Webbstock ’26 Unveils New Format, Brings Music, Vendors and Community Celebration to Gardner-Webb

Feeling 22: A Tribute to Taylor Swift Joins the Entertainment Lineup; More Bands Announced Soon

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Webbstock returns to Gardner-Webb University on Saturday, Aug. 22, with a new format designed to kick off the fall semester and welcome both new and returning students to campus. Community members, families and alumni are invited to join in the celebration for an evening of live music, food trucks, vendors, a kids’ zone, and fellowship at Brinkley Amphitheater from 4-9 p.m. Admission is free.

As part of the 2026 entertainment lineup, organizers have announced that Feeling 22: A Tribute to Taylor Swift will take the stage during the event. Additional performers will be announced in the coming weeks.

“Webbstock represents the very best of the Gardner-Webb experience—a place where our students, faculty, staff, alumni, families, and community come together to celebrate connection, belonging, and Bulldog pride,” asserted Lesley Villarose, vice president for Student Development and dean of Students. “As we reimagine this tradition, we’re creating more than an event; we’re creating a shared experience that welcomes everyone to campus, builds meaningful relationships, and reminds us that the strength of Gardner-Webb is found in the people who call this community home. We look forward to celebrating together and kicking off the academic year with energy, purpose, and unforgettable memories.”

Feeling 22 delivers a high-energy concert experience that celebrates the music of Taylor Swift through authentic vocals, talented musicianship and performances spanning every era of her career. From country favorites to chart-topping pop hits, the band’s show is designed for fans of all ages and invites audiences to sing along and relive the soundtrack of a generation.

The reimagined Webbstock ’26 experience reflects Gardner-Webb’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for students to build connections beyond the classroom while strengthening relationships with alumni, families and neighbors throughout the region. Along with live music, guests can enjoy food and craft vendors, and activities for children throughout the evening.

The first 100 Gardner-Webb students to attend will receive an exclusive Webbstock T-shirt and swag. All attendees can also pick up free Webbstock giveaways, including stickers, temporary tattoos, and hand fans, while supplies last.

More details will be released soon. For updates and information, visit gardner-webb.edu/webbstock.

Webbstock 2026

What: An evening of free entertainment and community celebration 

When: Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, 4-9 p.m.

Where: Brinkley Amphitheater, Gardner-Webb University

Cost: Free admission

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email [email protected] with your request.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at gardner-webb.edu.