Rock the Country to Bring Major Traffic to Hastings

Hastings and Middleville are gems located right here in West Michigan. These small towns in Barry County have a ton of character and things to do.

But next weekend, there's a potential for huge traffic headaches trying to get around in these usually quiet towns.

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What is Rock the Country?

The Barry Expo Center in Hastings will be hosting the Rock the Country 2025 two-day concert event on June 13 and 14. The two-day event features Kid Rock, Nickelback, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Travis Tritt, Big & Rich, and more. It's expected to attract 25,000 people to the area.

While many attendees will be camping for the event, others will be making the drive into Hastings, and the Barry County Emergency Management Department is letting the public know that they are focusing on public safety and traffic management for the weekend.

What Locals Need to Know

BCEMD says that residents and visitors should expect traffic issues and delays starting on Thursday (when the camping portion opens). They say that those issues will likely continue through the entire weekend.

Officials are telling locals, especially, to try to avoid the M-37 corridor entirely. Additional information about traffic flow and designated routes for festival goers will be announced closer to the event.

In addition to the potential traffic headaches, Barry County Emergency Management says that neighborhoods near the event should expect to see restricted access during peak festival hours.

What Officials Are Saying

Our top priority is keeping the community and attendees safe. By sharing information early and often, we aim to reduce confusion, keep emergency routes open, and make the event safe and enjoyable for everyone. - Patrick Jensens, Emergency Manager for Barry County

Nickelback, Travis Tritt, and Big & Rich will be performing Friday. Kid Rock and Lynyrd Skynyrd are slated to perform on Saturday.

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This fabulous hot pink camper is where Dreamhouse energy meets outdoor adventure—complete with air-conditioning, a fire pit, and major photo-op vibes. Lounge like a Malibu Barbie by the in-ground pool, cruise the river like you’re in Barbie’s convertible (only it’s a kayak), and strike a pose before exploring the nearby trails. It’s glamping with a glam squad twist—sparkles, sunshine, and s’mores included.

Check out photos then call up Ken, gather your Dream Team, and book your stay at The Skipper here.

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