Coachella is returning April 10-12 and 17-19 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, once again transforming the desert into one of California’s biggest stages for music. With the lineup releasing three months earlier than usual, anticipation for the festival is higher than ever. Here’s a breakdown of what fans can expect when attending next year.
The Headliners
Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G will be headlining the festival next year. Carpenter made her debut in 2024, performing her hits “Espresso” and “Nonsense.” Last year, she only performed a couple of songs, but is now returning following the release of her new album, “Man’s Best Friend.” Bieber will also be headlining for the first time, after performing twice at the festival, once with Ariana Grande in 2019 and the other with Tems in 2024. His recent album, “Swag 2,” has fans buzzing for his return to the big stage, as he has not had a solo headline performance in years. Karol G will also be making her headline debut after performing in 2022. She will be making history as the first Latina headliner and is expected to have a performance dedicated to Latin sounds with her new album, “Tropicoqutea.”
Rising Stars and Hidden Gems
One of Coachella’s biggest values is introducing rising artists to fans. Next year, look out for Ethel Cain, whose popularity has significantly grown since her debut album, “Preacher’s Daughter,” released in 2022. Katseye, a global girl group who first grabbed attention on the show “Dream Academy,” is expected to draw in big crowds after their recent hits, including “Gabriela” and “Touch.” And for those who prefer DJ mixsteps, BUNT and Kettama promise to be energetic festival spotlights.
The festival is also set to bring back fan-favorites from across all genres. Blood Orange, Central Cee, Disclosure, Foster The People, and Laufey are some of the few that fans can look forward to seeing.
What to Expect
Beyond the lineup, Coachella has built its reputation among its atmosphere. The festival has become a staple for trendsetting fashion, as influencers and fans use the opportunity to show off their unique style. Expect to see a blend of current trends, including Y2K influences, vintage pieces, and western-inspired outfits.
Surprise guests have also become a major part of Coachella tradition. Just last year, there were multiple surprise appearances. Charli XCX brought out Lorde to perform her smash single, “Girl, so confusing,” while Megan Thee Stallion brought out Queen Latifah, Victoria Monet, and Ciara throughout her set. With several collaborations rumoured, 2026 is set to have some shocking guest performances.
Food has also evolved into a part of the experience. There are multiple restaurants that include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options around the park. The Indio Central Market is another popular spot to grab food, hosting multiple vendors with international flavors. If you have a dinner ticket, you can even enjoy a four-course family style meal prepared by California’s most notable chefs. Lines are always expected to be long, so it is best to plan around a time when it won’t be busy.
Weekend Tips
- Explore Smaller Artists: Some of the newest breakthrough artists will be performing, and this will be the chance to see them before their big break
- Take Breaks: Remember to rest in between sets. Find shade to cool down before seeing the late-night headliners
- Hydrate Often: The weather will be hot during the day, and water refill stations are placed around the grounds
- Plan Your Lineup: Download the Coachella application to view the schedule and explore the festival map
- Camping: Camp onsite to save money. Car, preferred, and power car camping are all available
Now that you’re all planned, your festival experience should be a breeze. Whether you are going to see some of your favorite headliners or find breakthrough artists, Coachella 2026 promises to be an unforgettable weekend.
