A Sensational Summer Kickoff

By Idyllwild Blog · May 27, 2026 · Updated September 30, 2026

Memorial Day weekend brought stagecoach rides, live music and a creekside beer garden to Idyllwild, and a moment to honor those who served.

The Butterfield Stagecoach and its horse team passing the pines in Idyllwild — The Butterfield Stagecoach on its Memorial Day weekend loop through town.

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and Idyllwild started the summer season in style. Every weekend offers something fun to do in our mountain town, but watch the calendar for long weekends, like the upcoming Strawberry Fest, where stagecoach rides, live music and the beer garden at Idyllwild Brewpub will return throughout the summer season.

The horse-drawn Butterfield Stagecoach on a street in Idyllwild, with granite peaks behind — The historic Butterfield Stagecoach on its loop through town.

Take a ride

The historic Butterfield Stagecoach carried guests on a loop through Idyllwild. On the ride from Idyllwild Brewpub, passengers enjoyed views of the town and Idypark on their tour of the town.

The stagecoach will return to Idyllwild on select summer weekends, so check the events page for more chances to ride this fun piece of history.

The Butterfield Stagecoach and its horse team waiting outside Idyllwild Brewpub — The stagecoach waits for passengers outside Idyllwild Brewpub.

A bartender at the window of Idyllwild Brewpub's polished Airstream beer trailer — Idyllwild Brewpub's Airstream beer trailer at the beer garden.

Enjoy the music (and the beer)

On the banks of Strawberry Creek, Idyllwild Brewpub set up the Beer Garden. Beer and cocktails were poured from their custom Airstream beer trailer. Local bands and DJs performed throughout the weekend, including DJ Ephemera, Los Poncho Tones, and Daversion.

While the beer garden is only available on long summer weekends, DJ Ephemera plays regular nights at Idyllwild Brewpub (the Brewpub’s site has the schedule), and its house-brewed beer and hand-crafted cocktails are always available.

Veterans in white shirts and caps handle a large US flag during the Changing of the Colors at Idypark — The Changing of the Colors at Idypark, led by American Legion Post 800.

Time to reflect

Our community made time during the weekend to honor Memorial Day and pay tribute to the brave men and women whose service and sacrifice we will never forget. The Changing of the Colors flag ceremony at Idypark was led by American Legion Post 800, and featured moving performances of Taps and God Bless America by local residents.

See you next time

The next chance to experience a long weekend in Idyllwild is coming up at Idyllwild Strawberry Fest, June 19 to 21. Both Juneteenth and Father’s Day weekend, we’ll be celebrating with the return of the Butterfield Stagecoach, more live music, and the beer garden at Idyllwild Brewpub, plus more events throughout the town. Head to the lodging page to book your room for another summer weekend in Idyllwild. See you then.