From Strafford, Vermont to Sold-Out Arenas: Noah Kahan's Real Story

Noah Kahan's rise from a quiet tree farm in rural Vermont to headlining sold-out stadiums is one of modern music's most authentic success stories. Born Noah Berkenkamp Kahan on January 1, 1997, in Strafford, Vermont — a tiny town of about 1,000 people along the Appalachian Trail — he grew up surrounded by nature, family, and music. His journey blends small-town introspection, viral TikTok moments, and raw folk-pop songwriting that's resonated with millions. As he gears up for The Great Divide Tour in 2026, including a stop in Raleigh, NC, discover how this Vermont native became a global sensation. Grab your tickets now at CapitalCityTickets.com for competitive prices and easy access to his upcoming shows. Noah Kahan's Real Story!

Noah Kahan's Real Story

Humble Beginnings on a Vermont Tree Farm

Kahan spent his early years on a 133-acre tree farm (mostly maples and birch) in Strafford, where his father, Josh Kahan, taught him guitar at a young age. By age 8, he was writing his own songs, influenced by artists like Paul Simon, John Mayer, Bon Iver, and later Hozier. He has three siblings and grew up in a blended household — Jewish dad, Christian mom — splitting time between Strafford and nearby Hanover, New Hampshire, where he attended Hanover High School.

The rural New England setting shaped his sound: themes of small-town isolation, emotional struggles, seasonal changes, and self-discovery. Kahan has described feeling "claustrophobic" in those towns, yet that very environment fueled his introspective lyrics. He uploaded early tracks to YouTube and SoundCloud, honing his craft independently.

Early Career and the Republic Records Breakthrough

At 17, Kahan signed with Republic Records after persistent gigging and online sharing. His debut EP Hurt Somebody (2017) featured the viral single "Young Blood," followed by a remix with Julia Michaels. Albums like Busyhead (2019) and I Was / I Am (2021) built a dedicated fanbase with pop-leaning folk, but it was during the pandemic — when he returned home to Vermont — that everything shifted.

The Stick Season Explosion and TikTok Stardom - Noah Kahan's Real Story

In October 2020, Kahan casually posted a TikTok clip of "Stick Season" with the caption "This sucks..." It unexpectedly went viral, amassing millions of views for its relatable New England imagery (mud season, changing leaves, emotional limbo). The full single dropped in July 2022, followed by the album Stick Season (later expanded to Stick Season (We'll All Be Here Forever) and Stick Season (Forever) with collabs from Post Malone, Hozier, Gracie Abrams, Kacey Musgraves, and more).

The album exploded: over 555 million streams for the title track alone, chart-topping success, and a 2023 Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. Kahan's vulnerability — addressing mental health, impostor syndrome, and rural life — connected deeply, turning him into a voice for an emotionally evolved generation. He founded The Busyhead Project to combat mental health stigma, with tour proceeds supporting it.

From Arenas to Stadiums: Current Success and 2026 Tour

Today, Kahan sells out iconic venues like Madison Square Garden (where old tweets of his doubt now contrast with roaring crowds) and collaborates with idols like Hozier. His humble, down-to-earth vibe — still tweeting like a friend and staying "granola" — endears him to fans.

Now, Noah Kahan announces The Great Divide Tour in 2026, his biggest yet, hitting stadiums across North America in support of his upcoming album The Great Divide. With special guest Gigi Perez on select dates, the tour kicks off June 11 in Orlando and includes massive stops like Fenway Park (Boston), Wrigley Field (Chicago), Citi Field (New York), and Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC on July 25, 2026.

Full Noah Kahan The Great Divide Tour 2026 Key Dates (Partial List)

• June 11, 2026 – Orlando, FL @ Kia Center (w/ Gigi Perez)

• June 14, 2026 – Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival

• June 26, 2026 – Philadelphia, PA @ Citizens Bank Park (w/ Gigi Perez)

• June 28, 2026 – Toronto, ON @ Rogers Stadium (w/ Gigi Perez)

• July 1, 2026 – Cincinnati, OH @ Great American Ball Park (w/ Gigi Perez)

• July 3, 2026 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PNC Park (w/ Gigi Perez)

• July 10-11, 2026 – Boston, MA @ Fenway Park

• July 14, 2026 – Chicago, IL @ Wrigley Field

• July 18, 2026 – New York, NY @ Citi Field

• July 22, 2026 – Washington, DC @ Nationals Park

• July 25, 2026 – Raleigh, NC @ Carter-Finley Stadium

  
  

(Full schedule and more dates available on noahkahan.com.)

How to Get Tickets

Presales are underway or upcoming (check official site for details), with general on-sale February 12, 2026. For fans in Raleigh or the Southeast, the Carter-Finley show is a must-see local highlight. Visit CapitalCityTickets.com for affordable options, no-fee deals where available, and inventory on high-demand dates — including premium seats or last-minute picks.

Noah Kahan's story proves authenticity wins: from Strafford's woods to stadium anthems, his music bridges isolation and connection. Don't miss him live in 2026 — secure your tickets at CapitalCityTickets.com today and join the chorus! For the latest updates, head to CapitalCityTickets.com.