Traffic advisory issued ahead of country music concert in Merced County

The Merced County Sheriff’s Office has issued a traffic advisory for the area surrounding Castle Airport ahead of the Luke Bryan Farm Tour 2025 show expected to draw about 20,000 people to Castle Airport on May 15.

Authorities said extremely heavy traffic is expected in the area and advise motorists to avoid both eastbound and westbound Sante Fe Avenue between Atwater and Merced between 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Thursday.

The Merced County Sheriff’s Office said the drop off location for those attending the show is at 3009 Stratofortress Drive. Vehicles entering via North Buhach Road are to continue straight in the right lane toward the grounds and then right onto Stratofortress Drive to the drop off point. Motorists entering via Spaceport Entry are to inform traffic staff that they are dropping off and then proceed to Stratofortress Drive to the drop off location.

Motorists picking up someone after the concert can use the far right lane of Santa Fe Drive at Franklin Road only after 9 p.m., authorities said. Motorists taking this route should inform law enforcement they are there to pick up someone. From there, motorists will travel to the two miles to Spaceport Entry and then proceed to Stratofortress Drive. The sheriff’s office said traffic will then make a left onto Airlift Drive and follow the outbound traffic. Authorities said additional road closure information can be found at the perimetermap website.

Bryan, an American Idol judge and five-time Country Music Awards Entertainer of the Year, is scheduled to headline his 16th farm tour at Castle Airport in Atwater before heading to The Ponds at Harland Ranch in Clovis on May 16 and Sillect Farms in Shafter on May 17. The tour features artists Tyler Hubbard, Rhett Atkins, DJ Rock and Dallas Davidson. Chayce Beckham will be featured as one of the acts on tour on May 15 and 16. Parking opens at 2 p.m. and doors open at 5 p.m. prior to the 6 p.m. show time, according to the singer’s website.

Merced County District 3 Supervisor Daron McDaniel said Bryan’s production team has collaborated with local schools including the Future Farmers of America, employing students to work in parking and food services during the event.

McDaniel said the event will have a positive impact on the local economy and that event organizers encourage tailgating. Bryan’s production team will even be making a donation back to the schools.

“That really helps our community,” said McDaniel. “They’re going to buy beverages, they’re going to buy food, snacks and stuff for tailgate. You got 20,000 people out in the parking lot going to have fun before they go into the concert that’s going to be very beneficial to the community.”

This story was originally published May 14, 2025 at 5:08 PM.