Coachella 2026: Everything you need to know to survive and thrive at the festival — or watch at home

by

Coachella, the popular music and arts festival, is just around the corner! This year marks its 25th anniversary, and it will once again be held in Indio. Headlining the event are Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G.

No matter how you’re experiencing Coachella – whether you’re there in person or watching from home – we’ve created a guide to help you make the most of it. We’ll cover everything from what to pack and which events are open to the public, to how to enjoy the festival from your couch.

Get live coverage of Weekend 1 at latimes.com/coachella. We’ll be responding to your questions and sharing your insights too!

Music

Our team has put together expert advice to help you make the most of Coachella, including how to get around, stay prepared, and experience everything the festival has to offer.

When is Coachella? Where is the venue?

Coachella 2026 runs April 10-12 and 17-19 at the Empire Polo Club at 81-800 Ave. 51 in Indio.

Who is performing at Coachella 2026?

This year’s main stage headliners are Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber and Karol G.

Anyma will be debuting a major new production called Æden, and the festival boasts a fantastic lineup including The XX, Nine Inch Nails, Disclosure, The Strokes, Turnstile, Addison Rae, David Byrne, Iggy Pop, Katseye, Sombr, and Young Thug. You can find the complete list of performers below.

Can I still get tickets to Coachella? How much are passes?

Coachella tickets are currently sold out, but you can still try to get one. You can join the official waiting list on the Coachella website, or check the official resale marketplace and other ticket sellers.

As of April 1st, general admission passes for Weekend 1 of Coachella, including those with shuttle access, are selling for around $1,000 on the official resale market. VIP passes start at $1,630.

Weekend 2 passes are now available on the official Coachella resale site, starting at $815 for general admission and $815 for general admission with shuttle access. VIP passes begin at $1,130, but prices can change frequently.

When tickets first became available in September, general admission passes for the first weekend cost $649 for three days, while passes for the second weekend were $549. VIP passes started at $1,299 for Weekend 1 and $1,199 for Weekend 2.

Be cautious when buying from resale sites, but you might still find passes there. Generally, Weekend 2 passes are less expensive, though prices tend to increase after the first weekend as people share their experiences.

Just a heads-up: Coachella uses wristbands instead of traditional tickets. Be wary of deals that look too good to be true – they usually are scams. If you’re buying from someone other than the official source, be sure to understand how your purchase is protected.

What’s the difference between general admission and VIP passes, and are VIP passes worth it?

Regardless of your ticket type, you’ll generally have plenty of space to move around and get near the stages. Even with a general admission (GA) pass, you can walk right up to the stage. But if you’re a big fan hoping to get that close, you’ll likely need to arrive very early – probably Saturday morning – to secure a good spot.

The areas right in front of the stage are reserved – VIP passes won’t give you access to those viewing pits, and they definitely won’t get you on stage.

VIP passes offer a separate entrance, conveniently located near the old yellow lot and the ride share area, plus access to special food and drinks in beautiful spots like the Rose Garden by the Mojave Tent. You’ll also have a great view of the main stage from the 12 Peaks VIP area, and in recent years, a dedicated VIP entrance has been available for the Yuma Tent.

When does Coachella release set times?

Festival schedules are typically released a few days before the first weekend, and then people usually start pointing out clashes between acts they want to see. For 2025, the schedule was announced on April 5th. As soon as it’s available, we’ll post it here.

In recent years, the festival has also included some unexpected performers announced with the set times, such as Weezer and Ed Sheeran for 2025, Blink-182 in 2023, and Arcade Fire in 2022.

Most stage schedules stay the same across both weekends, with only small changes—typically to the opening DJs or performers. But the Quasar and Do Lab stages feature completely different lineups each weekend.

When you’re planning your festival schedule, keep in mind that getting to and from the Sahara Tent takes time. It’s now located at the far south end of the grounds, making it a much longer walk than before. While the festival made some changes in 2025 to help with crowds, it still takes about 15 minutes to walk there from the main stage, and getting there was difficult in 2024.

When do gates open at Coachella? How late does the music go?

Parking lots are open every day starting at 11 a.m., and the event gates open around 1 p.m. The event has a curfew of 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and midnight on Sundays.

What’s the deal with parking? What about the shuttles? Can I take a rideshare? How’s traffic?

Coachella is unique in Southern California because general parking is free each day. If you’re driving, we recommend carpooling and arriving early – the lots fill up quickly, and in the past, people have had to park further away. Remember where you park! After a full day of enjoying the music, the last thing you want is to wander around looking for your car. (Helpful hint: Use your phone to mark your parking spot as soon as you arrive.)

