18 Coachella 2026 acts we can’t wait to see

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Coachella 2026 kicks off tomorrow, and festival attendees are now checking the schedule to plan which performances they don’t want to miss. Whether you’re excited to see established artists or discover new favorites, the festival offers a wide range of music over three days. As our team at The Times prepares to head to Indio, here are 18 artists we’re especially looking forward to seeing.

FRIDAY

Fleshwater
4:50 p.m., Sonora Tent

Kids are drawn to shoegaze for its dreamy, detached feeling, but those really into the genre recognize that the best bands also have incredibly strong and dynamic drumming and bass. Take Fleshwater, for example – their shimmering guitars and overwhelming soundscapes are powerfully driven by energetic and skillful percussion that recalls metal and hardcore. When vocalist Marisa Shirar hits those soaring, emotional high notes, you can tell she’s earned them. (August Brown)

CMAT
6:15 p.m., Gobi Tent

It’s surprising how powerfully moving a collection of songs about everyday frustrations – like a TV chef and a neighbor moving in – can be. This Irish singer’s album, dubbed “Euro-Country,” is one of the year’s funniest and most emotionally resonant, showcasing incredible talent and charisma. (AB)

Turnstile
8:05 p.m., Outdoor Theatre

Turnstile’s 2025 album, “Never Enough”—my pick for the best of the year—sounds even more incredible in person. I’ve been to every one of their shows because they’re both exhilarating and emotionally releasing. I’m hoping to see Blood Orange, another Coachella performer, join them on stage for “Alien Love Call” or “Seein’ Stars.” Be warned: no matter where you are in the crowd, you should be prepared for mosh pits to start up unexpectedly. (Vanessa Franko)

Blood Orange
11:55 p.m., Mojave Tent

Blood Orange, also known as Dev Hynes, has a catalog full of popular songs, making his festival performance one of the most anticipated events this year. 2025 saw the release of his emotionally resonant album, “Essex Honey,” which he described to The Times as being inspired by real life experiences, not just the music industry. He also noted the surprising resurgence of his 2012 song “Champagne Coast,” thanks to social media. He found the pursuit of viral fame ironic, comparing it to trying to ‘catch’ a virus – it happens unexpectedly. However it gained popularity, fans will be thrilled to hear it live at the festival, along with other favorites like “Augustine” and “Saint.” (Julius Miller)

SATURDAY

Ecca Vandal
4:20 p.m., Sonora Tent

I was immediately drawn to Ecca Vandal’s song “Cruising to Self Soothe” – it reminded me of a mix between Turnstile and Brody Dalle’s work with The Distillers. She’s really versatile, blending elements of punk, trip hop, alternative hip-hop, and pop. With her new album, “Looking for People to Unfollow,” coming out May 22nd and a tour schedule that includes opening for Deftones and playing festivals like Lollapalooza, now’s the time to tell everyone you saw her perform at a tiny stage at Coachella years ago. (VF)

Geese
6:15 p.m., Gobi Tent

I’m so excited to see Geese play! They’ve really been leading the charge in bringing back that classic band experience with their incredible new rock sound. I was a little surprised to see they’re a bit further down the Saturday lineup this year, considering how quickly they’ve become popular, but I have no doubt they’ll draw a huge and energetic crowd. From what I’ve heard, Cameron Winter really commands the stage, and the band just delivers song after song – it’s a non-stop, amazing performance without a lot of extra fluff. Just pure, high-quality music!

Giveon
7 p.m., Coachella Stage

Even in harsh conditions, like the desert heat, Giveon’s smooth, comforting voice feels like a soothing remedy for both emotional and physical pain. Since his hit song “Give or Take” in 2022, the Long Beach singer has quickly become incredibly popular, praised for his heartfelt and emotionally honest take on R&B – a performance that resonated with audiences at Coachella. He continued this success with his 2025 album, “Beloved,” a rich and moving collection of songs, including “Twenties,” that offers a comforting escape and helps listeners recharge, especially as the sun sets over Indio. (Nate Jackson)

Nine Inch Noize
8 p.m., Sahara Tent

Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, and Boys Noize are creating a unique electronic set, seemingly improvising as they go. Their recent tour hinted at their ability to reimagine Nine Inch Nails songs for a club environment, blending dark, dramatic energy with a large-scale sound. (AB)

The Strokes
9 p.m., Coachella Stage

After successfully attracting a younger audience with their album “The New Abnormal” six years ago, The Strokes are building excitement for their next release, “Reality Awaits.” They recorded the album with Rick Rubin in Costa Rica, and recently shared the first single, “Going Shopping.” The song has a sound reminiscent of the Steve Miller Band, but with a modern, Auto-Tune influenced feel. (Mikael Wood)

