A person from the crowd sits on someone’s shoulders with excitement during the Flo Rida performance July 15, 2023, at Pendleton Whisky Music Fest at the Round-Up Arena in Pendleton. The 2024 event is July 13.

PENDLETON — Billed as “the best day of summer,” Pendleton Whisky Music Fest returns to the Pendleton Round-Up Grounds on Saturday, July 13.

From country stars to a ‘90s throwback, the event features a full day of music — and Pendleton Whisky.

Now in its eighth year, festival gates for the Pendleton Whisky Music Fest open at 3 p.m. on July 13. This year’s concert line-up leans country, and the live music begins at 3:45 p.m. with Thomas Mac, described as an “up-and-coming” country star, followed by Jo Dee Messina at 5 p.m.

Messina has had six No. 1 singles, such as “ Heads Carolina, Tails California” and “My Give a Damn’s Busted.”

The tone shifts at 6:30 p.m. with the 1990s throwback featuring Sugarhill Gang, Vanilla Ice — yes, really the Vanilla Ice behind “Ice, Ice Baby” — and Tone Loc before returning to country sounds with Dustin Lynch at 8 p.m.

The evening’s headliner, multi-platinum country singer Thomas Rhett, takes the stage at 9:30 p.m. Rhett has had 17 No. 1 singles, including “Get Me Some of That” and “Die a Happy Man.”

DJ Sovern-T will perform in between each singer, keeping a continuous stream of music from 3 p.m. until after the bars close at 10:30 p.m.

Tickets for the event are still available. Seats in the shaded grandstands cost $99, box seats are $125, the standing Party Pit tickets are $145, and the premium arena seats are $150 or $175, depending on the area. All tickets will also have processing fees.

The event is cash only, and credit cards are not accepted on the day of the show. Organizers recommend coming prepared with cash to avoid long lines at ATMs, which will be on-site throughout the area.

The list of prohibited items, available on the website, includes weapons — even if you have a concealed weapons permit — as well as outside food and drinks, drones and car seats or strollers.

Although the concert is open to all ages, everyone must purchase a ticket and certain areas have age restrictions, including the Pendleton Whisky Lounge (age 21 years or older) and the Party Pit (age 16 or older). Attendees may be asked to show valid ID to enter those areas and should expect to show ID to purchase alcohol.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit pendletonwhiskymusicfest.com.

In addition to the performances on Saturday, Whisky Music Fest also includes the “Party In Pendleton,” a Friday night kick-off party in downtown. That will be from 6 p.m. until midnight on Pendleton’s Main Street and features Joel Gibson Jr., Precious Byrd and DJ Sovern-T.

The kick-off party is free to attend.