Stagecoach 2022: 10 Things You Need to Know

Country music's golden goose festival, Stagecoach is of course most famous for cowboy hats, jean shorts, and the sounds of the heartland. While these are all readily available onsite, the festival is actually a lot more than that, offering a curated and highly immersive experience to all attendees.

We thought it'd be fun to delve deeper into the festival and showcase just what it entails, so without further ado, here are our picks for the 10 things you need to know about Stagecoach.   

The festival takes place on the same grounds as Coachella

OK you might have known this already, but everyone's favorite influencer festival isn't the only major music festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. Stagecoach takes place on the same grounds the weekend after Coachella wraps up. Not only that but all the amenities that you've seen in so many pictures, including the iconic ferris wheel, stay up for Stagecoach as well.

The lineup isn't only country

Of course country music is the main draw at Stagecoach, but it is far from the only genre represented at the festival. Over the years the lineup has moved in a more inclusive direction, with last year's intended bill featuring viral hip-hop star Lil Nas X, legendary rockers ZZ Top, electronic guru Diplo and more.

Just like Coachella there are lots of celebrity sightings each year

Stagecoach shares more than just its location with Coachella, the two festival behemoths are also both major attractions for celebrities. Stagecoach on a lesser scale, but you never know who you'll see walking around in amongst the crowd, so keep your eyes peeled.

Honkytonk Dance Hall

Ever wonder what a honkytonk really is? Me too. The answer lies at Stagecoach where you can learn line dancing, two-step, round dancing and good ol' fashioned country hoedown dancing from professional instructors in their indoor, air-conditioned dance hall.

Stagecoach is a festival for foodies

Music is priority number one at Stagecoach, but the festival experience is much more than that. Organisers go to painstaking lengths to ensure that every aspect of your time at the Empire Polo Club is as enjoyable as possible, and of course a big part of that is the food. Guy Fieri’s Stagecoach Smokehouse, where he cooks up feasts celebrating regional BBQ favourites from across the country, has become a staple. But don't worry if BBQ isn't your thing, the festival offers an mouth-watering range of delicious treats to accommodate all tastes and diets.

Craft Beer and cocktails a plenty

Along the same lines, the festival also offers a wide range of craft beers at the aptly named Craft Beer Barn, where you can sample brews from across the country. Pro tip: the barn is shaded and even features phone charging stations.

And if cocktails are more your thing, there are plenty of bars with trained mixologists stationed around the festival site.

Nikki Lane's Stage Stop Marketplace is back

The Stage Stop Marketplace is back after a successful debut in 2019. This one-stop shop boasts a curated lineup of artisans covering all your needs and wants, with vintage clothing, unique country-wear, cocktails, and intimate musical performances all going down under one roof. Oh yeah, and it's hosted by country singer-songwriter sweetheart Nikki Lane.

Meet the legendary Budweiser Clydesdales

Everyone's favorite workhorses are now a vital part of Stagecoach. Admit it, you've always wanted to meet these beasts. This is your chance.

Kids will love the Half-Pint Hootenanny

Not only do kids aged 10 and under get in for free but at the Half-Pint Hootenanny they'll find a whole range of activities catering just to them. The tent offers a respite from the sun and features everything from jewellery making, arts and crafts, and face painting to games, competitions, and singing and dancing.

The Main Stage is called Mane Stage

This isn't perhaps the most important detail, but it did get a smirk out of me.

Stagecoach Festival 2022 takes place April 29 - May 1 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA. Find more info on our Stagecoach 2022 Guide and book your Stagecoach 2022 passes here.