by the Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum powerhouse duo Thompson Square.

A New Tradition for the South Shore

The decision to launch CountryFest stems from a decade of observing local trends. Bob Hollis, board president of the Spire Center, noted that the demand for the genre has never been higher.

"We’ve learned over the past decade just how popular country music is with our South Shore audience," Hollis said. "We’ve created the Spire’s CountryFest 2026 with the plan for it to be an annual event. With three standout acts and a lineup built for singing along and dancing, it’s a night made for country fans."

To ensure the energy never dips, the venue will feature additional music between sets to keep the "vibe going all night long."

The Lineup: Nashville Stars and Regional Favorites

The festival’s heavy hitters, Thompson Square, consist of husband-and-wife team Keifer and Shawna Thompson. Best known for their massive multi-platinum hit “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not,” the CMA Duo of the Year winners are currently celebrating a return to their musical roots. Their latest single, “Livin’ In The Country,” co-written with Tyler Hubbard, reflects their authentic upbringing and a decade of growth since exploding onto the Nashville scene.

Joining them are two formidable opening acts:

• April Cushman: Hailing from New Hampshire, Cushman is known for songwriting that echoes the grit of Ashley McBryde and the storytelling of Lori McKenna. She has previously toured with her own band and shared stages with Darius Rucker.
• Sarah Martin: A Nashville recording artist frequently described as "the tiny girl with the big voice," Martin is recognized for high-energy performances and deep emotional resonance.

Ticket Information

Tickets for CountryFest 2026 officially go on sale this Saturday, May 2, at 6:00 AM. Given the headliner's pedigree and the Spire’s intimate setting, organizers recommend acting fast.

Event Details:

• When: August 22, 2026
• Time: 6:00 PM (Doors open at 5:00 PM)
• Where: The Spire Center, 25 ½ Court Street, Plymouth, MA
• Tickets: Available at spirecenter.org

A Packed Spring and Summer Schedule

While CountryFest is the summer's crown jewel, the Spire remains busy through May and June with a diverse lineup including:

• The Steel Wheels (May 1)
• BoDeans (May 2)
• Forever Simon & Garfunkel (May 10)
• Shemekia Copeland (May 23)
• An Evening with Livingston Taylor (June 27)

The Spire Center is a handicap-accessible venue with public parking available in nearby lots and street-side. For more information or to view the full calendar, visit their website or follow them on Facebook.