Coachella 2026: What It Is, Dates, Tickets, and How to Go

What is Coachella & Why is it Popular?

Credit: Coachella

Coachella (officially the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival) is one of the world’s biggest music festivals. It happens each spring at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. People love it because it blends huge music acts, eye-catching art, creative fashion, and a welcoming vibe where fans from across the globe come together.

Where is Coachella & How to get to Coachella?

Location: Coachella takes place at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. The Coachella Valley is about a 2-hour drive east of Los Angeles.

How to get there:

• By car: Drive from Los Angeles or nearby cities via Interstate 10. Carpooling is recommended because festival parking gets very busy.
• By plane: Fly into Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) (20 minutes from Indio) or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) (2 hours from Indio). From the airport, use shuttles, rideshares, or rent a car.
• Festival shuttles: Coachella offers official shuttles from hotels in Palm Springs and Los Angeles to the festival. A shuttle pass saves you from dealing with driving and parking.

Coachella Map - Venue Map & Parking Map

Coachella’s venue at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, spans a large desert site with distinct zones for music, art, and amenities. While the 2026 official map will be released closer to the event (check coachella.com/maps for updates), the layout follows a consistent structure yearly . Here are the key areas:

Credit: Coachella

How much does Coachella cost? 2026 Ticket Prices

Coachella 2026 ticket prices depend on the pass type and which weekend you choose:

Note: Extra fees may apply for shuttles or premium camping. Buying 4 tickets at once saves $10 per ticket.

What happens at Coachella? Coachella Venue Facilities & Offerings

Credit: Coachella

Coachella Stores: Merch, Essentials, and More

• Merch Stands: Multiple spots sell Coachella-branded tees, hats, posters, and limited-edition artist merch. Find them near main stages or in central plazas.
• Essential Shops: Small stores for last-minute items (sunscreen, phone chargers, blankets) are scattered around the venue.

Coachella Food & Drinks

• Food Vendors: Hundreds of options—gourmet meals, vegan/vegetarian bites, festival snacks (like tacos, burgers, ice cream), and local California cuisine.
• Bars: Craft cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks at stations near each stage.

Coachella Camping: On-Site Options

• Basic Camping: Tents or RV spots near the festival grounds (requires a camping pass, ~$160 per spot).
• Premium Camping: Upgraded options like “Ready-Set” (pre-set tents) or group camping (10–20 people) for a more comfortable stay.
• Campground Perks: Late-night DJ sets, communal spaces, and easy access to the festival (no daily commuting).

Coachella Activities Beyond Music

• Art Installations: Giant, interactive sculptures and exhibits (perfect for photos) spread across the grounds.
• Wellness & Fun: Yoga sessions, pop-up performances, and surprise artist appearances.
• Ferris Wheel & Rides: Classic festival attractions for views of the venue and Instagram-worthy moments.

Coachella 2026: Dates and Lineup

Credit: Coachella

Coachella 2026 Dates

Coachella 2026 happens over two weekends:

• Weekend 1: April 10–12, 2026
• Weekend 2: April 17–19, 2026

Coachella 2026 Lineup Highlights

Headliners for 2026 include:

• Sabrina Carpenter
• Justin Bieber
• Karol G
• Anyma (presenting the world premiere of “Æden”)

Other notable acts:

• The XX, Disclosure, Ethel Cain, Nine Inch Noize (a collaboration between Nine Inch Nails and Boys Noize)
• The Strokes, Turnstile, Foster the People, Iggy Pop
• Young Thug, FKA Twigs, Kaskade, BigBang
• K-pop and J-pop stars like Taemin, Fujii Kaze, and more.

What to expect at Coachella 2025–2026

Credit: Coachella

• Strong lineups: Both 2025 and 2026 feature big headliners and a mix of artists from different genres.
• New 2026 experiences: Look for group camping, the debut of Radiohead’s “Kid A Mnesia” Bunker, and Anyma’s world premiere set.
• Livestreams: YouTube livestreams both weekends, so you can watch sets online if you can’t attend in person.

What you need for the Trip to Coachella

1. Tickets: Buy them early—they sell out fast. If you went to Coachella in 2024 or 2025, you get early access to buy tickets.
2. Accommodation: Book a hotel or camping pass ahead of time (see “Hotels near Coachella” below).
3. Travel essentials:
4. • Trip.com eSIM: Stay connected with easy-to-set-up mobile data—great for out-of-state or international travelers.
   • Los Angeles Pass: If you visit Los Angeles before/after Coachella, this pass gives you access to museums, attractions, and discounts.
   • Sunscreen and a hat: The desert sun is intense—protect your skin.
   • Comfortable shoes: You’ll walk a lot—wear shoes that won’t hurt your feet.
   • Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated—there are refill stations at the festival.
   • Festival outfit: Have fun with Coachella’s signature boho or futuristic styles.

[8% OFF] Hotels near Coachella

Finding a hotel near Coachella is important because Indio is a desert area. Here’s how to plan:

• Official packages: Goldenvoice’s Valley Music Travel offers bundles with festival passes, lodging, and transportation. They’re convenient but limited.
• Nearby cities to book in:
• • Indio: Closest to the festival, with basic hotel options.
  • Palm Springs: 20 minutes away, with resorts ranging from luxury to budget-friendly.
  • Riverside or San Bernardino: More affordable, but about 45 minutes from Indio.
• Booking tip: Use Trip.com to find hotels near the Empire Polo Club. Many hotels offer free cancellation and an 8% discount—book early to secure your stay.