The 2026 Extra Innings Festival Delivers the Heat

February 27-28, 2026 – Tempe Beach Park & Arts Park – Tempe, Arizona

Wow!  What a weekend!

I had the chance to cover the 2026 Extra Innings Festival for the first time and I can honestly say it was an absolute blast from start to finish. Stepping up to the plate for its third edition, the festival took over Tempe Beach Park and Arts Park on February 27 and 28 and brought together baseball fans and country music lovers for one seriously stacked weekend. With headliners Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Kane Brown, and Hardy leading the charge, the lineup was already impressive on paper, but seeing it all unfold in person was something else entirely. From Brothers Osborne and Muscadine Bloodline to Bret Michaels, 49 Winchester, Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors, and so many more, there was never a dull moment.

As someone covering it for the first time, I have to give a huge shoutout to the Extra Innings publicist Nicole and her team because they were so welcoming and made everything seamless for us photographers. It makes a world of difference when the media team is organized and kind, and they absolutely nailed it all weekend long.

One of my favorite parts of covering this festival was meeting and instantly bonding with so many incredible photographers. I became fast friends with Joey from Arizona State University, Lily who runs We Live In Frames, Jason from Music Festival Wizard, and C Elliott whose resume goes back decades and who has stories for days. The weekend would not have been the same without them, and having that sense of community in the pit made the experience even more special.

Performance wise, Shaboozey was a massive highlight for me. Even though I was not allowed to photograph his set, it ended up being a blessing in disguise because I got to step back, be fully present, and just take in the energy. He had the crowd absolutely worked into a frenzy and the atmosphere was electric. Jessie Murph was another standout who completely captivated the audience. She looked amazing, sounded incredible, and had this magnetic presence that pulled everyone in from the first note.

Beyond the music, Extra Innings really leans into the baseball theme in the best way possible. Fans could check out Off The Mound with Ryan Dempster, which brought MLB legends and artists together for on site interviews and fun conversations. There was a Speed Pitch and batting cage set up next to the Left Field Stage where fans could test their arm and swing, and MLB greats like Darryl Strawberry, Jermaine Dye, Bret Boone, Jonny Gomes, and Kerry Wood made appearances that had baseball fans geeking out.

The sponsor activations were everywhere in the best way. The High West Whiskey Train was pouring cocktails for the 21 plus crowd, Club Wyndham had its Outfield Lounge with shade and stage views, the Lyft van kept the good vibes rolling, and the BeatBox Bullpen was handing out custom baseball cards while fans sampled new flavors. GHOST Energy brought the hype with their lounge and happy hour, Mike’s Hard Lemonade kept everyone cool, Tito’s was mixing up cocktails, and Allianz had lockers available so you could stash your gear and actually enjoy yourself.

Then there was the food. The park was packed with options from Bussin’ Burgers and Corn Dogs Gone Wild to El Jefe Tacos, Frites Street, Island Noodles, Philly Up, Pizza Nova, Pork On A Fork BBQ, Sonoran Grillz, The Pizza Spot (my absolute favorite), Tom’s BBQ, Tot Box, Wendy’s Street Tacos and Hot Dogs, and so many more, plus VIP vendors like Cartel Roasting Co., Island Boyz Jerk Spot, and Willie’s Taco Joint. Whether you wanted barbecue, tacos, pizza, noodles, or something sweet from Drippin’ Chocolatier or Danzeisen Creamery (big shoutout for giving me a very big free sample), there was something for everyone!

The entire weekend felt like the perfect blend of spring training energy and festival magic. Between the stacked lineup, the baseball tie ins, the food, the sponsors, and the overall organization, Extra Innings Festival delivered on every level. If you ever get the chance to attend, do it. You will absolutely get your money’s worth, and you will walk away with great memories, full stomach, sore feet, and probably a few new friends. The media team, the publicist, the staff, and everyone working behind the scenes were genuinely kind and professional, and the entertainment was top notch.

I’m really hoping to be back next year!