Heavy rain could shut down grass parking lots at Voice of America MetroPark during the VOA Country Music Festival, which runs through Sunday, Aug. 9.

MetroParks of Butler County posted the parking alert Thursday, Aug. 6, warning that expected storms may force lot closures. Katie Ely-Wood, the alert's author, directed festivalgoers to the festival's own social media channels for all parking updates and alternate options.

Check before you drive. The festival team will post changes to its Facebook page (VOA Country Music Fest) and Instagram account (@voacountrymusicfest). No specific alternate parking locations or shuttle routes have been announced publicly yet.

As we reported Wednesday, festival organizers had already warned of possible evacuation procedures if severe weather strikes.

West Chester Township reminded attendees on its official Facebook page to park only in designated festival areas. Parking in nearby private business lots or residential neighborhoods is not permitted.

Meteorologist John Gumm wrote on Facebook that festivalgoers should "keep the ponchos handy" over the next three days. He noted that while showers and storms are possible through the weekend, it will not rain all day every day.

What to know before you go

The four-day festival opened Thursday with Brad Paisley headlining and continues through Sunday, Aug. 9, at Voice of America MetroPark in West Chester Township. The lineup includes Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts, Jordan Davis, Tyler Hubbard, Dustin Lynch, Scotty McCreery and more than 30 artists total. The festival drew more than 100,000 people to Southwest Ohio in 2025, according to WCPO.

This is the festival's fourth and final year at VOA MetroPark. West Chester Township will not renew the license agreement with Further Festivals for 2027, WCPO reported July 30.