Justin Bieber
11:25 p.m., Coachella Stage

The singer, once a teen-pop sensation, recently hinted at his upcoming major concert with intimate performances at the Roxy and the Troubadour, where he only played songs from his “Swag” and “Swag II” albums. While fans can expect a bigger show for his first large-scale concert in years, he’s known for appreciating unconventional artists – he was one of the few prominent figures to publicly praise Frank Ocean’s memorable, though divisive, 2023 headlining performance. (MW)

SUNDAY

The Chats
3 p.m., Gobi Tent

It’s been eight years since The Chats’ breakout hit, “Smoko,” but their performance in Indio proved the song still holds up incredibly well. Since then, they’ve released two EPs and two full albums, maintaining their signature punk energy. While their 2022 album, “Get F—,” didn’t quite reach the same popularity as 2020’s “High Risk Behavior,” it was still raw, fast, and unapologetically The Chats. The album’s creation was a bit chaotic, with frontman Eamon Sandwith telling Brooklyn Vegan they’d typically work from 11 AM to 4 PM, then head to the pub for a couple of hours before rushing back to finish recording. But honestly, what else would you expect from this Australian punk band? (JM)

Gigi Perez
4 p.m., Outdoor Theatre

I first discovered this amazing singer-songwriter from South Florida when her song “Sailor Song” blew up on TikTok in 2024. Then, in 2025, she released her first album, “At the Beach, In Every Life,” and it’s seriously one of the best I’ve heard all year – it’s so thoughtful and emotional. I have a feeling 2026 is going to be her year, though. She’s already playing some huge shows opening for Noah Kahan after a performance at Coachella, and I’m really excited to see her live!

Jane Remover
4:20 p.m., Sonora Tent

Jane Remover’s album, “Revengeseekerz,” creatively transforms the discriminatory practice of redlining into a musical element. The singer-producer uses the energetic style of hyperpop to create a record that feels like a chaotic, yet powerfully emotional, punk rock explosion. It’s raw, over-the-top, and filled with a sense of intense sadness and urgency, but all carefully constructed to have the biggest impact on the listener.

Wet Leg
4:45 p.m., Coachella Stage

Wet Leg made a triumphant return in 2025 with a fresh sound and a new album, “Moisturizer.” After the huge success of their critically acclaimed debut album – which even won two Grammys – many wondered if they could repeat that success. Luckily, “Moisturizer” delivered. Frontwoman Rhian Teasdale is captivating on stage, and their songs, including hits like “mangetout,” “CPR,” and “jennifer’s body,” are perfect for singing along at their energetic shows. Teasdale recently told The Times that the album’s powerful sound comes from the band’s close connection, developed over nearly three years of touring together.

Clipse
5:15 p.m., Outdoor Theatre

Few predicted a Clipse reunion in 2025, but the hip-hop duo – brothers Pusha-T and Malice – returned with the same energy as before. Their new album, “Let God Sort Em Out,” arrived 16 years after their previous release, which had initially signaled the end of the group following a spiritual awakening for Malice. Many bands who reunite after a long break fade into obscurity, but Clipse defied expectations. They quickly achieved significant success, earning a Grammy and a nomination for Album of the Year, and sparking widespread excitement. They still deliver incredible performances, mixing classic hits like “Grindin’” and “Virginia” with newer tracks like “Chains & Whips” and “So Be It.” In an interview with The Times, they described their goal as pushing the boundaries of longevity in rap. Their recent Coachella performance proves they’ve done just that, exceeding all expectations. (JM)

Suicidal Tendencies
5:35 p.m., Mojave Tent

Goldenvoice, the company behind Coachella, started with Southern California punk rock, and that spirit is always present at the festival. This year, the inclusion of Suicidal Tendencies perfectly embodies that history. On Sunday afternoon in the Mojave Tent, Mike Muir and his band will prove they still have incredible energy and skill after more than 40 years. Their aggressive sound, combined with technically impressive music and rebellious lyrics, feels especially relevant today. (NJ)

Less Than Jake
5:45 p.m., Heineken House

Ska punk fans, rejoice! While Coachella doesn’t always feature ska bands – though groups like Madness, The Selecter, and Fishbone have played before – this year’s festival is bringing back a taste of the classic Warped Tour experience with Less Than Jake. Get ready to skank to hits like “All My Best Friends are Metalheads” and “History of a Boring Town.” And if their shows are anything like usual, expect a high-energy performance… and maybe even a toilet paper cannon! (VF)

Iggy Pop
7:10 p.m., Mojave Tent

Iggy Pop isn’t just another performer at Coachella; for many fans, his music is deeply meaningful. He’s returning to the festival to deliver classic songs like “I Wanna Be Your Dog,” “The Passenger,” and “Lust For Life,” proving his energetic and rebellious spirit remains undiminished with age.

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2026-04-12 21:15