Saddle Up for Stagecoach

In the middle of the Southern California desert paradise known as Coachella Valley sits a stage perfectly prepped not only for the world’s most famous festival of the same name, but also for Stagecoach – Coachella’s country cousin. If you’re a true country music enthusiast, or occasionally stumble upon honky-tonk hotspots, this is the festival for you.

Occurring April 24-26 of the upcoming year, Stagecoach is known for drawing country lovers from across the nation for a weekend of cowboy boots and denim galore, line dancing, and live music under the desert sun. Honestly, what more could you ask for?

We at The Edge got you covered with everything you need to know to make this western weekend one you’ll never forget.

Image from Stagecoach

The Lineup

This year’s lineup is enough to make any country music listener bolt to Ticketmaster to snag a last minute ticket. Lainey Wilson, Cody Johnson, and Post Malone (breaking news, he’s gone country!) headline the weekend, accompanied by some of modern country’s biggest names, such as Ella Langley, Bailey Zimmerman, Riley Green, Little Big Town, Brett Young, Brooks & Dunn, and plenty more. But it doesn’t stop with twangy guitars – Stagecoach brings a mix of genres for even those who just come for the vibes. Rock legends like Journey and Counting Crows, 2000s nostalgia star Third Eye Blind, hip-hop names Ludacris and Pitbull, and pop sensation Teddy Swims will all be featured throughout the weekend as well. So, no matter your vibe or Spotify Wrapped, you’ll find your favorites somewhere in the lineup.

Accommodations

Finding the right place to stay is just as important as snagging your wristband and taking your next Instagram cover photo. Hotels in the desert fill up fast, so the earlier you book, the better. The Indian Wells Resort Hotel offers a balance of affordability and luxury with a pool, spa, and free breakfast just twenty minutes from the venue. If you’re looking for a closer spot, the Best Western Date Tree Hotel is only 3.7 miles away, with a shuttle straight to the festival gates for your convenience. The Embassy Suites La Quinta is another favorite, about four miles out, with roomy suites, a kitchenette, and walking distance to shops and restaurants (perfect for when you and your girls want to grab dinner before heading out for the night). And if hotels feel too pricey, an Airbnb with your group is always a smart, budget-friendly move – especially if it comes with a pool to cool off in after a day in the desert heat!

Our Unfailing Packing List:

Now I know it may seem pretty straightforward: denim everything, gold accessories to the max, and your favorite pair of Tecova’s. Oh! And a cowboy hat to finish off the look, of course! However, you’re gonna need a bit more than that to successfully take on a weekend in the heat of Coachella Valley.

Cowboy boots ARE essential for the Instagram feed of your dreams, but by day two, you’ll be grateful for a pair of comfy sneakers to switch into. The desert sun is brutal, so sunscreen is non-negotiable – and you’ll want to keep reapplying throughout the day. A reusable water bottle will save your life (and your wallet) when the heat kicks in, and a bandana doubles as both an accessory and a dust shield for the windy walk back to your car at the end of the night. Toss a portable charger in your bag too – losing battery when you’re filming your favorite song or trying to reconnect with friends at 1 a.m. is a festival nightmare. And while days are hot, desert nights drop fast in temperature, so don’t forget to pack a lightweight jacket.

Our Tips & Tricks

To make the most of your weekend, plan ahead! Lay out your outfits before the trip so you’re not stressing in the morning. Keep some cash on hand since not every vendor takes cards. And, don’t forget to download the official Stagecoach app so you can check set times throughout the day without the fuss of sketchy service. 

We at The Edge hope we influenced you to book the western weekend of your dreams! Try any of our recs? Tag us @theedgemag!