Coachella 2026: Complete Guide to Lineup, Tickets & Travel Tips

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, sometimes referred to simply as "Coachella," is one of the most iconic music events on the planet. Held annually at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, it draws hundreds of thousands of attendees from across the globe each year. In 2026, the festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary, making it one of the most anticipated editions in its history. This guide covers everything from the 2026 lineup and ticket prices to where to stay, what to wear, and how to get there - including how to stay connected with a Travel eSIM the moment you land in the US.

Coachella 2026 Dates, Location, and What to Expect

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 2026 takes place across two weekends - April 10-12 and April 17-19 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. Beyond the music, Coachella 2026 will feature over 75 food, drink, and wellness experiences, as well as special programming including Thursday night stargazing and a farmers market. Gates open at approximately 1pm each day, with festival hours running until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays and midnight on Sundays.

Coachella 2026 Lineup: The Headliners You Need to Know

The headliners set to hit the stage across both weekends at the Coachella music festival are Sabrina Carpenter on Friday, Justin Bieber on Saturday, and Karol G on Sunday, with Anyma delivering the world premiere of what's being called a ‘landmark’ show. Here's what you need to know about each: Sabrina Carpenter — Friday Headliner Sabrina Carpenter has had one of the most meteoric rises in pop music in recent memory. She released her seventh studio album, Man's Best Friend, and is headlining Coachella after manifesting the moment during her set at the festival in a previous year. Known for her sharp pop production and witty lyricism, her headline set is expected to be a defining moment of the festival. She'll be joined on Fridays by the XX, Disclosure, Ethel Cain, Teddy Swims, Devo, Sexyy Red, Central Cee, and girl groups BINI and Katseye. Justin Bieber — Saturday Headliner Bieber dropped his seventh studio album Swag in July and followed it with a surprise bonus album Swag II. This marks his first-ever solo headline performance at Coachella - a significant milestone for one of the biggest pop acts of the past two decades. Joining him on Saturdays are Rolling Stone cover artist Addison Rae, Sombr, David Byrne, and PinkPantheress. Karol G — Sunday Headliner Karol G is making history as the first Latina musician to headline Coachella. The Colombian superstar dropped her fifth studio album Tropicoqueta in June, and her Sunday sets are expected to be among the most electric performances of the entire festival. She'll be joined on Sundays by Young Thug, Kaskade, Laufey, Iggy Pop, FKA Twigs, and more. Other Notable Acts The wider lineup features over 130 artists across genres, including the Strokes, Blood Orange, Foster the People, Little Simz, PinkPantheress, KATSEYE, Teddy Swims, Major Lazer, Blondshell, Addison Rae, and BIGBANG - who are marking their 20th debut anniversary at the festival.

Coachella Music Festival Tickets: Prices, Options, and How to Get In

Coachella 2026 passes for both weekends are now sold out, but tickets are still available through official resale via AXS, as well as platforms like StubHub where orders are protected through their FanProtect programme. Here's a breakdown of the original face-value Coachella ticket prices for reference:

Weekend 1	Price
General Admission	$599
GA + Shuttle	$729
VIP passes	$1,299

Weekend 2	Price
General Admission	$549
GA + Shuttle	$679
VIP passes	$1,199

Camping add-ons (sold separately from passes): Car camping passes are $420 plus a service fee and occupancy tax, with preferred car camping at $540 for guaranteed spots closer to the festival entrance. A Ready-Set Tent option starts at $690 for two people and includes a limited-edition Coachella souvenir tent. Tip: Weekend 2 is usually more affordable and less hectic than Weekend 1 - a solid choice for first-timers and international travellers who want to ease into the experience.

How Much Does Coachella Really Cost? A Realistic Budget Breakdown

Coachella is a significant financial commitment - here's an honest picture of what to budget: Three broad experience tiers exist for attendees.

Tiers	Price
The Budget Vibe	$2,500-$3,000
The VIP Experience	$4,000-$5,000
Premium Stay	$10,000+

Food at Coachella is famously expensive - expect to spend $300-$450 per person over three days on food and beverages alone. For a 3-night hotel stay, costs can easily add $1,500-$3,000 to your overall trip depending on the property and proximity to the festival. Hidden costs to factor in:

Shuttle passes (~$150 per weekend)
Rideshare to/from the festival grounds
Merchandise and festival shopping
Sunscreen, portable chargers, and camping gear if needed
International flights (vary widely by origin)

Money-saving tip: Book hotels and Airbnbs in Palm Springs as early as possible - prices triple as the festival approaches.

