The Sunset Stage Series: MacKenzie Carpenter Owns Country in 2026

MacKenzie Carpenter is one of country music’s most exciting rising voices in 2026, a 27-year-old Georgia-born singer-songwriter who has spent three years turning Nashville writing room credibility into a genuine fan base. In March 2025, she released her second studio album Hey Country Queen through The Valory Music Co., a 14-track statement that brought her over one million monthly listeners on Spotify and earned her a featured slot on Riley Green’s 2026 Cowboy As It Gets Tour, which launches June 25 in Southaven, Mississippi, running through September 26. MacKenzie Carpenter is exactly the kind of artist you discover before the whole country catches up.

From Hull, Georgia to Nashville: MacKenzie Carpenter’s Story

MacKenzie Carpenter grew up in Hull, Georgia, a small town northeast of Athens, with the kind of country upbringing that shows up in every song she writes. She moved to Nashville and paid her dues the way serious songwriters do: by getting into writing rooms, co-writing for other artists, and learning the craft from the inside out before stepping in front of a microphone herself. Her 2023 self-titled debut introduced her to the country audience, and the response was strong enough to land her a deal with The Valory Music Co., the Big Machine Label Group imprint known for launching careers with staying power.

The music industry noticed quickly. MusicRow named her to its Next Big Thing Artists Class of 2025. Spotify put her on its Hot Country Artists to Watch list for 2024. CMT included her in its Next Women of Country class of 2023. And GRAMMY.com called her one of 2025’s most promising artists. That’s not hype. That’s a consensus building across every corner of the industry at once, and it’s the kind of early momentum that tends to lead somewhere significant.

Hey Country Queen and the Songs That Broke Through

Hey Country Queen, released March 7, 2025, is the album that defines where MacKenzie Carpenter is right now as an artist. All 14 tracks were written or co-written by Carpenter herself, which matters in a genre where authenticity is the standard fans hold above everything else. The lead single “Only Girl” arrived in summer 2024 and set the tone for an album about confidence, independence, and not settling for less than what you deserve. The collaboration “I Wish You Would,” featuring Midland, became a fan favorite and introduced her to audiences who might have otherwise found her through her 2023 debut. “Dozen Red Flags,” “Gone Fishing,” and “Cowgirl Like Me” further showcased her ability to write songs that are both commercially sharp and emotionally real.

The album has been praised for its clarity of voice. MacKenzie Carpenter doesn’t sound like she’s chasing a sound; she sounds like she found hers early and is deepening it with every release. The Holler review of Hey Country Queen described it as an album that proves she belongs in the conversation alongside country’s biggest names, and the listener numbers back that up.

Key Tracks from Hey Country Queen

“Only Girl” — the summer 2024 breakout single
“I Wish You Would” (feat. Midland) — the genre-bridging collaboration
“Dozen Red Flags” — sharp and self-aware storytelling
“Gone Fishing” — easy-going warmth with a hook that sticks
“Cowgirl Like Me” — the identity track every fan claims as their own
“Don’t Mess With Exes” — crowd favorite built for live shows
“Country Queen” — the title track closer, confident and cinematic

On the Road with Riley Green: The 2026 Tour

Starting June 25, 2026, MacKenzie Carpenter joins Riley Green on the Cowboy As It Gets Tour as a featured support act, a run that spans 30 cities through September 26. For any rising artist, being chosen as a support act for a current radio star of Riley Green’s caliber is one of the clearest signals that the industry believes in what you’re doing. Green, whose “There She Goes” and “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” turned him into a stadium-worthy draw, brings an audience that genuinely loves authentic country music. That audience is going to love MacKenzie Carpenter. Tickets for each stop are available at Ticketmaster and her official website.

Frequently Asked: Is MacKenzie Carpenter touring in 2026?

Yes. MacKenzie Carpenter is on the road in 2026 as a featured support act on Riley Green’s Cowboy As It Gets Tour, which begins June 25 in Southaven, Mississippi, and runs through September 26 across 30 cities in the United States. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster and MackenzieCarpenterMusic.com.

Why MacKenzie Carpenter Belongs on Every Festival Stage in 2027

MacKenzie Carpenter has every element that makes a festival set work: songs people already know, a live energy that translates across a crowd, and a story that fans can root for. She writes her own material, plays to the strengths of the format, and has spent 2025 and 2026 building exactly the kind of fanbase that shows up early to the second stage and talks about what they saw for the rest of the weekend. She is the definition of an artist to watch for 2027, and festivals that are paying attention are already taking note. Watch this name for 2027. If you’re keeping tabs on the artists we think belong at Sunset Country Fest 2027 in Apopka, Florida, MacKenzie Carpenter is at the top of the list.

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Sources & References

Who is MacKenzie Carpenter and what kind of music does she make?

MacKenzie Carpenter is a 27-year-old country singer-songwriter from Hull, Georgia, signed to The Valory Music Co. She makes traditional-leaning country music with sharp, self-written lyrics and a confident, authentic voice. Her second studio album Hey Country Queen was released in March 2025 and features 14 songs, including the hit “I Wish You Would” with Midland.

What is MacKenzie Carpenter’s best song from Hey Country Queen?

Fan favorites from Hey Country Queen include “I Wish You Would” featuring Midland, which became her biggest streaming hit and a fan staple at live shows, as well as “Only Girl,” “Cowgirl Like Me,” and “Don’t Mess With Exes.” Every track on the album was written or co-written by Carpenter herself.

Is MacKenzie Carpenter playing country music festivals in 2027?

No festival dates for MacKenzie Carpenter in 2027 have been announced yet as of June 2026. She is currently on Riley Green’s Cowboy As It Gets Tour through September 26, 2026. Given her growing profile and industry recognition, festival appearances in 2027 would be consistent with where her career is heading.

Disclaimer — Important Notice

The information published in this article is based on publicly available data from official sources, press releases, and music industry publications available at the time of writing. Tour dates, ticket prices, venue details, setlists, album release schedules, award nominations, lineup announcements, and all other details referenced in this article are subject to change at any time without prior notice.

Sunset Country Fest makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information contained herein. All changes, cancellations, rescheduling, postponements, or modifications to any events, releases, tour dates, award results, or announcements referenced in this article are the sole responsibility of the artists, record labels, talent agencies, concert promoters, venues, and any other third parties involved.

Sunset Country Fest shall not be held liable for any decisions, travel arrangements, ticket purchases, or other actions taken by readers based on the information published here. We strongly encourage all readers to verify current details, including dates, venues, ticket availability, and event status, directly through official artist channels, venue box offices, and authorized ticketing platforms before making any plans or purchases.

Last updated: June 23, 2026 · Sunset Country Fest Editorial Team · Contact Us