For the first time since 2008, the Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair is kicking off one day early, on Thursday, May 14, 2026, giving fans exclusive early access to the country fair and a must-see live concert that sets the tone for the entire weekend.
The main event at the Country Fair Kickoff is a special Thursday night concert, headlined by country stars Brett Kissel and Cooper Alan!
Ticket Information
Country Fair Kickoff Concert tickets are available for $80 until May 13, or $90 if purchased on May 14. Concert tickets include general admission to the Country Fair grounds, allowing fans to experience the Country Fair before the show.
For those simply looking to enjoy a little extra Country Fair fun on Thursday night, general admission to the fairgrounds is available for just $5 (plus taxes) for the kickoff night. Thursday access is also included in the new 2+3 Weekend Pass, providing access to all five days of the Country Fair for $28 (plus taxes) when purchased before March 31, 2026.
Concert Details
- Location: Longhorn Saloon (Cloverdale Agriplex on the Cloverdale Fairgrounds)
- Concert tickets: $79 (includes general fair admission)
- Doors open: 6:00 pm
- DJ Jack Daniels keeps the party going between sets
- Morgan Klaiber: 6:45 – 7:30
- Cooper Alan: 8:00 – 9:15
- Brett Kissel: 9:45 – 11:00
- Presented by: The Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair, The City of Surrey, and 93.7 JR Country
Pro tip: Arrive early to grab a bite at one of the many food trucks, pick up a beverage, and take in the shows, games, rides, and behind-the-scenes setup at the country fair before the show begins.
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PRESS RELEASE
Announcing the Cloverdale Country Fair Kick-Off Concert
Headliners Brett Kissel and Cooper Alan will kick off an extra-long weekend at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds with an unforgettable opening-night performance on May 14th.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Surrey, B.C. – Big news for country fair and music fans! The highly anticipated May long-weekend celebration at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds is getting even bigger this year. In addition to the traditional four-day celebration from May 15–18, 2026, the Cloverdale Country Fair gates will open a day early on Thursday, May 14, and will reintroduce the Country Fair Kickoff Concert, the first since 2008.
The main event at the Thursday night Country Fair Kickoff is a special concert in the Longhorn Saloon, headlined by three-time Juno award winner Brett Kissel and rising country star Cooper Alan.
“The return of the Thursday night kickoff concert is a huge moment for Cloverdale,” says association president Kathy Sheppard. “Launching the 2026 Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair a day early on May 14 with Brett Kissel and Cooper Alan is another example of how the event continues to grow every year. The Country Fair Kickoff expands the impact the event makes for the community and adds another high-energy and incredible country music celebration.”
Sheppard also encourages concertgoers to arrive early because tickets include access to the fairgrounds, which will be abuzz right from the time the gates open at 4:00 pm, featuring classic fair fun and exclusive behind-the-scenes events.
“Arriving early on Thursday will add to the concert experience because fans can soak up the full Country Fair atmosphere before the music starts,” notes Sheppard. “Attendees can look forward to enjoying food trucks, live performances around the grounds, rides, games, and more before heading into an incredible show.”
Only 3,000 tickets are available, and doors to the Longhorn Saloon will open at 6:00 pm. Cooper Alan takes the stage at 8:00, and Brett Kissel hits at 9:45. Morgan Klabier opens the show at 6:45 pm, and longtime Cloverdale Rodeo fan favourite, DJ Jack Daniels, will keep the energy high in between sets. The concert promises nonstop entertainment in a venue unlike any other in Greater Vancouver.
Ticket Information
Country Fair Kickoff Concert Tickets (includes Fairground Access)
Country Fair Kickoff Concert tickets are available for $80 until May 13, or $90 if purchased on May 14. Concert tickets include general admission to the Country Fair grounds, allowing fans to experience the Country Fair before the show.
Country Fair Kickoff Concert tickets can be purchased here: https://cloverdalerodeo.com/country-fair-kickoff/
$5 Fairgrounds General Admission Entry (no concert)
For those simply looking to enjoy a little extra Country Fair fun on Thursday night, general admission to the fairgrounds is available for just $5 (plus taxes) for the kickoff night. Thursday access is also included in the new 2+3 Weekend Pass, providing access to all five days of the Country Fair for $28 (plus taxes) when purchased before March 31, 2026.
On Thursday night, fairgoers can enjoy a limited version of the classic Cloverdale Country Fair experience while the crew prepares for the full schedule, which starts on Friday. The Thursday experience will feature food trucks, shows and performances, and the West Coast Amusements games and rides they know and love, plus behind-the-scenes access to features like the Bit-a-Bling Grand Entry Team warmup in the Rodeo Ring. Gates will open at 4:00 pm on May 14.
