La Onda is a two-day Latin music and culture festival held in Napa, California, celebrating the full spectrum of música Latina — from regional Mexican and Banda to Reggaetón, Cumbia, Tropical, and Indie-Alternativo. Think: big energy, bigger vocals, and even bigger cowboy hats.
I arrived at La Onda 2025 expecting a weekend of Latin music, but it quickly became clear: this was a cowboy hat festival with a side of tunes. Everywhere I looked, there were sombreros, stetsons, and custom creations that turned heads faster than the bass drops.
The La Onda music was great, but the cowboy hats were legendary! They had incredible performances from artists like Marco Antonio Solís, Banda MS, and Carín León. But let’s be honest—the real headliners were the hats. From intricately designed pieces to bold, statement-making toppers, the festival grounds were a runway of Western flair.
Top 10 Cowboy Hats Spotted at La Onda 2025
1. MY HAT IS BIGGERIt’s not a competition… except it 100% is. These hats are practically eclipsing the sun, doubling as personal shade structures and ego boosters. If someone says size doesn’t matter, they clearly didn’t attend La Onda.
2. COORDINATED OUTFITS“Hey girl, what are you wearing today?” “Oh, I’m wearing white cowboy chic with a feather pop.” “Ok, same, girl.” Matching hats. Matching boots. Matching energy. It’s giving synchronized vaquera realness — and we’re here for it.
3. THE LAWThese hats don’t just make a statement — they enforce it. Wide-brimmed, serious as sin, and worn low like they’ve seen some things. These hats don’t smile. These hats lay down the law.
4. HATS FOR RESTINGBecause every fiesta needs a siesta. These oversized sombreros were designed for one thing: shaded naps. Find a patch of grass, tilt it over your face, and disappear like a cowboy ninja.
5. SIGN MY HAT NOT MY BOOBA modern twist on fan behavior. Permanent marker in hand, they’re ready. Signatures from Banda MS, Xavi, or that dude with the cowboy accordion? All immortalized on straw, not flesh. Mom would be proud.
6. RELIGIOUS HATCrosses, saints, rosaries, maybe a full Virgin of Guadalupe embroidered right on top. These hats are basically portable altars. Don’t touch them. Don’t question them. Just nod respectfully and move on.
7. MY HAT IS GOOD, MY SHIRT IS BETTERThey came with the full drip: a pink dress shirt or rhinestone button-down, paired with embroidered jeans, snakeskin belt, and gold chain. The Stetson cowboy hat is the headliner, but the fit is the opener and support. Love your fit, bro!
8. HELPFUL HATThis hat doesn’t just sit pretty — it knows things. “Where’s the taco line?” Ask the hat. “Where’s the silent disco?” The hat will know. Worn by your most organized tío or the festival MVP.
9. HAT WITH BLINGWhy is your hat so… tame? The bling hat crew says sparkle or go home. These hats reflect more light than a Texas sunrise and could probably blind a rodeo judge from 50 yards.
10. TWO HATS IS BETTER THAN ONEOne hat? Amateur. Two hats? Iconic. Stack them, strap one to your back for emergencies, or carry a spare for your boo. (Or, wear your boo’s hat, cus you’re already carrying her purse and cellphone.)
BONUS CATEGORIES:
DIDN’T GET THE MEMOThese poor souls showed up in straw cap and a porkpie hat. Also seen were snapbacks, bucket hats, and even beanies. They clearly thought this was Coachella with empanadas. Rookie mistake!
SOME HATS ARE MASKSThanks for holding my drink betch! While most came rocking cowboy hats, they came rocking a full-on luchador mask. Because why block the sun when you can body-slam your friends and out-style everyone in the festival?
IF IT WASN’T HATS, IT WAS BOOTS & ACCESSORIESIn truth, I didn’t even know there was such a thing as green cows! In addition to these boots, there were matching hat + boot sets, fringe fanny packs, horseshoe earrings, and belt buckles bigger than your ex’s ego and twice as reflective. La Onda was not subtle, and I think that might be the point.
IN THE MARKET FOR A HAT? HERE’S YOUR GRINGO GUIDE:Vaquero Vogue“If Chuck Norris walked a Paris runway.” A jet-black cowboy hat with silver trim — sleek, deadly, and dramatic. Often seen in classic westerns or on that one guy who brought a smoke machine to the dance floor.Festival FiestaThe hat version of your tequila-fueled cousin who thinks he knows all the dance steps. Bright colors, bold embroidery, and could add dingle balls. This hat shouts “¡VAMOS A BAILAR!” before the music even starts. If you don’t have dingle balls or pom poms, you can borrow some from Cheech! (Up in Smoke!)Classic CharroSteeped in Mexican tradition, this wide-brimmed, heavily embroidered hat is worn like a crown. You’ve seen this on mariachi bands and telenovela dads. Fancy, formal, and full of swagger.Modern MinimalistNo frills, no flash, just clean lines, neutral tones, and a subtle flex. Basically, the Apple Store of cowboy hats. The choice for someone who wants to say “I’m stylish” without screaming it.Bedazzled BeautyThis hat came to the party to make friends with or without you. Covered in rhinestones and shimmer, it reflects light like a disco ball. Beyoncé would wear this to ride a mechanical bull.Artisan’s DreamHand-painted and gallery-worthy, this one looks like Frida Kahlo went to a rodeo. Expect florals, sacred hearts, skulls — or all of the above. You don’t wear this hat, you curate it.Floral FantasyFresh flowers on your head, literally. Romantic, over-the-top, and often paired with flowing dresses. Like Woodstock and Día de los Muertos had a love child.Leather LegendDeep brown or black leather with embossed details — this hat has seen things. Gives “I’ve been on a horse before” energy, even if you’ve only been on a Bird scooter. Or says “HI DADDY!”Straw StatementLightweight, breathable, and ideal for long festival days under the sun. Great for dancing, great for shade, not great for rain. Worn by everyone from ranch hands to influencer dads.Customized CreationMade on-site at hat bars like Rose & Co., these are personalized “masterpieces.” Pick the band, the shape, the flair — it’s like Build-A-Bear for your head. One-of-a-kind—just like your bad ideas.
Notable Performances Amidst the Hat Parade Marco Antonio Solís: The legendary singer-songwriter was more energetic than ever.Banda MS: Their energetic set had the crowd dancing in the back.Pepe Aguilar: Blending traditional and contemporary sounds.(Gossip started Saturday about his inappropriate daughter Angela, who performed on Sunday.)Reyna Tropical: Loved when she yelled, “I’M GAY AS FCK, ladies leave your man now or never!”Carín León: Carried a bottle of tequila while he sang, at the end fans yelled “OTRA!”
La Onda 2025 proved that while music feeds the soul, a standout cowboy hat completes the experience. Here’s to the hats that made a statement and the beats that kept us dancing.
SOCIAL LINKS Official La Onda Website • laondafest.comLa Onda Instagram • instagram.com/laondafest
TOO BAD I DON’T HAVE AN AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK!!!Ugly Cowboy Hats For Gringos Rose & Co. Hat Bar at La Ondaroseandcohatbar.com/laonda2025El Vaquero Western Wearinstagram.com/elvaquerodenapa
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