The Kentucky sun blazed over Lexington’s Red Mile on June 1, 2025, as Railbird Festival 2025 roared through Day 2. From 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., the Limestone, Elkhorn, and Burl Stages pulsed with country, blues, and soul. Consequently, the crowd—nearing 40,000—filled the infield with boots, beers, and boundless energy. For 10 hours, Day 2 delivered raw grit and heartfelt anthems, sealing Railbird’s place as a Kentucky treasure.

The day unfolded like a jukebox, each artist spinning a fresh sound. For instance, The Castellows’ harmonies kicked off the Limestone Stage, while Jelly Roll’s headlining set closed with emotional fire. Meanwhile, the Burl Stage hummed with local flavor, from Mojo Thunder to Blackberry Smoke. Moreover, the festival’s vibe—part racetrack, part roadhouse—kept fans weaving between stages, snapping photos, and toasting with bourbon. By nightfall, Railbird had cemented its status as a musical haven.

A Tapestry of Talent

The Castellows opened the Limestone Stage at 1:00 p.m., their sisterly harmonies sparkling in “Sober Sundays.” Their neo-traditional country drew early fans, swaying gently. Meanwhile, Chaparelle brought soulful rock to the Elkhorn Stage at 1:15 p.m., with Zella Day’s vocals soaring in “Burning Love.” For example, their retro vibe hooked newcomers. At 1:30 p.m., Mojo Thunder’s Burl Stage set roared with Kentucky rock, “Long Gone” sparking local pride.

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram followed at 2:00 p.m. on the Limestone Stage, his blues guitar shredding “Midnight Heat.” Consequently, his Jimi Hendrix cover “Red House” left jaws dropped. At 2:45 p.m., Max McNown’s introspective folk filled the Elkhorn Stage, “A Lot More Free” tugging heartstrings. Meanwhile, Noeline Hofmann’s 2:45 p.m. Burl Stage performance brought Alberta-born country soul, “Purple Gas” earning cheers.

Treaty Oak Revival hit the Limestone Stage at 3:30 p.m., their Texas country-rock in “In Between” igniting fist-pumps, and profanity, sadly. For instance, their high-energy set drew a rowdy crowd. At 4:00 p.m., Bendigo Fletcher’s indie-folk warmed the Burl Stage, “Real 2 Me” resonating with Louisville fans. Then, Thee Sacred Souls’ 4:15 p.m. Elkhorn Stage set delivered retro R&B, “Can I Call You Rose?” sparking slow dances.

Ryan Bingham & The Texas Gentlemen took the Limestone Stage at 5:15 p.m., their Red Dirt twang in “Southside of Heaven” hitting deep. Meanwhile, Jesse Welles’ 5:15 p.m. Burl Stage performance offered folk grit, “War Isn’t Good” hushing listeners. Gavin Adcock, (who we didn’t cover because he throws beer over the photo pit and into the crowd) followed at 6:15 p.m. on the Elkhorn Stage, his outlaw country “Sweetheart” drawing hollers. Moreover, Ole 60’s 6:30 p.m. Burl Stage set kept the energy high, “Smoke & Pills” fueling singalongs.

The Red Clay Strays stormed the Limestone Stage at 7:15 p.m., their Southern rock in “Wondering Why” electrifying fans. For example, Brandon Coleman’s vocals turned the infield into a revival. At 8:00 p.m., Blackberry Smoke closed the Burl Stage with Southern grit, “One Horse Town” earning roars. Riley Green hit the Elkhorn Stage at 8:15 p.m., his small-town anthems like “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” sparking tears. Finally, Jelly Roll headlined the Limestone Stage at 9:30 p.m., his raw “Son of a Sinner” capping Day 2 with heart.

The Festival’s Pulse

Day 2 was a love letter to Kentucky’s musical soul. The Red Mile’s infield buzzed with equine history and bourbon flair. For instance, fans savored rare barrels at The Bourbon Hideout, curated by Justins’ House of Bourbon. Meanwhile, food trucks slung brisket and cornbread, keeping the crowd fueled. Moreover, the three stages—Limestone for headliners, Elkhorn for rising stars, Burl for intimate vibes—kept the flow seamless.

The crowd was a melting pot, from college kids in flannel to retirees in cowboy hats. Consequently, young fans mobbed Treaty Oak Revival, while older folks nodded to Blackberry Smoke. Yet, challenges popped up. A 20% chance of afternoon showers brought ponchos but didn’t dampen spirits. Additionally, sound bleed between stages occasionally muddled quieter sets like Max McNown’s. Nevertheless, the festival’s warmth—bolstered by clear signage and friendly staff—kept fans smiling.

Logistics had minor hiccups. For example, peak entry times from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. slowed gates, testing patience. Moreover, no public parking at Red Mile meant downtown lots or rideshares, though Lextran’s Route 15 eased the trek. Still, the vibe stayed loose, with fans bonding over shared setlists and bourbon sips. Railbird’s unpretentious charm made it feel like a backyard jam, even with 40,000 guests.

Memorable Moments

Day 2 overflowed with highlights. Jelly Roll’s emotional closer, sharing his redemption story before “Save Me,” left fans teary. Meanwhile, Riley Green’s surprise duet with Gavin Adcock on Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue” sent the crowd wild. The Red Clay Strays’ “Do Me Wrong” turned the Limestone Stage into a rowdy dancefloor, their Alabama soul shining.

Kingfish’s blistering guitar in “Empty Promises” felt like a nod to blues legends, stunning younger fans. Additionally, Thee Sacred Souls’ silky “Love Comes Easy” had couples swaying under the evening sky. For locals, Bendigo Fletcher’s heartfelt “Sugar in the Creek” was a Louisville love letter, earning hometown cheers. Consequently, Day 2 balanced high-octane bangers with tender moments, feeding every mood.

A Kentucky Farewell

As Jelly Roll’s final chords faded, the crowd lingered, reluctant to leave. The infield, strewn with Solo cups and glowing phones, buzzed with chatter. For instance, fans swapped photos of Ryan Bingham’s harmonica wail or The Castellows’ tight harmonies. Meanwhile, merch tents ran low on Red Clay Strays hats, a sign of their breakout. Moreover, bourbon bars stayed packed, fans raising glasses to Kentucky’s spirit.

Railbird 2025 Day 2 was a triumph, blending country’s past and future. The festival, now a Red Mile staple, has grown from its 2019 Keeneland roots into a world-class event. Despite past stumbles—like 2021’s water woes—it’s hit its stride, marrying big names with underdog gems. Consequently, Day 2 wrapped Railbird with a bang, leaving fans buzzing for 2026.

The night ended under a starry Kentucky sky, the air thick with music’s afterglow. Fans trickled to downtown bars or rideshares, humming “Wondering Why” or “I Wish Grandpas Never Died.” As a result, Railbird showed why it draws thousands: it’s where music feels like family. The infield fell silent, but Day 2’s echo lingered, a testament to Lexington’s musical fire.