Cross Canadian Ragweed, following a triumphant comeback year, is poised to achieve a long-standing aspiration: headlining the renowned Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre this July. Their successful return to the music scene in 2025, after a 15-year hiatus, saw them perform to sold-out crowds. This upcoming Red Rocks concert is a testament to their enduring appeal and the band's commitment to seizing this second opportunity. Frontman Cody Canada expressed the collective sentiment, stating the importance of capitalizing on this fresh start.
The band's performance at Red Rocks, scheduled for July 24th, holds particular significance for Canada. He explicitly identified playing at Red Rocks as a primary goal during discussions about a potential reunion. His previous experience at the venue in 2008, where the band's set was unexpectedly shortened, left him with a desire to return and deliver a full, uncompromised performance. This upcoming show will allow him to fulfill that long-held ambition.
In addition to the Red Rocks concert, Cross Canadian Ragweed has several other significant dates planned for 2026. They are set to headline the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for the first time on March 16th and recently performed at the opening night of the Mile 0 Fest in Key West, Florida. The band will also co-headline at least four 'Boys From Oklahoma' concerts with the Turnpike Troubadours, building on the success of their sold-out shows in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and Waco, Texas, last year. These upcoming performances include back-to-back evenings in Athens, Georgia, in late February.
The Red Rocks lineup will feature a unique and personal touch, departing from their usual bill of high-profile Red Dirt and Americana artists. This concert will be a family affair, showcasing two second-generation Ragweed acts as openers. Waves in April, a metalcore band comprising Cody Canada's sons, Dierks and Willy, alongside lead singer Elle Gorman, will perform. Additionally, The Smokin' Oaks, a Red Dirt four-piece featuring Grady Cross's son, Slaid, and nephew, Colton Blake, will also take the stage. This generational collaboration adds a poignant dimension to the highly anticipated event.
For Cross Canadian Ragweed, these large-scale performances represent a new chapter. Unlike the Turnpike Troubadours, who have consistently played arenas and amphitheaters since their 2022 return, Ragweed's original run primarily involved club and festival appearances before their 2010 breakup. Since their reunion, the Mile 0 Fest has been their only non-stadium or arena headlining event. Cody Canada noted the contrasting pressures of smaller venues versus large stadiums, explaining that intimate settings can be more challenging due to the audience's heightened awareness of every detail. However, he described the energy of larger venues as overwhelming and dreamlike, making it difficult to falter.