Dierks Bentley Brings Country Music, Community, and a Few Surprises to BankNH Pavilion

August 01, 2026

July 9, 2026
Gilford, New Hampshire

A Summer Night Worth Staying Up For

There are artists who put on a concert, and then there are artists who create an experience. After seeing Dierks Bentley four times over the past three years, I’ve learned that every time he comes to New Hampshire, you know you’re in for a fun night filled with great music, plenty of laughs, and a few surprises you never saw coming.

On Thursday, July 9, fans packed BankNH Pavilion for another memorable stop on Bentley’s 2026 tour. As the sun slowly disappeared and the lawn continued to fill, the charming Kaitlin Butts warmed up the stage before Grammy Award-winning bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs and his incredibly talented six-piece band joined.

Ricky Skaggs Sets the Tone

Their traditional bluegrass sound was the perfect way to begin a summer concert. Skaggs and his band showcased dazzling musicianship, including a guitarist who effortlessly doubled on drums. The early crowd quickly settled into the evening, enjoying songs like “Highway 40 Blues” while waiting for Bentley to take the stage.

Dierks Bentley Delivers

When Dierks Bentley finally appeared, the energy shifted into another gear.

Opening with “I’ve Been Gone” and rolling into favorites like “5150,” “Gold,” “Somewhere on a Beach,” and “I Hold On,” he had fans on their feet for nearly the entire show. Looking around the pavilion, it felt like one giant singalong. Families, longtime fans, and first-time concertgoers all knew the words, creating the kind of atmosphere that has become a trademark of every Dierks Bentley performance.

A Band Built on Chemistry

One thing I’ve always appreciated about Bentley is the genuine respect he has for the musicians around him. His band continues to grow stronger every tour, and the chemistry between them is obvious. Bentley never hesitates to let them shine, often joking that they’re trying to steal his job. It’s all part of the easygoing personality that has made him one of country music’s most likeable performers.

A Night of Special Guests

The biggest surprise of the evening came when Bentley welcomed Ricky Skaggs back to the stage for a spirited performance of “Highway 40 Blues,” followed by a Waylon Jennings classic. Then, rising country artist Kaitlin Butts, who will soon join Ella Langley on tour, joined them for an unforgettable rendition of “Tulsa Time.”

Watching three generations of country musicians share one stage was one of those moments you simply can’t plan for, and the crowd loved every second of it.

More Than a Concert

That’s what makes a Dierks Bentley concert different. He doesn’t just showcase his own catalog. He celebrates country music. He shines a spotlight on artists who helped build the genre while introducing audiences to the next generation. His concerts feel less like a headlining performance and more like a family gathering where everyone is invited.

On a Thursday night, when many of us probably should have been home getting ready for work the next morning, Dierks Bentley reminded us exactly why staying out late is sometimes the best decision you can make. Great songs, incredible musicians, genuine laughter, and thousands of fans singing together under the New Hampshire sky made for another unforgettable evening.