Coachella

Basking in the desert sun amidst immersive art installations and beats pulsing through the air, Coachella is more than a music festival — it’s a cultural phenomenon. Held annually in Indio, California, this iconic event draws music lovers, art enthusiasts, and fashion trendsetters from around the globe. With its eclectic lineup spanning genres from indie rock to hip hop and EDM, Coachella is a genre-blending celebration of sound and self-expression. Over the years, it has also become legendary for surprise band reunions, like the Pixies in 2004, blink-182 in 2023, and No Doubt in 2024, which adds a thrilling sense of musical history to the experience.^1,2

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is a rite of passage for festivalgoers. Grab your Coachella tickets at AXS and get ready for a weekend of spellbinding sunsets and unforgettable music.

Coachella began in 1999 as a bold experiment in blending alternative music and art in the California desert. That inaugural year featured Beck and Rage Against the Machine as headliners and welcomed 25,000 music lovers — but ultimately failed to turn a profit.⁶ The second attempt, in April 2001, was a one-day event. In 2002, Coachella returned to a two-day format with Björk, Oasis, and Siouxsie and the Banshees headlining.⁷

The festival sold out for the first time in 2004, drawing a crowd of 110,000 over the two days.^8,9 By 2010, it expanded to a three-day event hosting 75,000 attendees per day, and in 2012, it evolved into a six-day experience held over two consecutive weekends. By the early 2020s, Coachella’s average daily attendance had soared to 125,000.

What started as a small-scale event has since grown into a two-weekend global sensation, attracting top-tier talent and festivalgoers from around the world. Known for shaping festival culture, Coachella has helped launch careers, set fashion trends, and redefine the live music experience. Its influence goes beyond the stage, making it a cultural touchstone that continues to push creative boundaries in music, art, and self-expression.

Coachella’s lineup is renowned for its genre-defying mix of global superstars, rising indie talent, and cutting-edge EDM artists. Each year, the festival showcases a carefully curated blend of chart-topping headliners, buzzworthy newcomers, and surprise guest appearances. From pop icons and hip hop legends to underground electronic acts, there’s something for every music lover.

Past Coachella lineups have featured icons like Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, The White Stripes, Blink-182, and Swedish House Mafia, showing just how far-reaching and inclusive the booking strategy can be.^3,4,5 You might catch an acoustic set from a folk singer just hours before a bass-thumping DJ set under the desert sky. With stages like the Sahara Tent catering to EDM fans and the Gobi and Mojave tents showcasing intimate performances, Coachella offers a sonic journey that evolves throughout the day and into the night.

Coachella Line Up Friday 10,17 April 2026

• Sabrina Carpenter
• The XX
• Nine Inch Noize
• Disclosure
• Turnstile
• Ethel Cain

Coachella Line Up Saturday 11,18 April 2026

• Justin Bieber
• The Strokes
• Giveon
• Addison Rae
• Labrinth
• sombr

Coachella Line Up Sunday 12, 19 April 2026

• Karol G
• Yung Thug
• Kaskade
• BIGBANG
• Laufey
• Major Lazer

Learn more about the official 2026 Coachella lineup here. Keep an eye on the Coachella event page on AXS for the latest updates.

Immerse yourself in festival vibes from sunrise to sunset. Coachella offers several camping options right next to the festival grounds at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. Whether you choose basic tent camping, car camping, or upscale glamping, the experience gives you a way to make a weekend of it while making friends from around the world.

Coachella’s standard camping options include:

• Car camping: A 10 × 30 ft spot reserved for your vehicle. You can bring tents or sleep in your car and accommodate as many people as fit comfortably. No driving in/out during the weekend, and entry requires arrival as a group.
• Powered car camping: If you want a spot with a power point for charging devices, opt for a powered car camping site in Lot 5A. These sites also include access to exclusive showers and flushing restrooms with mirrors and plugs for hair styling accessories.
• Preferred camping: Front‑of‑lot spots in Lot 8 are reserved for easier access to the venue and more comfortable arrival times.

For those seeking a more luxurious stay:

• Ready‑set tents: These tent sites are 10’ x 15’ and can accommodate a maximum of 2 people. Your commemorative Coachella tent comes furnished with air mattresses, sleeping bags, pillows, a hanging light, and a lock. There’s no air conditioning inside units, but cell‑charging stations and concierge support are available.
• La Campana tents: Camp in comfort in temperature-controlled tents in a secluded camping spot (Lot 5B adjacent to the venue). These sites are 20’ x 30’ and accommodate two or four guests. The roomy 5-meter bell tent is furnished with beds, bedding, chairs, a portable cooling unit, and a power outlet suitable for small devices. La Campana guests have access to exclusive showers and flushing restrooms with mirrors and power points for hair-dryers.
• Tents and lodges at Lake Eldorado: Enjoy the convenience of being close to the venue entrance, camping hub, and general food store. Lake Eldorado is tucked between Lots 7 and 8. Choose between 8’ x 12’ x 8’ furnished wood lodges for two guests or the 12’x14’ fully pitched 4-person tents. Lake Eldorado passes include a 24-hr concierge, separate private check-in, exclusive showers and toilets within Lake Eldorado, and GA or VIP passes.

