Get ready to return to the desert as the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival returns in 2026. This cultural extravaganza is more than just an event; you will be surrounded by music and art. If you want to know what makes it so special, now that the Coachella 2026 dates have been announced, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide. It contains everything you need to know about the upcoming festival.
Table of Contents
Where and When Is Coachella 2026
Coachella Lineup 2026
Coachella Tickets 2026
Meet Other Destinations in California
Where and When Is Coachella 2026
Coachella 2026 dates will take place over two separate weekends in April. The first weekend runs from April 10 to April 12, and the second weekend is scheduled for April 17 to April 19.
Now that you know the date, where is Coachella 2026? For over two decades, this festival has been held at a fixed location. It will take place at its iconic venue, the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. This vast site transforms into a center of energetic music, art, and good vibes. The desert landscape provides a stunning backdrop, making it one of the world’s most captivating festival destinations.
Coachella Lineup 2026
This is the most anticipated part. The Coachella 2026 lineup has been announced, featuring a mix of superstars and exciting new acts. Headlining the festival are three global sensations: Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G. This marks Justin Bieber’s first full headlining performance at the festival and his first major show in three years.
You’ll also find a host of highly anticipated performers, with the full lineup for the 2026 Coachella Music Festival featuring numerous artists spanning multiple genres. From legends like Iggy Pop and David Byrne to acts such as The Strokes, Young Thug, and FKA Twigs, there’s something for every musical taste. The festival continues to highlight international performances, with K-pop and J-pop stars joining the lineup to ensure a truly global feel. Expect to hear everything from indie rock to reggae to electronic dance music.
Coachella Tickets 2026
Coachella 2026 tickets are sold through a tiered system, with prices increasing as each tier sells out. We strongly recommend purchasing immediately after tickets go on sale, as they typically sell out quickly. Currently, tickets for the first week are sold out, and you can join the waitlist.
Ticket Types
Two main ticket types are offered: General Admission (GA) and VIP. GA passes grant access to the festival grounds and all stages. VIP passes, on the other hand, provide additional perks like entry to exclusive VIP areas with shaded seating, featured food and beverage vendors, and upgraded restroom facilities. If you’re seeking a more comfortable, less crowded experience, the VIP pass is a solid choice.
Tickets are sold as three-day pass wristbands, so there are no single-day passes available on the official website. You’ll be spending the entire weekend here.
Ticket Prices
General Admission tickets for Week One start at $699, with a 3-day Shuttle pass priced at $779, while VIP tickets are $1,399.
General Admission tickets for Week Two start at $649, with a 3-day Shuttle pass priced at $729, while VIP tickets are $1,199.
Camping Options
Camping passes are sold separately from festival passes. The standard Tent Camping tier has been removed for 2026.
- Group Car Camping: starts at $160 (total, with fees) for a minimum of 10 spots.
- Car Camping: starts at $160 (total, with fees).
- Preferred Car Camping: starts at $420 (total, with fees).
- Preferred Front Row Car Camping: starts at $520 (total, with fees).
- Powered Car Camping: starts at $620 (total, with fees).
- Ready-Set Tent Camping: starts at $690 (total, with fees).
- Lake Eldorado: starts at $2,300 (total, with fees) for a 2-person lodge or $3,000 (total, with fees) for a 4-person tent.
- La Campana Camping: starts at $2,600 (total, with fees) for a 1 Queen/2 Twin tent or $3,300 (total, with fees) for a 2-Queen/4 Twin tent.
- Camping Companion Parking: costs $210 (total, with fees).
Preparations for Coachella
Attending Coachella is definitely fun, but this annual music festival draws huge crowds, so you’ll need to be prepared for the experience.
What to Pack
- Comfortable shoes: At Coachella, you might be on your feet for over 8 hours. So heels and boots aren’t the best choice, slip into your most comfortable shoes, and get ready to run around the festival grounds.
- Warm clothing: Indio’s April temperatures range from a low of 59°F (15°C) to a high of 86°F (30°C). Additionally, desert nights can get quite chilly. Therefore, be sure to pack a jacket.
- Sun protection: Sunscreen is an absolute must-have for shielding your skin from intense sunlight. Don’t forget to bring a hat and sunglasses for extra sun protection.
- Water bottle: Bring your own small water bottle to save money and be eco-friendly.
- Power bank: Keep your phone fully charged so you can stay in touch with friends and capture memories anytime.
- Blanket: Spread it out for a rest when you’re tired in the afternoon, stretch your legs. It also keeps you warm when night falls.
- Lightweight Backpack: Store your essentials inside, keeping important items together for easy access.
Where to Stay
For accommodations during Coachella, you should book as early as possible, as nearby hotels will be extremely busy.
⛺On-site Camping: This is the most popular Coachella experience. You can choose between car camping and tent camping. If your budget allows, opt for luxury camping options like the El Dorado Lake Tent or the Safari Campground. Staying on-site means you never have to leave the grounds, making it more convenient to attend events each day.
🏨Hotels: Numerous hotels are available in Indio and its surrounding areas, as well as in nearby cities like Palm Springs and La Quinta. Many of these hotels offer special Coachella Music Festival packages and shuttle services to and from the festival, providing significant convenience.
🏡Vacation Rentals: Websites like Airbnb and VRBO offer a variety of houses and apartments for rent. This is a great option if you’re traveling with a large group and want a private space with a kitchen.
