Get ready to don your best duds and dancing boots for this year’s Wild West Music Fest — the wildly popular three-day music festival returns April 4-6 to Copper Sky Regional Park.  

Multi-platinum country star Leann Rimes will headline the festival with a concert Saturday, April 5. She will follow Grammy Award-winning reggae-pop artist Sean Kingston and Grammy-nominated multi-platinum rapper Twista, performing Friday, April 4.

The festival is about more than just great American music. It’s about building a community spirit and creating lasting memories for families. Though the lineup is being finalized, organizers said many of the vendors and musical acts will be from Maricopa.

Here’s a list of 12 food vendors that were announced Monday.

This is the biggest festival Maricopa has ever hosted 

Wild West Music Fest 2025 will feature a full carnival with 13 rides, including a Ferris wheel — double what the festival had in its first year. That’s on top of food trucks and other festivities that will fill the Copper Sky lawns.  

“It’s three days of food, fun and top-tier music,” said Quinn Konold, Maricopa’s director of community enrichment. The idea is to put Maricopa on the map, showcasing the potential of this community as a destination in the region.  

“Maricopa doesn’t have to look north” for world-class entertainment anymore, Konold added. 

The theme for this year’s event is “Stepping Up to the Mic.” It is a way for Maricopa to compete with other cities hosting large scale festivals of their own. 

“That concept of stepping up to the mic — other cities have been doing this for a while. Maricopa is just beginning to step into that realm,” said Konold. 

City leaders said they were excited about the boon to local hotels, restaurants and other businesses.  

“The Wild West Music Fest is … a catalyst for our tourism industry, transforming Maricopa into a must-visit location,” said Mayor Nancy Smith.  “This event not only boosts our local economy but also strengthens our community spirit. We’re creating unforgettable memories and setting a new standard of excellence. Together, we’re putting Maricopa on the map like never before.” 

Those who attended last year loved the festival 

“This was so much fun,” said one attendee, according to a press release from the city. “From parking to lines to traffic to entertainment … Make this annual and watch it grow!” 

InMaricopa reported after the first Wild West Music Fest there were no “major incidents” during the festival — meaning guests weren’t disturbed by raucous crowds, criminal activity or traffic issues, a feat few music festivals can pull off, according to industry experts. 

“This was the most fun concert that I’ve been to here. With the help of Steve Levine Entertainment, this was extremely well run,” raved Linda Chapman, a resident of The Villages.  

“The Wild West Music Fest was the best event I have ever attended in Maricopa,” said Rancho El Dorado resident Bejean Page. “Lots of good food trucks, vendors, children’s activities and rides for all ages.” 

Even vendors adored the festival. 

“The event was very well executed, and I believe these types of gatherings are essential for supporting our community and small businesses,” said Chris Spear, owner of Roots Eatery, a popular culinary concept on John Wayne Parkway. “The first year was a great success, and I’m excited to see the event return.” 

Here’s the kicker for Maricopa residents: This event is supported through bed tax funds — taxes collected from hotels, designated by a state statute to support tourism initiatives. None of the money used for the festival is taken from important city services like roads, public safety or parks. 

“The Wild West Music Fest is a milestone for Maricopa, one that highlights our growth potential and strengthens the fabric of our community,” said Konold. “It’s an event we hope will leave a lasting impact for years to come.” 

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