Boots & Hearts 2025: Country’s Genre-Benders Take the Stage

From rock rebels to smooth operators, these five must-see sets will define this year’s return to Canada’s country music capital.

by Melissa Brassard

Published on May 26, 2025

With the rise of genre fusion and crossover stars in the country world, Boots & Hearts continues to evolve while staying true to its honky-tonk heart. Back for its 12th year at Burl’s Creek Event Grounds from August 7 to 10, the Oro-Medonte staple is once again offering a boot-stompin’ weekend packed with platinum-selling hitmakers, emerging voices, and southern swagger.

This year’s edition brings headline power from Bailey Zimmerman, HARDY, and Sam Hunt – each with a distinct spin on what country can sound like in 2025. Alongside a growing presence of Canadian talent and the return of the Emerging Artist Showcase, the festival continues to celebrate both the future and foundation of country music.

“Hardy, Sam Hunt and Bailey Zimmerman first took the Boots and Hearts stage early in their careers and have since grown into global headliners,” co-founder Eva Dunford notes. “Along with our established headline artists, our festival continues to be a rite of passage for future music legends and we can’t wait to see this year’s new talent—they’re destined to be some of the world’s next biggest stars!”

Here are five artists we can’t wait to see light up the Boots & Hearts stage:

Bailey Zimmerman

As one of country’s fastest-rising stars, Bailey Zimmerman brings a grit-laced voice and blue-collar charm that’s resonated with a new generation of fans. After making waves with back-to-back No. 1 hits and his 2023 debut Religiously. The Album., Zimmerman has become a staple on the road and the charts. Known for high-octane sets full of heartache, redemption, and anthemic hooks, his headlining performance this year will be a full-circle moment – from viral TikToks to the top of the country world.

Tyler Hubbard

With over a decade of arena-ready experience as half of Florida Georgia Line, Tyler Hubbard’s solo work has only expanded his signature blend of smooth melodies and breezy optimism. Following his well-received self-titled debut and sophomore album Strong, Hubbard continues to craft radio-ready country pop that’s tailor-made for summer nights and singalongs. Expect feel-good energy, familiar hooks, and a few nostalgic nods to his FGL past.

Sam Hunt

A country trailblazer since his genre-shifting debut Montevallo, Sam Hunt remains a master of melding country lyricism with R&B cadences and pop polish. Known for storytelling tracks that break the mold – think “Body Like a Back Road” or the recent hit “Outskirts” – Hunt’s genre-defying sound has influenced an entire generation. His headline set promises a sleek, magnetic performance that bridges Nashville tradition with modern innovation.

Chase Rice

Fresh off the release of I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go to Hell, Chase Rice is embracing a more stripped-back, rootsy direction – but don’t expect him to leave the party entirely behind. The Nashville hitmaker and former Survivor contestant has evolved from bro-country mainstay to introspective songwriter, bringing a rawer edge to his live shows. From rock-charged bangers to fireside ballads, Rice is poised to surprise longtime fans and newcomers alike.

HARDY

HARDY has carved out a lane all his own – blending rock grit, metal energy, and country storytelling with unapologetic flair. His 2023 genre-jumping album the mockingbird & THE CROW cemented him as one of the most daring voices in the scene. Whether he’s delivering punchlines over distorted guitars or pouring out heartbreak with a whiskey-soaked drawl, HARDY’s set is guaranteed to be one of the festival’s loudest and most talked-about.

Boots and Hearts Music Festival will be returning to the Burl’s Creek Event Grounds from August 7 to 10, 2025, in Oro-Medonte, ON.

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