Safety Info
Safety is the top priority. Multiple medical tents are available on-site, with refrigerated storage areas provided in the camping zone and within the venue for storing prescription medications or drugs requiring cold storage. All medications must be accompanied by a valid prescription or medical documentation.
Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated throughout the day, especially under the hot desert sun. Free water stations are available throughout the grounds, so bring a reusable water bottle or hydration pack.
Keep a close eye on your belongings. Use a fanny pack or small backpack to keep your essentials close at hand. Stay aware of your surroundings, and if you notice anything that seems off, don’t hesitate to report it to festival staff.
Extra Tips
- Plan your transportation: Whether you’re driving, taking a shuttle, or using a ride-sharing service, make arrangements for getting to and from the festival.
- Start early: For the best photos, capture shots in front of iconic landmarks during the quieter hours of the morning when fewer tourists are around. Otherwise, arrive a bit later and you’ll find the area crowded with people taking pictures.
- Set a meeting spot: With large crowds, it’s easy to lose track of friends. Choose a specific, easily recognizable landmark as your gathering point in case you get separated.
- Download the official App: It will feature the latest schedule and venue maps. This allows you to create your own personalized itinerary and receive notifications when your favorite artists are about to take the stage.
Meet Other Destinations in California
Coachella is a great reason to visit Southern California, but don’t stop there! There’s so much more to explore. Consider extending your trip and visiting some other incredible destinations.
Indio
Indio is located in Southern California’s Coachella Valley, renowned as the host city for the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and the Stagecoach Festival. The area enjoys abundant sunshine year-round, with hot summers and mild winters. Beyond its festivals, visitors can immerse themselves in the region’s diverse Southwestern and Latin American cultures, highlighted by the uniquely entertaining International Tamale Festival.
Things to do
After attending the music festival, if you have time, visit the Coachella Valley History Museum to learn about the region’s diverse past, including its history as a date cultivation center. Then explore Shields Date Garden, where you can stroll through beautiful gardens, enjoy a date milkshake, and purchase specialty products.
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is also located in the Coachella Valley, just a 30-minute drive from Indio. Thanks to its year-round warm climate and numerous luxury resorts, it has become a favorite vacation spot for many Hollywood celebrities. The city preserves a wealth of mid-century modern architecture, exuding an artistic vibe. It’s the perfect place to unwind after attending a music festival.
Things to do
Relaxing in the resort’s pool or hot springs is a great idea. Taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up Mount San Jacinto for panoramic views is an experience not to be missed. And Forever Marilyn, a massive statue of Marilyn Monroe in her signature pose.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a two-hour drive from Indio. The City of Angels, Los Angeles, is a globally renowned hub for culture, entertainment, and creative industries. Hollywood, in particular, stands as the symbol of the world’s film and television industry. Los Angeles offers beautiful beaches, an active downtown scene, and a diverse cultural landscape, while also boasting a rich array of culinary delights and artistic expressions.
Things to do
In Los Angeles, you’ll never be bored, with so many places to visit. From the Walk of Fame to the iconic Hollywood Sign and the beautiful Santa Monica Beach, taking photos at Santa Monica Pier is one of the must-do activities when visiting Los Angeles. Of course, there’s also Griffith Observatory, offering breathtaking views of the cityscape below. Don’t miss Disneyland Resort, the world’s first Disney theme park, for a truly magical day.
San Diego
San Diego is a 2.5-hour drive from Indio, located near the border. It boasts beautiful coastlines and a diverse atmosphere, serving as a major port and military base. San Diego blends American and Mexican cultural elements, with this unique cross-cultural charm evident in its cuisine, festivals, and daily life.
Things to do
For your first stop in San Diego, we recommend visiting Balboa Park, a vast cultural complex featuring museums, gardens, and Spanish-style architecture. Home to the renowned San Diego Zoo, visitors can take the Skyfari for an aerial tour. Military enthusiasts will appreciate the USS Midway Museum, showcasing U.S. naval history with an extensive collection of aircraft aboard the ship.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is very close to Indio, just a 30-minute drive away. This park blends the Mojave and Colorado Desert ecosystems, featuring unique rock formations, expansive starry skies, and abundant wildlife—especially its iconic Joshua trees. Due to its distinctive geology and ecology, it’s not only a popular destination for hiking, rock climbing, and camping but also an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts and stargazers.
Things to do
In Joshua Tree National Park, Skull Rock and Hall of Horrors are ideal for hiking and climbing. Multiple overlooks offer diverse views of the park, with Keys View providing a vantage point over the Coachella Valley and the high points of the San Andreas Fault—on clear days, you can even see the border.
Last but not least, stargazing ranks among Joshua Tree’s most beloved activities. As one of the world’s renowned Dark Sky Preserves, the night sky here reveals the Milky Way and a dazzling canopy of stars.
FAQ
Are Coachella 2026 tickets on sale?
Yes, tickets for the 2026 Coachella Music Festival are now officially on sale! You can purchase them directly through the Coachella Music Festival’s official website. Please buy them as soon as possible, as tickets for the first week have already sold out.
Is Coachella’s 2026 lineup final?
The artists featured on the official Coachella poster have been confirmed to perform and are considered finalized. However, unforeseen circumstances may result in last-minute changes.
Can I buy a one day pass for Coachella?
No, the festival’s official website does not sell single-day passes. All tickets are sold as 3-day wristbands. However, you can find single-day tickets on resale platforms such as Stubhub.
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