Rideshares are available for getting to and from Coachella. There’s a designated drop-off area close to the yellow parking lot, but people often report having trouble with pickups and dropoffs there each year.

If you’re driving or using a rideshare service, be prepared for a potentially long wait if you stay late.

A helpful hint for drivers: keep some non-melting snacks and water in your car in case you get delayed or stuck.

You’ll need a shuttle pass to use the shuttle service. As of April 1st, passes were only available for Weekend 2 through the Coachella website and cost $150. People who have stayed in Palm Springs recommend the shuttle, particularly if you plan to drink during the festival.

Traffic on the 10 Freeway is especially bad on Mondays after a weekend, particularly for those driving back into Los Angeles. To avoid major delays, it’s best to leave before 9 a.m. or wait until the evening to travel.

Where do I put my stuff? Are there lockers?

Lockers aren’t available for either weekend. You can bring a backpack no larger than 18x13x8.5 inches. If you’re packing light, a fanny pack is a good option. But if you need to bring things like a hoodie or towel, a backpack will be much more comfortable than a shoulder bag – you’ll thank me later!

Is there a place to charge my phone? How can I keep my phone from getting stolen at Coachella?

Okay, so they do have charging stations scattered around the festival grounds, even inside the covered Craft Beer Barn, which is nice. But trust me, bring your own charging cable! And honestly, I always bring a portable power bank too – it saves you from scrambling to find a charger and waiting forever for your phone to get a little juice. You don’t want to miss anything because your battery died!

It’s common to hear about phones being stolen at Coachella. Before you go, make sure you activate the “Find My” feature on your phone so you can locate it if it gets lost or stolen.

I’ve noticed people using fanny packs with attached straps to keep phones extra safe, and also using phone lanyards for the same reason.

A simple way to secure pockets is by using safety pins, especially if you already have zippers on those pockets.

I don’t have a place to stay for Coachella yet. What are my options?

Finding lodging right now will likely be very costly, as options are limited this close to the event (I even saw a room in a laundry room listed for almost $700 a night!). However, as of April 1st, car camping passes were still available for both weekends at $180, including taxes. For $700 (taxes included), you can get a powered car camping pass, which guarantees you a spot with access to electricity and better showers and restrooms.

What’s the weather going to be like for Coachella and how can I prepare for it?

Here’s the best tip: keep checking the weather forecast. Southern California has been warmer than usual this year, which often means a very hot Coachella festival, but luckily, temperatures have dropped a bit recently.

I’m planning for the festival and checking the weather! It looks like daytime temperatures will be pretty warm, potentially in the upper 80s in Indio during the first weekend. Even if it feels mild, I’m definitely packing a light jacket or long sleeves for the evenings because it gets chilly when the sun goes down. The second weekend is usually hotter, but last year was surprisingly cooler, so I’ll keep an eye on the forecast as we get closer.

You can bring handheld fans, whether they’re paper fans or ones that run on batteries. I’m not guaranteeing my rechargeable fan saved me from needing medical attention a few years ago, but it definitely helped! The festival has sold them before, but you’ll usually find better prices if you buy one elsewhere.

I’m glad they allow those little personal water misters – they’re lifesavers in the heat! But you do have to bring them in empty, which makes sense, I guess.

Need a break from the heat but don’t want to stop the party? The Do Lab is a great spot to find shade, dance, and cool down.

You can almost certainly expect some strong winds during the festival, so it’s a good idea to bring something to cover your face, like a bandana or a protective mask. A mask will help shield you from both dust and COVID-19.

The desert is hot. Are there water stations?

After covering Coachella for the past 18 years, I’ve realized how dangerous dehydration can be. No matter how much water you think you’re drinking, it’s likely not enough.

Okay, so as a festival veteran, I’ve noticed something kinda cool about Coachella: they’ve kept water priced at just $2 since the very beginning back in ’99! Plus, they have a bunch of places to refill your bottle, which is awesome. You can definitely bring your own, but it has to be plastic or another soft material – no metal or glass allowed – and it can’t hold more than 64 ounces. It’s a little weird they sell water in aluminum bottles, but hey, rules are rules! And good news for those who need it, you’re allowed to bring in empty hydration packs and electrolyte mixes too.

Good news! Electrolit is returning to set up a hydration station close to the main stage, offering free cups of their electrolyte drink.

What should be on my Coachella packing list?

As I said earlier, I always bring a bandanna or mask, a personal fan, and a portable power bank with a charging cable to Coachella. I also pack essentials like earplugs, hand sanitizer, baby wipes, sunscreen (I only use the lotion kind, not spray), and a hat – the sun in Indio is really strong! Sunglasses and a couple of Band-Aids are must-haves too, and I usually toss in a hooded sweatshirt, especially if it looks like it might be windy.

