Introduction:
Travis Tritt to Headline 2026 Fort Dodge Country Jam
Late last year, Shellabration Inc. asked local country music fans who they wanted to see at a future Downtown Country Jam. Nearly 600 people responded, and the top choice was clear: Travis Tritt.
Now, fans will get their wish. Tritt has been announced as the headliner for the 2026 Country Jam, set for August 8, 2026, at the Harlan and Hazel Rogers Sports Complex.
The news was shared Saturday evening by Shellabration Inc. president Jim Reed during this year’s Country Jam, which featured Trace Adkins.
Because of the new location, the concert will be rebranded as the Fort Dodge Country Jam, or simply Country Jam. The move is aimed at accommodating larger crowds after this year’s sellout performance by Adkins, which drew about 5,000 fans — the maximum capacity of the downtown venue.
“We basically maxed out what we can do down there,” Reed said. “The sports complex can handle up to 10,000 people, which will allow us to keep growing.”
A Star with Staying Power
Tritt, who burst onto the scene in 1989 with the hit “Country Club,” went on to score multiple chart-toppers, including “Help Me Hold On,” “I’m Gonna Be Somebody,” “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive,” “Best of Intentions,” and “Strong Enough to Be Your Man.”
Over the years, he has collaborated with artists ranging from Marty Stuart and Hank Williams Jr. to John Mellencamp and Patti LaBelle. His career accolades include a Grammy Award, a Horizon Award, membership in the Grand Ole Opry, and induction into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.
“It’s going to be a hits-laden set,” Reed promised.
Looking Ahead
Reed noted that securing Tritt this early is unusual for Shellabration Inc.:
“This is the earliest we’ve ever gotten a deal done.”
While planning continues for the 2026 Shellabration classic rock concert, the group is already considering future Country Jam headliners. Names in the mix include Jake Owen, Darius Rucker, and Brothers Osborne.
For now, though, all eyes are on August 2026 — when Travis Tritt brings decades of country hits to Fort Dodge for what promises to be one of the city’s biggest music events yet.