This was our fourth fandango at the biggest country music festival this side of, well, anywhere - it’s the biggest country festival in the world. Held at the Empire Polo Club grounds in Indio just five days after Coachella wrapped, the sold-out three-day event was our best yet.

The temperature stayed in the mid-80s, which was way more comfortable than the triple digits we’re used to, though there were still sudden wind gusts and mini dust storms to deal with.

The lineup was stacked: chart-toppers like Zach Bryan, Jelly Roll, and Luke Combs headlined, while rising Americana stars like Sierra Ferrell and Nikki Lane brought new energy. The festival also tipped its cowboy hat to legends like Garth Brooks and Crystal Gayle - and threw in a few curveballs for good measure. Where else can you see all the above plus Lana Del Rey, T-Pain, Creed, Nelly, the Goo Goo Dolls, Mumford and Sons, Tommy James & the Shondells (“Crimson and Clover”), and even the Backstreet Boys in one weekend?

Beyond the music, there was a strong sense of community - thousands of people coming together to celebrate the artists they love and the joy of being together.

We’re already counting down to ’26. See you there!