Stagecoach is a thing unto itself, California’s country music festival and a gathering of all the west coasters who can make the trip out to the desert to celebrate their love for down-home, southern-inspired music. From folk, to pop country, bluegrass and Americana, there’s something for everyone at the event, and if you’re a fan of Kacey Musgraves, she stole the show at the latest iteration of the event, which took place in Palm Springs last weekend. Thrown on the same grounds as Coachella, Stagecoach manages to be a follow-up that is a bit more lowkey — at least for now — and obviously emphasizes country musicians over mainstream pop, hip-hop or rock ones.
But to truly get a feel for the fest, you’d really have to be there and see it for yourself. Luckily for us, we’ve got the next closest thing — a photo diary from the photographer Ashley Wilhardt, who was also out in the desert last weekend. Seeing as its Friday, and at this point last weekend I was about to pop open my first beer and hop into a crowd swaying back and forth to Lindsay Ell’s pop-country hit “Criminal,” now seemed like a great time to revisit the fest in all its glory. Enjoy Ashley’s photos below, and make sure to look out for the event when it comes back around next year.
The rainbow tower at the gates of the festival set the tone for a psychedelic, interactive experience. Attendees could walk up and down the spiral staircases, taking photos through the rainbow-colored lenses.
Chris Janson rocked the Mane (ha!) stage early Friday evening to a swell of fans, eager to see a quick up-and-comer about to get his due.
Beer and brisket, the official meal of Stagecoach.
Did I mention beer is a big part of this fest?
Guy Fieri curated an entire crew of barbecue and grillmasters from all over the country to come pedal their wares at the Stagecoach Smokehouse. It was… incredible, to say the least.
Some members of our crew in the Chevy Colorado that carried us out to the desert — definitely appreciate that it came equipped with a Bluetooth sync which let everyone blast their own country favorites. (Yes, I did insist everyone sing along to multiple Shania Twain cuts, she played in 2017 and I’m crossing my fingers she’ll be back next year!)
Honoring ye olde wild wild west culture is a big part of Stagecoach — these wanted posters in part of an onsite installation were a hilarious nod to that outlaw past.
As much as barebcue is a huge part of Stagecoach, LA’s Sage restaurant showing up with their buffalo cauliflower was a major win — I picked up that delicious alternative to wings exactly two times across three days.
The country’s largest mobile Ferris wheel was on hand, to pick up guests with tired feet and give them a chance to rest, and look out across the entire desert landscape.
Sure, I’ve been talking about Kacey Musgraves a lot lately — but have you seen her bejeweled old Nashville era suit? Pure genius.
The American flag is a huge part of the Stagecoach aesthetic — and so are cowboy hats and shades, as these front row attendees perfectly illustrate.
Brothers Osborne. If you need to learn about this amazing country duo, check out Steven Hyden’s review of their latest RX-approved album Port Saint Joe here.
Truly, the crowds at Stagecoach are one of the best parts. Just look at that country style!
Neon lights and palm trees, must be Stagecoach.
The massive rainbow tower was truly a unique installment for this year’s fest, more events should sit up and take note of this cool interactive element.
Jason motherfuckin’ Isbell. A master songwriter, Grammy-award-winning musician, and all-around southern rock and country badass. You need to check out his thoughts on the world, and hear his latest album The Nashville Sound.
Uproxx was hosted for this story via accommodations provided by Chevrolet. Check out the Uproxx Press Trip policy here.
