Service, Soul, and the Silver Screen: Riley Green Military Performances Ahead of Massive 2026 ‘Cowboy As It Gets’ Tour
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Multi-PLATINUM, ACM, and CMA Award-winning powerhouse Riley Green is a man of his word—and his roots. While his name is currently lighting up marquee signs across the country, Green’s latest announcement looks beyond the bright lights of Nashville toward those serving overseas.
The “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” singer has officially announced three upcoming military dates for March 2026. Hosted by Navy MWR Entertainment, these exclusive performances will see Green playing for sailors, service members, and their families in Japan and Hawaii.
Honoring the Front Lines
Green’s commitment to the military is more than a gesture; it is a core part of his identity as an artist. In 2023, he established the Buford Bonds Charitable Fund, a tribute to the legacy of his grandfathers. The fund serves as a dedicated vehicle for raising awareness and financial support for veteran-focused organizations like Folds of Honor.
Through high-energy events like the Buford Bonds Golf Tournament and the Folds Of Honor Rock ‘N Jock Celebrity Softball Game, Green has transformed his platform into a powerful tool for advocacy. These upcoming dates are a continuation of that mission:
| Date | Location | Base |
| March 9th, 2026 | Kanagawa, Japan | US Navy Base Fleet Yokosuka |
| March 10th, 2026 | Kanagawa, Japan | Naval Air Facility Atsugi |
| March 22nd, 2026 | Hickman, Hawaii | Joint Base Pearl Harbor |
Note: CAC or authorized base access is required for attendance.
The ‘Cowboy As It Gets’ Tour: A 2026 Arena Takeover
The military dates serve as a poignant prelude to Green’s massive 2026 Cowboy As It Gets Tour. This headlining run is set to be one of the most anticipated events in country music, hitting major arenas and iconic amphitheatres across the United States.
The tour will feature a rotating “who’s who” of country talent. Justin Moore will join as a special guest on all dates, with a stacked lineup of support including Drake White, Mackenzie Carpenter, Adam Hood, Hannah McFarland, and Zach John King appearing on select stops.
Selected Tour Highlights:
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April 18: Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
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May 8: Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
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June 19: Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center
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July 23: Salt Lake City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
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August 14: Hartford, CT – The XFINITY Theatre
A Creative Hot Streak: ‘Don’t Mind If I Do’
Riley Green is currently riding a wave of unprecedented momentum. He recently released Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe), an expanded 18-track edition of his acclaimed 2024 album. The project features six brand-new tracks that double down on his signature blend of grit and vulnerability.
The industry has taken notice. Coming off a historic 2025 where he became the first artist since Taylor Swift to land back-to-back self-written #1 hits on the Country Airplay chart (“Worst Way” and “Don’t Mind If I Do”), Green entered the recent awards season with four major CMA nominations:
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Single of the Year (“you look like you love me”)
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Musical Event of the Year
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Song of the Year
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Music Video of the Year
From the quarterback huddles at Jacksonville State University to the pinnacle of the CMA stage, Riley Green has never lost the “good ol’ boy” spirit of his Alabama hometown. Whether he is playing for thousands in a Nashville arena or an intimate crowd of sailors in Japan, his music remains exactly what country fans crave: honest, relatable, and undeniably authentic.