1/8/2026 – The Lucknow Music Festival presented by Arc3 Gases announced today the headline entertainer for the 2026 Festival. John Foster is a singer/songwriter and rising Nashville recording artist with one of country music’s most promising young voices. The American Idol Season 23 runner-up combines a rich, classic country sound with heartfelt storytelling rooted in small-town life, whose style can be described as neo-traditional.
“We are excited to welcome John Foster back to Dunn for this year’s Lucknow Music Festival,” noted Jacob Godwin, festival organizer and VP of the Downtown Dunn Development Corporation. “After four sold-out performances at the Stewart Theater, John Foster’s connection to Dunn proves that he’s the perfect fit as this year’s headliner.”
John Foster has performed with Louisiana musicians, Don Rich, Junior Lacrosse, Ryan Foret, and Floyd Brown. In addition, he has enjoyed performing with some of the greats such as Wayne Toups, John Schneider, Doug Stone, Craig Morgan, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. He made his Grand Ole Opry debut and was invited back on seven more dates, becoming a fast fan favorite. John Foster recently represented his home state of Louisiana in the 2026 Rose Bowl Parade. He made waves with a sold-out performance at the Paragon Casino in Marksville, Louisiana with the largest crowd the venue has hosted in years. With a voice that honors the greats of classic country and songs that speak to life’s honest moments, John Foster is poised to keep the tradition alive while carving out a bright future. The journey is just beginning for this rising star from Louisiana, now also making waves in Nashville.
The event serves as a fundraiser for the Downtown Dunn Development Corporation (DDDC), a non-profit that supports local downtown merchants through special events, economic development and grants. The DDDC also owns the Stewart Theater and is leading the venue’s $10 million dollar renovation project.
This year’s festival will host several changes from year’s past:
- A new location directly behind the Stewart Theater
- A more intimate festival layout, with a smaller footprint and larger stages designed to deliver a true concert-style experience
- $20 general admission tickets for entry into the gated festival
- An enhanced VIP experience and expanded beer garden
More information about the festival including tickets and sponsorship opportunities can be found at LucknowMusicFest.com.
ABOUT THE DOWNTOWN DUNN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
As a Main Street America Affiliate™, DDDC is part of a national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. DDDC’s mission is to continue evolving into a modern hub of business, entertainment, recreation and relaxation for our surrounding communities & visitors.
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