If you thought you knew the Stagecoach Country Music Festival, think again.

For this year, the sister festival to Coachella is boldly expanding its borders — not only musically but culturally and creatively. With a lineup from Zach Bryan and Jelly Roll to Lana Del Rey, Nelly and even Creed and the Backstreet Boys, the three-day festival through Sunday at the Empire Polo Club in Indio is doubling down on its reputation for delivering country’s biggest stars while welcoming a new wave of fans who might not have attended just a few years ago.

“We’ve always aimed to bring the best of country music to the desert,” says Stacy Vee, executive vice president of festival talent for Stagecoach, on a phone call. “This lineup is a love letter to country fans — and to everyone curious about country music,” on a phone call. “But this year felt really special. We’re striking a balance, celebrating traditional country roots while giving space to genre-pushing artists who want to be part of this world.” The result? A lineup that feels expansive, nostalgic and unpredictable in the best way.

Big country, big moments

Vee lights up when talking about Jelly Roll, the Saturday-night headliner, who made a major impression during his Stagecoach debut last year. “He’s having a moment,” she says, referencing his recent CMA win and new album. “And he really dreamed of headlining this stage. He even talked about it while performing last year — you can’t ignore that.”

Bryan’s rise to the top has been meteoric, and Luke Combs’ return from his 2023 appearance further anchors the weekend in mainstream country.

But the lineup’s edge shows in the unexpected: Del Rey, with her upcoming country-influenced project and folk-country single “Bluebird.” Nelly, celebrating 20 years since “Country Grammar.” T-Pain and the Backstreet Boys, artists whose sounds might not scream country, but whose appeal is universal.

“These artists have connections to the country world — whether it’s collaborations, fandom or just straight-up desire to play Stagecoach,” Vee says. “We’re embracing that.”

A crossroads between Coachella and country

There’s an undeniable overlap happening between Coachella and Stagecoach — and promoter Goldenvoice isn’t pretending otherwise. With artists hopping between the two lineups and fans discovering country through crossover bookings, the line between the festivals is intentionally blurrier than ever.

“There’s space for both,” Vee says. “People love music, period. And what we’re seeing is a new audience willing to experience Stagecoach in a fresh way.”

Among the musical hybrids, and returning for its third year, Diplo’s Honky Tonk is set to be bigger than ever.

This unique stage blends country vibes with dance music, featuring performances by Diplo himself, Paris Hilton, Chromeo, Sofi Tukker, DJ Pee .Wee (aka Anderson .Paak), Steve Aoki, 30Rack, Kevin Bolt, Scott Storch, Famous Dave, Shaddix and more. The organizers have even expanded the dance floor beyond the tent to accommodate the growing crowds.

Experiences

Stagecoach isn’t just about the music. The festival continues to build out its immersive experience. Guy Fieri’s Smokehouse is back with new cooking demos, and the Compton Cowboys will again bring their unique presence — blending tradition with a new kind of western storytelling.

“These pieces are part of the heart of Stagecoach,” Vee adds. “It’s not just about who’s on the main stage — it’s what’s happening all across the field.”

Looking ahead

Organizers say Stagecoach 2025 is meant to surprise, excite and welcome even more fans into the fold.

“This lineup is a love letter to country fans — and to everyone curious about country music,” Vee says.

“It’s for people who want to sing along, feel something and maybe discover their new favorite artist in the process.”