Despite the ebb and flow of crossover hits between the country and the pop realms, country music will forever remain a genre steeped in authenticity and grand tradition. So, of course, there has to be a music festival to match, where incredible tunes and some of the good old U.S. of A.'s greatest pastimes combine to make a hell of a good time. For that, we turn to Tumbleweed, America's finest outlaw country music festival.

Tumbleweed was born on the banks of the Missouri River in the shade of 200-year old Sugar Maples. When you're there, you feel like you're hours from civilization, but you're really only fifteen minutes from Kansas City, Missouri. Of course, the overarching tenet of Tumbleweed's down-home vibe is the music; it has to be no-frills, red-dirt southern rock, Americana, bluegrass, country, you name it – as long as it's real, it's Tumbleweed. And we dare you to name another country music festival whose founding principle is to connect fans with artists. At Tumbleweed there are no barricades, fixed seating or VIP sections. Instead, there's an intimate atmosphere where the fans introduce the artists (even headliners!) on the main stage, and artists are encouraged to mingle with the crowds throughout the weekend; the whole thing feels like a backyard party where everywhere you turn you'll see friendly faces and new people to meet.

This year, a fantastic group of artists form the lineup. For music steeped in Texas pride, headliner Jamey Johnson (who has two Academy of Country Music Awards, two Country Music Association awards and nine Grammy nominations to his name) will do the trick. For outlaw country anthems and rough-hewn rippers, look no further than Cody Jinks. For masterful honky-tonk that keep your heels clicking, Tumbleweed's got Whitey Morgan. That's just the tip – check out the full lineup below. And as soon as main stage acts conclude each night, the late-night stage kicks off with performances featuring incredible music from Sunny Sweeney, Jaime Wyatt, Courtney Patton and Porter Union.

Beyond the music, there's a ton to do. Attendees can spend time partying or chilling in the centrally located, shaded campgrounds, or take canoe trips and fish for carp, buffalo gar, sturgeon and catfish on the Missouri River. There's also two hundred acres of riverfront trails in Tumbleweed's LaBenite Park and the adjoining Liberty Bend Conservation Area, where the scenery is breathtaking. Cornhole, archery, and a mechanical bull (!) are also on offer for anyone who loves a challenge. And did someone say helicopter rides?! For only $30, you can experience Tumbleweed from the air, fly along the Missouri River and around the Kansas City skyline.

And as if Tumbleweed weren't already providing enough for its country music fans, the festival offers free admission to all military, whether active duty or veterans. Yep, free. Military members just need to register here, and they take care of the rest. Tumbleweed also partners with Cars 4 Heroes and surprises a veteran in need of transportation with a free car each day of the festival. Finally, this year they're offering $2 beers and $3 well drinks during a happy hour leading up to Cody Jinks' performance. All of the proceeds will be donated to St. Jude Children's Hospital, on behalf of Tumbleweed and Blacksheep – a Flock of Cody Jinks Fans.

So dust off your boots, fill those coolers will ice, and brush up on your dance moves. Tumbleweed and its gold-standard brand of red-dirt, outlaw country is coming up fast.

Tumbleweed takes place July 28-29, 2017 in Sugar Creek, Missouri. Grab tickets here.