Under the Big Sky Festival 2026 Preview | Chris Stapleton, Zach Top, Cody Jinks & Insider Tips

Heading to Under the Big Sky Festival 2026 in Whitefish, Montana? Whether it's your first trip to the festival or you're a returning fan, this episode of Side Tracks has everything you need to know before the gates open. Daily Inter Lake reporter Taylor Inman is joined by Daily Inter Lake News Editor Derrick Perkins and Whitefish Pilot Editor Kelsey Evans to break down this year's lineup, including headliners Chris Stapleton, Zach Top and Cody Jinks, plus the can't-miss undercard featuring Old Crow Medicine Show, Marcus King Band, Of Monsters and Men, Stephen Wilson Jr., Leftover Salmon, Jamestown Revival and standout Montana artists. The trio also shares their favorite festival traditions, insider tips on parking, shuttles, food vendors, VIP perks, aftershows, what to pack, where to sit, how to beat the crowds, and why Under the Big Sky has become one of Montana's premier summer music festivals. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome & Under the Big Sky memories 00:38 2026 headliners: Chris Stapleton, Zach Top & Cody Jinks 02:02 Hidden gems and must-see artists 04:24 Aftershows and late-night concerts around Whitefish 05:20 Rising artists to watch this year 06:42 Why this lineup stands out in 2026 08:21 Best Montana and local bands to see 10:31 Festival fashion, boots & survival tips 14:16 Local vendors, shopping & festival merchandise 16:00 Tattoos, food, drinks & festival costs 19:27 Safety, crowds and why the festival works so well 21:09 Best places to relax around the ranch 22:00 The beauty of Under the Big Sky Ranch 23:45 What to pack before you go 25:30 VIP experience, bathrooms & comfort tips 26:29 Parking, shuttles and transportation 29:33 Final advice for visitors & festival etiquette Learn more about Under the Big Sky at https://www.underthebigskyfest.com/ Check out interviews Taylor had with festivalgoers in 2025:    • 20,000 Strong: Why Fans Flock to Under the...   Read Derrick's article from last year's festival: https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/... Read Kelsey's story about the light production for Under the Big Sky: https://whitefishpilot.com/news/2026/... #UnderTheBigSky #UnderTheBigSkyFestival #WhitefishMT #Montana #ChrisStapleton #ZachTop #CodyJinks #CountryMusic #Americana #MusicFestival #MontanaEvents #FlatheadValley #SideTracksPodcast #DailyInterLake