- Thursday Night Fairground Only tickets can be purchased here: https://www.showpass.com/thursday-country-fair-kickoff/
- 2+3 Full-Weekend Passes can be purchased here: https://www.showpass.com/cloverdale-rodeo-country-fair-2026/
For more information and details about the Cloverdale Country Fair Kickoff night on May 14, 2026, visit https://cloverdalerodeo.com/country-fair-country-fair-kickoff-concert/. Please note that new fairground attractions and activities are being added to the Thursday schedule, which will be updated on the event website as details are confirmed.
About the Artists
About Brett Kissel – MAY 14 at 9:45 pm – Presented by the Cloverdale Rodeo and 93.7 JR Country
Known for his charismatic personality, dynamic stage presence, and unique musical style, Brett Kissel has soared to the top of the Canadian country music charts as one of the country’s most celebrated entertainers. With 23 CCMA Awards, three JUNO Awards, two Gold-certified albums, 14 Gold singles, six Platinum singles, and an impressive 20 Top 10 radio hits, including four Number Ones, his impact is undeniable. Kissel has toured with Brad Paisley and Garth Brooks and collaborated with Grammy winners Charley Pride, Dave Mustaine, Nelly, 98°, and Cooper Alan. Following the ambitious four-album rollout of The Compass Project and its accompanying national tour, Kissel entered a powerful new chapter in 2025 with a run of Top 10 singles, including “Let Your Horses Run,”“Another One,” and “Cowboys & Dreamers.”
About Cooper Alan – May 14 at 8:00 pm – Presented by the Cloverdale Rodeo and 93.7 JR Country
With the heart of a showman and the hustle of a modern independent artist, Cooper Alan is bringing fearless creativity and unfiltered authenticity to country music. Alan’s journey began in cover bands and Nashville honky-tonks, but his career took off through viral videos and a direct, genuine connection with fans. From mental health meditations to unapologetic drinking songs, he’s proven himself as one of country’s most fearless new voices, blending country, rock, pop, and hip-hop influences with sharp writing, big hooks, and a live show that’s sold over 150,000 tickets globally, including a sold-out 2024 headline tour in Australia. Named a Pandora Ten Artist To Watch and part of the SiriusXM + Pandora 2024 Future Five, Alan hit #1 on SiriusXM The Highway’s Hot 30 Countdown with his breakout single “Take Forever.” His latest tracks, including “Plead The Fifth”, “Holy Ghost”, “Dale Dickens (RIP)”, and “Hard Acre” signal what is to come for this next chapter of music.
Together, they headline an unforgettable Thursday night concert you won’t want to miss.
Get Your Country Fair Kickoff Concert Tickets!
Also Featuring
About Morgan Klaiber – May 14 at 6:45 pm – Presented by the Cloverale Rodeo and 93.7 JR Country
Opening the show is Morgan Klabier. As last year’s winner of the coveted Rising Star Search at Canada’s most storied country club – Ranchman’s – Morgan’s talent has been on full display with a steady stream of high-impact performances across the west, including two memorable shows at Country Thunder Alberta, and The Big Valley Jamboree. With sharp wit, a dazzling smile, genuine cowgirl cred, and a voice that can belt out anything from Led Zeppelin to Dolly Parton, it’s no wonder Morgan’s brand has been so appealing to her ever-growing fan base.
About the Venue – The Longhorn Saloon
The Longhorn has been a staple at the Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair for over 30 years, and generations of music fans have been in attendance as big names such as George Canyon, Terri Clark, Washboard Union, Marty Stuart, Aaron Pritchett, Johnny Reid, and Gord Bamford have blown the roof off the Cloverdale Agriplex. With a capacity of 3,000 fans, it’s big-concert energy with easy access to get up close and personal with your favourite artists.
About The Cloverdale Rodeo and Exhibition Association
Established in February 1888 to promote and encourage agricultural development in the Lower Fraser Valley, the Cloverdale Rodeo and Exhibition Association is the non-profit organization that manages the world-famous Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair held every year on the May long weekend at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey, British Columbia. As one of British Columbia’s largest and most anticipated annual events, the Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair delivers thrilling rodeo action, incredible live music, and a vibrant festival atmosphere to 70,000 attendees every year.
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Event Location:
Cloverdale Fairgrounds
6060 176th Street, Surrey, British Columbia
Media Inquiries & Image Requests:
Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair
Email: media@cloverdalerodeo.com