Even when I’m just attending a festival for fun, I prioritize comfort and practicality over style. I always wear comfortable shoes and socks, because I do a lot of walking – thousands of steps each day, actually! For festivals like Coachella, I also add gel insoles for extra cushioning.

Oh, and leave your cash at home. Everything is cashless at Coachella now.

It’s best to download the app before your visit. Physical maps and information guides are becoming scarce, and the app lets you easily plan your day.

I learned a really helpful trick from last year’s Coachella! If you’re hoping to snag a poster as a keepsake, bring your own cardboard tube to carry it in. The official Coachella FAQ says they actually allow it, which is awesome because it keeps your poster from getting damaged!

What’s the deal with food at Coachella?

Let’s face it, once you’re at the festival, you’ll need to buy food there – outside food isn’t allowed. Festival food can be pricey, but it’s usually tasty. You can find some affordable choices like pizza, but expect to spend around $18 to $25 per meal. And don’t worry, there are lots of vegetarian and vegan options too!

Several popular vendors from last year’s event are returning to Indio Central Market, including Sandoitchi, Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine, Gerard’s Paella, and Mano Po.

For a truly high-end experience, Nobu’s pop-up restaurant returns to the Red Bull Mirage. Alternatively, you can enjoy a special family-style meal prepared by renowned chefs through Outstanding in the Field.

Here’s a look at some other food options at Coachella in 2026.

Stacey, a Coachella veteran who’s only missed a couple of festivals, suggests a smart way to skip the food lines: eat your meals at odd times.

You can often get free samples and goodies at promotional events hosted by different brands, similar to the popular Takis giveaway last year.

I recently checked back in with the Palm Springs food scene, and Times critic Bill Addison has updated his dining guide with all the latest recommendations. If you’re planning a trip and want to know where to eat, it’s a fantastic resource!

When I’m not held up by parking issues late at night, I usually head to In-N-Out. Luckily, there are now three locations near me: two in Indio and one in La Quinta, just off Highway 111.

What’s new at Coachella this year?

We’ll share more details as soon as the schedule and map are released, but the lineup poster includes an intriguing note: “The Bunker will feature a performance of Radiohead’s Kid A Mnesia.”

I always see pictures of famous people at the Coachella parties. How can I get into the Coachella parties? Are there other shows outside of the festival? Can you get me in?

I’ve noticed something funny about April in the desert. It’s like everyone avoids actually saying “Coachella,” just referring to it as “the desert music festival.” And honestly, so many of the parties and events happening around that time aren’t officially part of Coachella, but they wouldn’t exist at all if everyone wasn’t already there for it! It’s just understood – “the festival” is shorthand for everything going on.

While some of the hottest parties during Coachella, like Neon Carnival, Camp Poosh, and Nylon House, are exclusive and require invitations, plenty of events and performances are open to everyone – you don’t even need a festival wristband to enjoy them.

Goldenvoice Surf Club is hosting events at the Palm Springs Surf Club every weekend. Tickets are $49 for one day or $85 for both days. Parking costs an extra $20. This event is for ages 18 and up. You can find the full schedule and more information at gvsurfclub.com.

Framework in the Desert returns for its fifth year April 10-12, offering late-night music and performances. This year’s lineup features popular DJs like Disclosure, Boys Noize, and Armin Van Buuren. The event is 21+ only. Tickets start at $74 for a single day and $194 for a three-day pass, with prices varying by day. You can find more information and purchase tickets at thisisframework.com.

Check back for more updates on parties and events open to the public.

That all sounds like a lot. How can you watch Coachella from home?

If you’re planning to enjoy the festival from home – often called ‘Couch-ella’ – you can watch a live stream on YouTube. For years, the festival has worked with YouTube to offer coverage, typically across six different channels, each showing performances from a specific stage. While not every set makes it onto the stream, most of them are broadcast live.

The live stream begins a few hours into the festival in Indio, and the official schedule doesn’t always match what’s actually happening. Because of this, you might see people posting about performances on social media before they’ve been shown on the stream.

The schedule for the online stream usually becomes available right before the festival starts. Once the live music ends each night, the stream replays content until the next day’s broadcast begins.

In the past, the Sonora Tent featured rock and punk music during Weekend 1 of the festival. However, for Weekend 2, it transforms into the Yuma Tent, focusing on house music.

There’s also the option of Coachella’s livestream app.

Here’s a helpful tip: If you’re watching on YouTube, use the multiview feature to quickly switch between different stages of the event and skip some of the commercials.

Have questions you don’t see answered here? Ask our experts!

Read More

2026-04-02 00:03