The 10 Best Performances and Biggest Throwbacks of Stagecoach 2026

By Charisma Madarang

Charisma Madarang

Contact Charisma Madarang on X Contact Charisma Madarang by Email View all posts by Charisma Madarang April 27, 2026

This year’s Stagecoach was fueled by classic country, a ton of rock, and plenty of nostalgia. The surprises were abundant, too, including a temporary emergency evacuation on Day Two amid high winds that kicked up cowboy hats and dirt. But even wild gusts couldn’t keep these top acts down at the three-day event, which had people flocking to the Mane Stage to see headliners Cody Johnson (Friday), Lainey Wilson (Saturday) and Post Malone (Sunday).

Here are the best and biggest things we saw at Stagecoach 2026.

Ella Langley surprised everyone and did a duet with Theo Von

Ella Langley made her Stagecoach debut Friday evening. After a delivering “Bottom of Your Boots” and “Broken” off her new album Dandelion, Langley decided it was “story time.” As she began the intro of “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” podcaster and stand-up Theo Von joined her for a duet and the pair led the crowd in singing the chorus.

Third time’s a charm: David Lee Roth joined Teddy Swims once again

After back-to-back Coachella performances, Teddy Swims returned to the Empire Polo Grounds in Indio for Stagecoach and once again brought out David Lee Roth for a rousing rendition of the Van Halen classic “Jump.” The moment was always meant to be, with the rocker telling Rolling Stone after the set, “Classic Van Halen is probably 30 percent cowboy hat and boot.”

Boyz II Men joined Cody Johnson to sing a 1994 gem

During his headlining set on Friday, Cody Johnson brought out Boyz II Men to perform “On Bended Knee,” the R&B group’s hit 1994 song for the Motown label. As Nathan Morris, Wanyá Morris, and Shawn Stockman took to the stage, they got the massive crowd swaying to the lovelorn ballad.

Strong winds weren’t stopping Lainey Wilson from making her headlining performance

High winds forced Stagecoach to cut acts from its roster and thousands of fans to temporarily evacuate the grounds. Journey and Riley Green had their performances called off, while Lainey Wilson‘s headlining set was pushed back to 10:30 p.m.

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In one of the most touching parts of her sensational 90-minute performance, the singer invited Green to join her onstage alongside Little Big Town (who performed earlier in the day). Wilson then gave Green the opportunity for a solo moment to sing “I Wish Grandpas Never Died,” which he wrote in tribute to his grandfather.

Brooks and Dunn held down their country roots

As Stagecoach embraced more pop and rock sounds than ever this year, Brooks and Dunn delivered a set full of fan favorites and classic country singles including “Neon Moon,”  “Brand New Man,” and “She’s Not the Cheatin’ Kind.” They wrapped with a rendition of “Only in America” in honor of police officers.

BigXthaPlug brought big energy and non-stop hits

BigXthaPlug kicked things off with his potent single, “I Hope You’re Happy,” from his star-powered, country-rap album of the same name. His solo performance showcased why BigX has dominated the country charts as he effortlessly moved from hip-hop to country-rap and even led a sing-a-long to Ella Langley’s inescapable, “Choosin’ Texas.”

Hootie and the Blowfish created cross-over magic with Public Enemy

After the Nineties favorites got the crowd deep in their nostalgic bags with a slate of deep-fried jams including “Let Her Cry,” “Hold My Hand,” and “Only Wanna Be With You,” Hootie and the Blowfish welcomed Public Enemy’s Chuck D and Flavor Flav. The duo delivered “He Got Game,” which revisits Buffalo Springfield’s 1966 protest classic “For What It’s Worth,” and the revolutionary anthem “Fight The Power.” 

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Marcus King delivered his searing sound to the Palomino Stage

Marcus King and his band showcased their wild, blues-heavy guitar riffs and his signature sound with songs “Levi’s and Goodbyes” and “Goodbye Carolina.” The artist was also joined by his wife Briley for a touching performance of “Willin.'”

Ink made her Stagecoach mark

Ink made her debut at the country music festival and delivered an oustanding performance for the event’s final day. The rising singer-songwriter played several tracks from her EP Big Buskin’, a tribute to her early days playing for change around Atlanta, including “God’s Been Drinkin’” and “Hoedown.”

Post Malone closes out Stagecoach with a little help from his friends

Post Malone, who made his country debut at the California fest in 2024, brough a medley of his hits and covers that had the crowd grooving during his headlining set. Shaboozey even popped out for a quick cameo to join in for the chorus of Malone’s chart-topping track, “I Had Some Help,” while country traditionalists in Jake Worthington and Braxton Keith joined as his guests of the night.

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