Have you seen photos of a desert festival every April and wondered what all the hype is about?
Coachella generates millions of posts, videos, and conversations online each year. People either plan their entire spring around it or question why it’s so popular.
The festival has become a cultural moment that extends beyond just music.
In this blog, I’ll show you what Coachella is really about. I’ll cover when it happens, how it started, what to expect, ticket information, who typically goes, and preparation tips.
By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of this event
What Is Coachella?
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is an annual event in California. It combines live music performances with visual art displays across multiple days
The festival features several stages showcasing a variety of music genres. Rock, pop, indie, hip-hop, and electronic dance music play throughout the weekend, giving attendees variety and choice
Why It’s Popular?
- Having multiple music genres in one place lets you hear different styles throughout the day.
- Interactive art installations create photo opportunities and hands-on experiences between performances.
- Food options from around the world, plus a desert atmosphere, make it more than just a concert.
Where and When Does Coachella Take Place?
The festival happens at Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. This venue sits in the Coachella Valley, part of the Colorado Desert region, about 130 miles east of Los Angeles.
The outdoor space changes into a temporary city each April. Stages, art installations, food courts, and camping areas fill the grounds for two identical weekends during the festival.
2026 Festival Dates:
- Weekend 1: April 10-12
- Weekend 2: April 17-19
Each weekend runs three consecutive days with the same lineup. This format gives fans two chances to attend based on their schedules and ticket availability.
The desert climate brings warm days and cooler nights. Plan for temperature changes between daytime heat and evening chill when packing your festival gear.
How Coachella Started and How It Grew Over Time?
The story began in 1993 when Pearl Jam performed at Empire Polo Club. They chose this location to protest Ticketmaster policies, proving the venue could host massive concerts.
The Beginning
Paul Tollett and Rick Van Santen founded Coachella in 1999 through Goldenvoice. The first October event drew 37,000 fans but lost money, nearly ending before it started.
Growth Through the Years
→ 2000: Skipped due to financial losses
→ 2001: Returned as a one-day event
→ 2002: Expanded to two days
→ 2007: Added third day
→ 2012: Launched second weekend
By 2017, over 250,000 people attended both weekends combined. That year brought $114.6 million in revenue. The festival paused during 2020-2021 but returned stronger, cementing its status as a global music event.
What Is the Music and Art Experience at Coachella Like?
Music and art blend together at Coachella, shaping how visitors move and spend time across the festival grounds. Seven stages and countless installations turn the desert into a cultural playground
Music Stages
The festival features Coachella Stage, Outdoor Theatre, Gobi, Mojave, Sahara, Yuma, and Sonora. Multiple artists perform simultaneously, letting you choose your path
Genres range from indie rock to electronic beats. Livestreams broadcast performances worldwide. Between sets, craft studios offer hands-on creative activities for attendees
Art Installations
Large sculptures and interactive pieces fill the festival grounds. Curators source works from global artists and place large installations throughout the open areas of the festival grounds.
Light displays activate after sunset, creating shifting moods. Sensory pieces invite interaction. Art remains accessible all day, serving as meeting points and photo backgrounds.
How Much Do Coachella Tickets Cost?
The 2026 passes sold out quickly. Waitlist and resale platforms remain your options now. Here’s the pricing breakdown before they sold out:
| Pass Type | Weekend 1 | Weekend 2 |
|---|---|---|
| General Admission | $649-$699 | $549-$599 |
| GA + Shuttle | $779-$829 | $679-$729 |
| VIP | $1,299 | $1,199 |
| GA 4-Pack (per pass) | $639 | $539 |
All prices include service fees, and Add-ons like camping passes and locker rentals start at $89 each.
Weekend 2 typically costs less than Weekend 1. Group packages like the 4-pack offer per-person savings compared to individual tickets.
Who Goes to Coachella?
The festival draws a young crowd, with 73% of attendees between the ages of 18 and 34. Women make up about 58% of festival-goers, while male attendance increased 6% recently.
Typical Attendees
- Music fans seeking diverse genres
- Social media creators and content makers
- Celebrities like Billie Eilish and Justin Bieber
- Families bringing older teens
- Gen Z replacing millennials as dominant group
The audience has shifted over the past few years. What started as mainly millennials now includes younger generations seeking cultural moments. People attend for the music but also for social connections.
Some come to express personal style and capture photos around the festival grounds. Others prioritize specific artists or art installations throughout the grounds.
What to Bring if You Go to Coachella?
Packing smart makes your festival experience comfortable and stress-free. The desert climate requires specific items to stay safe, hydrated, and ready for long days
Essential Items
Bring sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher, a reusable water bottle or hydration pack, and comfortable walking shoes. Pack sunglasses, a bandana or face mask, your ID, and wallet with cash and cards
Add a portable phone charger, earplugs for hearing protection, and a small bag under 18 “x13” x8.5”. These basics cover your needs for the entire day
Camping Gear
A tent, sleeping bag, cooler with frozen water and electrolytes, trash bags, and a flashlight are must-haves. The desert gets cold at night despite daytime heat
Nice to Have
A handheld fan, wet wipes, healthy snacks like trail mix, a blanket under 50” x70”, and binoculars help enhance comfort. Avoid large bags and aerosol sprays as they’re prohibited.
Wrapping It Up
Coachella offers more than just music performances. It creates a space where art, culture, and community come together in the desert.
The festival has grown from a small gathering to a global event that attracts hundreds of thousands of people each year.
Whether you’re interested in the lineup, the art installations, or the overall atmosphere, Coachella provides a unique experience.
If you’re planning to attend, prepare for the desert climate and pack accordingly. The festival requires planning, but rewards you with memories that last.
Have you been to Coachella before, or are you thinking about going? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Not to Wear to Coachella?
Avoid formal attire and delicate clothing that can’t handle dust and crowds. Skip outfits that restrict movement or make walking and dancing uncomfortable.
Who Is the Highest-Paid Performer at Coachella?
Justin Bieber holds the record for the highest-paid headliner at Coachella, performing alongside other major artists, including Sabrina Carpenter and Karol G.
Do Celebrities Do Private Meet-And-Greets?
Yes, celebrities offer private meet-and-greets through booking agents, VIP packages, charity events, and corporate functions, with varying levels of interaction and access.
