The last time I sat down with Bob Durkin, co-founder of Southern Entertainment, it was on a tour bus at the Barefoot Country Music Fest. This time, our conversation centered on a different coastal giant: the Carolina Country Music Fest (CCMF), which is gearing up for its 11th year. If you know anything about Bob, you know he’s a visionary in the festival world—someone who blends business savvy with genuine connection. He’s the driving force behind sell-out sensations like CCMF and Barefoot, and he has a knack for booking blockbuster lineups without losing the personal touches that make fans feel like family.
A Beach, Four Headliners, and a Community
CCMF has sold out four years in a row, earned ACM nominations, and established itself as a bucket-list stop for artists and fans alike. But according to Bob, the real star is the Grand Strand.
“We have four big headliners, but our fifth headliner is that beach,” Bob says. “Wake up, hit the sand or the pool, grab a drink, and then walk right down to see the best country music in the world—it’s magic.”
That magic is made possible by the people of Myrtle Beach, the CCMFers who return year after year, and a local network of first responders and city partners who make safety a top priority. “I think it’s one of the safest places to be in the world for our weekend,” Bob adds.
The 2026 Tease
While Bob wouldn’t budge on revealing the 2026 headliners (trust me, I tried), he did say this year’s lineup might be his favorite yet.
“My favorite country artist is coming,” he teased. “And two of the hottest new acts in country music will be there. People are going to be happy.”
If CCMF’s track record is any indication, fans are willing to buy tickets without knowing the lineup—something Bob finds humbling. “Those are our people,” he says. “They trust us no matter what.”
The Second Stage: A Star Factory
Part of CCMF’s magic is discovering tomorrow’s superstars before they blow up. “Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Bailey Zimmerman—they’ve all played our second stage,” Bob notes. “Pay attention to those artists, because in a few years, they’ll be headliners.”
Beyond the Music
Bob believes that every ticket tier should deliver a standout experience. Whether you’re in General Admission or VIP, you’ll find great sightlines, short lines, and unique fan activities—like dueling pianos, singer-songwriter sessions, and food and drink worth writing home about.
This attention to detail comes from his background in restaurants and bars. “We walk through the festival as fans,” he says. “We make sure gates open on time, drinks are cold, and people feel welcome. They’re trusting us with their most important time—time with friends and family—and we take that seriously.”
Those Legendary Left Turns
CCMF is known for mixing genres and throwing in unexpected acts. Last year, the Beach Boys wowed the crowd. At Barefoot, it was Boyz II Men. Bob says fans can expect more of those “you didn’t know you needed it” moments in 2026.
Mark Your Calendars
CCMF 2026 hits Myrtle Beach June 4–7, with Barefoot Country Music Fest following June 18–21 in Wildwood, NJ. Early access for past ticket holders opened today; general sales start tomorrow.
And if you’re wondering when the first headliner announcement will drop? Bob says it’s “coming soon”—and promises it’ll be worth the wait.
Final Word:
As our interview wrapped, Bob’s excitement was palpable. Whether it’s the music, the ocean breeze, or the people who come back year after year, CCMF isn’t just a festival—it’s a tradition. And in Bob Durkin’s world, that’s the kind of magic worth protecting, year after year.
Click below for info and to get your tickets!