Getting to Coachella can be an adventure in itself! There are several ways to make your journey to the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, whether you’re coming from nearby or flying in from afar.

Driving

Many festivalgoers choose to drive, especially if they’re camping or staying nearby. Parking is available in Day Parking, Preferred Parking, and Camping Companion lots, but traffic can be heavy.

Walking or cycling

If you’re staying close to the venue, walking or biking is a great option. Bike racks are available near the entrances, and pedestrian paths are marked clearly. Just be sure to bring a bike lock and lights if you’ll be returning after dark.

Rideshare and carpooling

Coachella offers designated rideshare zones (like Lot 1D) for easy drop-off and pick-up. If you’re driving, consider participating in Carpoolchella — vehicles with four or more wristband-wearing passengers may win prizes and reduce traffic congestion.

Shuttles

Shuttle passes are a popular choice and can be purchased in advance. Coachella offers local hotel shuttles and LAX airport shuttles that drop off near the venue. Shuttles run on a loop throughout the day and into the night, making them one of the most stress-free ways to travel.

Public transport

SunLine Transit buses serve the Coachella Valley and nearby cities, but routes may be limited during the festival. Long-distance options like Greyhound and Amtrak Thruway buses stop in Indio, but you’ll still need to arrange transport from the station to the venue.

Tips for a smoother arrival

No matter how you get there, plan ahead, check your routes, and allow extra time for delays, especially on high-traffic arrival days like Thursday and Friday.

• Arrive early: Lots open at 11 AM, but traffic can cause delays. Aim to beat the crowd.
• No in-and-out: All lots restrict re-entry; plan accordingly if you want to leave early.

Coachella Parking

With the enormous volume of people streaming into Coachella’s festival grounds (around 125,000 per day), it is a good idea to get familiar with all the parking and entry details.

Day parking

• General parking is open from 11 AM to 2 AM, Friday through Sunday.
• No pick-up or drop-off allowed inside day parking – use designated drop-off/pick-up zones.
• All passengers must wear a valid festival wristband.
• Vehicles left after 2 AM may be towed.

Preferred parking

• Upgrade for convenient parking spots closer to the entrance.
• Open Friday through Sunday from 11 AM to 2 AM.
• No entry after 10 PM.
• Everyone in the vehicle must have wristbands. No ins and outs permitted.

Companion camping parking

• These parking spots are intended for additional vehicles joining a camping group.
• Valid from Thursday to Monday with these check-in hours:
• Thursday: 9 AM – 2 PM
• Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: 9 AM – 8 PM
• Vehicle lockdown is enforced for overnight festival visitors. No cars, RVs, or camper vans may enter or exit the parking areas from 9 PM to 2 PM, Friday to Sunday.
• Early departures must occur before 9 PM to avoid forfeiting your spot.

Take note: Campsites may not be reserved. Groups wanting to camp together must enter together so they can arrive at the campsite simultaneously.

Knowing Coachella’s policies ahead of time can help ensure a smoother, more enjoyable festival experience. From entry rules to what you can bring, understanding the guidelines is key to making the most of your weekend.

• Bags: Bags may be no larger than 18" x 13" x 8.5" (for the festival area).
• Re-Entry & Smoking: Re-entry is permitted if you scan out your wristband when exiting. Smoking is not allowed in tents, camper vans, and lodges.
• Payment Options: The event is cashless. Festival goers can make purchases with contactless cards or mobile pay options.
• Prohibited Items: No outside food or drinks, professional cameras, drones, selfie sticks, or flags. Water guns, hula hoops, glow sticks, flashlights, and inflatable balls are not permitted.
• Age Restrictions: The festival is suitable for all ages, but camping is restricted to individuals 18 years of age or older.

For the most up-to-date guidance, check the official Coachella policy page. Some policies differ slightly depending on whether you are a day visitor or are camping on the festival grounds. Check the camping policy page to review info and rules regarding overnight stays.

Sources

1. Word of the Week: Coachella began as a typo. Here's what happened next - NPR
2. Breaking Down All the Comebacks & Reunions Booked for Coachella 2024 - Billboard
3. Past Festivals - Coachella
4. Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival - Coachella
5. Coachella History - Genre By Year - Billboard
6. Art - Coachella Valley Festival - Britannica
7. History - Coachella Festival
8. Pearl Jam concert helped launch Coachella music festival - Desert Sun
9. Coachella Music Festival History: The Evolution Of An Icon - Dear Media