If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or scrolled through country music playlists lately, you’ve likely heard that gravelly, soulful voice that belongs to Max McNown. He’s basically the poster child for the "new traditional" movement—that specific blend of folk, country, and raw storytelling that makes you feel like you’re sitting on a porch in the Pacific Northwest even if you’re stuck in traffic in New Jersey.
The buzz is real. People are scrambling for info on Max McNown upcoming events because, honestly, the guy is selling out venues faster than most of us can hit "refresh" on a browser.
It’s been a wild ride for the 24-year-old. Just a couple of years ago, he was busking and posting videos from his bedroom; now, his breakout single "A Lot More Free" is Platinum, and he’s headlining some of the most iconic stages in the country. If you’re trying to catch him live in 2026, you’ve gotta move fast.
The Cost of Growing Up Tour: Spring 2026
The big news dominating the calendar right now is "The Cost of Growing Up Tour." This isn't just a few random shows. It’s a massive headlining run that officially kicks off in March 2026. It takes its name from his expanded sophomore project, Night Diving (The Cost of Growing Up), which is a monster 21-track collection that basically guts you emotionally and then puts you back together.
What's cool about this tour is the venue choice. Max is hitting these legendary rooms that match his vibe. The headliner of all headliners? Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. That show sold out so quickly it made people's heads spin. He actually had to add a second night on April 2nd just to keep up with the demand.
If you're in the South, you're in luck. He's spending a lot of time there.
- March 20: Charlotte, NC – Coyote Joe’s
- March 21: Raleigh, NC – The Ritz
- March 22: North Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues
- March 24: Athens, GA – Georgia Theatre
Basically, if you live anywhere near the Carolinas or Georgia, that last week of March is your window. But don't just show up and expect tickets at the door. Most of these venues are reporting low inventory already.
Supporting Parker McCollum and Big Festival Looks
Max isn't just doing the solo thing. He’s also the special guest for Parker McCollum on several dates. This is a huge pairing. If you've never seen Parker live, the energy is high, and having Max open the show with those stripped-back, "St. Helens Alpenglow" vibes is a smart contrast.
You can catch them together at places like the Hertz Arena in Estero, Florida (March 26) and a two-night stand at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre on March 27th and 28th. Florida fans are getting a lot of love this year, especially when you factor in his appearance at Country Thunder Florida in St. Pete Beach come May.
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The 2026 Festival Circuit
Festivals are where Max really shines because he can pull in people who were just walking by to get a corn dog and suddenly find themselves crying to "Love Me Back."
- Stagecoach (Indio, CA): This is the big one. He’s playing the Empire Polo Club on April 26th. If you've never been to Stagecoach, it's essentially the Coachella of country music, and a slot here is a massive stamp of approval for any rising artist.
- Lone Star Smokeout (Arlington, TX): April 24th. Texas crowds are notoriously tough but loyal, and Max’s songwriting usually hits home there.
- WE Fest (Detroit Lakes, MN): Early August. This is one of the oldest and biggest country festivals in the US. Max is sharing the bill with heavy hitters like Thomas Rhett and Lainey Wilson.
Why Everyone is Talking About the Tickets
Here’s where it gets interesting and why you might see some weirdness when looking for Max McNown upcoming events. Max did something pretty rare for a new artist: he implemented a fan-first ticketing policy.
Basically, for shows ticketed through Ticketmaster, he enabled the Face Value Exchange. This means if you buy a ticket and can't go, you can only resell it for what you paid. No $500 markups from scalpers. It’s refreshing, honestly. But it also means you have to be careful where you buy. If a site looks sketchy and is charging 400% of the price, it might not even be a valid transfer because he made many of these tickets non-transferable to keep the "bots" out.
International Dates and the Summer Run
Once the US spring run wraps up, Max is heading across the pond. June is looking busy with dates in Denmark for the Heartland Festival and the Pinkpop Festival in the Netherlands. He's also hitting the UK for the State Fayre in Chelmsford on June 26th.
It’s pretty wild to see a kid from Oregon pulling crowds in Kværndrup, Denmark, but that’s the power of the internet for you.
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When he gets back to North America in July, he’s heading north of the border. Canada has a massive country scene, and he's hitting Country Thunder Saskatchewan and the Cowboys Music Festival in Calgary. If you’re in Calgary during the Stampede, that Cowboys show is going to be rowdy.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're planning on attending any of these shows, here is the "real talk" on how to actually get there:
- Check the Official Site First: Always go to
maxmcnown.com/tourbefore hitting Google. It’s the only way to ensure you aren't getting scammed by "speculative" ticket listings. - The Ryman Waitlist: If you missed the Nashville tickets, get on the official waitlist. People drop out, and since the resale is capped at face value, you have a better shot at a fair price than you would with a typical stadium tour.
- VIP Packages: Max offers these "Cost of Growing Up" VIP upgrades. Usually, they include a pre-show Q&A and a performance. If you're a die-hard, it’s worth the extra cash because he’s still playing small enough rooms where "VIP" actually feels personal.
- Check the Age Limits: A lot of his club dates (like Coyote Joe's) are 18+ or 21+. Don't buy a ticket for your 16-year-old sibling without checking the venue rules first.
Max McNown is clearly in that "transition" phase of his career. He's moving from the "internet singer" category to a legitimate touring powerhouse. Catching him in these mid-sized theaters and amphitheaters in 2026 is probably the last time you'll see him in venues that small before he moves to the arenas.
To stay updated on any newly added dates or last-minute pop-up shows, keep an eye on his Instagram or sign up for the email list on his main site. Dates for late 2026 are still being finalized, so there’s a good chance more West Coast shows will appear after the festival season.