Introduction:
Luke Bryan’s Farm Tour Finds a New Home in Howell Township
This fall, the sound of country music will roll across the rural fields of Howell Township, Michigan. On September 20, 2025, country superstar Luke Bryan will headline his annual Farm Tour at Van Gilda Farm, located at the southwest corner of West M Road and Fleming Road. The event, approved by the Howell Township Board of Trustees during a special meeting on August 21, represents both a victory for fans and a milestone for organizers who worked hard to secure the new venue.
From Conway to Howell Township
Since 2009, Luke Bryan’s Farm Tour has been a way of bringing music back to the roots of America—its farms and rural communities. In recent years, the tour was hosted at Cubak Family Farms in Conway Township, where Bryan performed in 2021 and 2022. However, organizers struggled with permit restrictions there, including written clearances that the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Medical Services declined to provide. Overstressed cell service and community concerns added further obstacles.
By moving to Van Gilda Farm—where coverage is stronger—the Farm Tour is hoping for a smoother experience for the expected 20,000 attendees. The unanimous approval from Howell Township, despite the absence of two trustees, signals the community’s willingness to embrace the event.
Tackling Challenges and Preparing for Crowds
Concerns over communication networks remained a focus during public hearings earlier in August. To address them, organizer Dennis Freeman confirmed that first responders will have access to FirstNet, a dedicated emergency system, and that Verizon will provide a booth with satellite Wi-Fi and charging stations. Though efforts to secure a temporary cell tower fell through, officials concluded that the new venue offered more stability than Conway.
Security and safety are also top priorities. Bryan’s team is covering the costs of public safety support, including personnel from multiple police, fire, and medical services. Over 100 private security staff will be on-site, and the University of Michigan Medical Center will set up a field hospital for emergencies. Plans also address lighting, traffic flow, dust on dirt roads, and weather contingencies to ensure a safe and enjoyable evening.
A Night of Music and Community
The event is set to begin at 5:00 p.m., with parking lots opening at 2:00 p.m.. Fans will be welcomed by opening acts including DJ Rock, Peach Pickins, Zach John King, and Tyler Hubbard before Bryan takes the stage at 9:30 p.m. The show will conclude at 11:00 p.m., balancing energy with respect for the rural setting.
Although tickets are already sold out, anticipation remains high. Bryan, a five-time Entertainer of the Year, is beloved for hits like Country Girl (Shake It for Me) and That’s My Kind of Night. His Farm Tour, inspired by his own upbringing on a peanut farm in Georgia, is more than just a concert—it’s a tribute to farmers and often includes scholarships for students from agricultural backgrounds.
Howell Township in the Spotlight
For a township with fewer than 8,000 residents, hosting an artist of Luke Bryan’s stature is significant. Local businesses and farms will share in the spotlight, and the event is expected to bring both pride and a sense of unity to the community. While some residents voiced concerns, many have embraced the opportunity, recognizing the cultural and economic boost such an event provides.
As fans gather in cowboy hats and flannel shirts, tailgating in the parking lot before the show, Van Gilda Farm will be transformed into a celebration of country living. Bryan’s set is expected to blend his classic hits with newer material, creating the familiar, feel-good atmosphere that has become his trademark.
More Than Music
The relocation to Howell Township underscores Bryan’s commitment to keeping the Farm Tour alive despite logistical challenges. Freeman described the move as “just going from one farm to another,” but the significance is clear: the show is about more than music. It is about honoring farmers, strengthening community bonds, and sharing in a tradition that has become deeply meaningful for fans across the country.
On September 20, as the final chords of Huntin’, Fishin’, and Lovin’ Every Day echo into the night, Howell Township will have its moment in the national spotlight. For one unforgettable evening, the fields of Van Gilda Farm will carry the sound of country music, reminding everyone why Luke Bryan’s Farm Tour remains such a beloved tradition.