Tens of thousands of country music fans heading to Voice of America MetroPark starting Thursday, Aug. 6, could face storms, mud and possible evacuation if severe weather rolls through the open grass field where the four-day festival takes place.

VOA marketing director Carly Adams told WLWT on Tuesday, Aug. 4, that organizers will try to delay performances rather than clear the grounds, but will order a full evacuation if conditions turn dangerous.

"If we do have to have to delay it, we'll do what we can to where people don't have to evacuate, but if it does become unsafe then people will have to evacuate the grounds," Adams said.

As of Monday, forecasters were calling for rounds of rain and potential thunderstorms Thursday through Saturday, the first three days of the festival. Sunday looks clearer.

The Butler County Emergency Management Agency will be on standby throughout the event to provide medical attention and respond to severe weather, according to WLWT's reporting.

What attendees should know

The festival is officially a rain-or-shine event. Passes are non-refundable, and the lineup is subject to change without notice, according to the festival's policies page.

Umbrellas are prohibited inside the grounds. Attendees should plan for rain gear that doesn't include one.

Gate times and parking

  • Thursday, Aug. 6 and Friday, Aug. 7: Parking opens at 3 p.m., gates at 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, Aug. 8: Parking opens at noon, gates at 1 p.m.
  • Sunday, Aug. 9: Parking opens at noon, gates at 1 p.m.

The festival runs at 7850 VOA Park Drive in West Chester Township. Wristband early pickup ran Aug. 4–5 at the UC Field House on the MetroPark grounds, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

Final year, big crowds expected

This is the fourth and final year for the VOA Country Music Festival at Voice of America MetroPark. West Chester Township declined to renew the license agreement beyond 2026, citing public safety costs and limited local economic benefit, as we reported July 30.

Last year's festival drew more than 130,000 attendees over four days. Organizers say this year's event is attracting visitors from 24 states and three countries.

Headliners include Brad Paisley on Thursday, Rascal Flatts on Friday, Blake Shelton on Saturday and Jordan Davis on Sunday, with 16 acts performing across the four days.

Upcoming community events

  • VOA Country Music Festival: Aug. 6–9, Voice of America MetroPark, 7850 VOA Park Drive, West Chester Township. Gates open at 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.