Where to Stay: Your Accommodation Options Near the Festival

The best areas to stay for Coachella are Indio, which puts you within 15 minutes of the Empire Polo Club and sometimes within walking distance, and Palm Springs, a resort-style oasis 30-35 minutes away that's connected by official shuttle. Other options include Palm Desert, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage, and Indian Wells though on-site camping is the most immersive option and keeps transport stress to zero. For international travellers flying into the region, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the main gateway - the Coachella grounds are a 2-4 hour drive from Los Angeles depending on traffic. Get a USA eSIM activated before you land so that you'll have navigation and ride-hailing apps working from the moment you clear customs without hunting for a local SIM.

Coachella Festival Outfits Ideas

Coachella fashion has evolved significantly over the years - the days of generic flower crowns as the default look are gone. In 2026, the dominant trends lean into a few distinct aesthetics: Desert Maximalism: Bold prints, metallics, fringe, and layered textures that photograph well under the California sun. Think elevated bohemian with a modern edge. Y2K and Brat-era pop: In step with the musical direction of the headliners, expect lots of low-rise silhouettes, baby tees, cargo details, and the kind of looks that reference early 2000s pop culture with a contemporary lens. Comfort-forward dressing: Since temperatures in Indio regularly hit the high 80s-90s°F during the day and dropping sharply at night - lightweight linen sets, oversized jackets for the evening, and flat boots over heels are all standard choices among seasoned attendees. What to actually pack: Sunscreen (non-negotiable), a wide-brim hat, a small crossbody bag that fits your essentials, portable phone charger, and a light layer for after dark.

Travel Tips for International Visitors Heading to Coachella 2026

Attending a three-day festival in a foreign country takes more planning than a standard city break. A few things worth knowing: Getting there: Fly into LAX, Palm Springs International (PSP), or Ontario International Airport (ONT). PSP is closest to the festival grounds and far less chaotic than LAX during festival weekends. Getting around: General parking at Coachella is free, which is unusual for a major festival and worth factoring into your transport planning. Shuttle passes are useful if you're staying in Palm Springs or Rancho Mirage and want to avoid driving and parking entirely. Staying connected: Mobile data is non-negotiable at a festival of this scale - you'll need it for the Coachella app, navigation, ride-hailing, and keeping in touch with your group across a sprawling site. eSIM Cards offers instant-activation travel eSIMs for the USA that work on major US networks. Weather: April in the desert means hot days and genuinely cold nights. The temperature swing between afternoon and after midnight can be 30-40°F. Pack accordingly. The Coachella app: Download it before you arrive. Set times, stage maps, and personalised schedules all live there - and you'll need a data connection to use it properly throughout the weekend. The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has spent 25 years proving that it is more than just a music event. Remember to plan early, budget honestly, and sort your travel essentials before you land - because once the music starts, the only thing you should be thinking about is the next stage.

FAQs

Q1. What is Coachella 2026?

Ans. Coachella 2026 is the 25th anniversary edition of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, taking place across two weekends - April 10-12 and April 17-19 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. It is one of the largest and most culturally influential music festivals in the world.

Q2. Who will perform at Coachella 2026?

Ans. Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, Karol G, and Anyma will headline the 2026 edition of the festival, with additional sets from the XX, the Strokes, Addison Rae, Young Thug, and BIGBANG among over 130 artists performing across both weekends.

Q3. How much does it cost to go to Coachella?

Ans. The total cost of attending Coachella 2026 ranges from approximately $2,500-$3,000 for a budget trip covering GA admission, basic camping, and food, up to $10,000 or more for a premium experience with luxury accommodation and VIP access. Festival passes alone started from $549 for Weekend 2 GA, with camping, transport, food, and accommodation adding significantly to the total.

Q4. What is Coachella's 2026 lineup?

Ans. The Coachella 2026 schedule features headliners Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, Karol G, and Anyma, with Friday performers including Teddy Swims, Katseye, Central Cee, and Sexyy Red. Saturday highlights include PinkPantheress, The Strokes, Taemin, Fuji Kaze, and Giveon. Sunday's lineup features Young Thug, Laufey, BIGBANG, FKA Twigs, and Little Simz, among many others.