Coachella

When: Two weekends in April each year, typically held Friday - Sunday over consecutive weekends.

Where: The festival takes place at the Empire Polo Club on the outskirts of Indio, United States.

Cost: Ticket tiers range from general admission to VIP and shuttle packages, with secondary resale prices often much higher.

Don’t miss: Headliner sets on the main stages, large-scale art installations scattered across the polo fields, and late-night electronic shows in the tents.

Coachella began in 1999 as an alternative music festival and has grown into one of the world’s highest-profile music events, produced by Goldenvoice. It draws a global crowd of fans, artists and influencers who come for the wide-ranging lineup, visual art and cultural buzz.

The festival is staged across the lawns and arenas of the Empire Polo Club in Indio, where multiple stages, art sculptures and themed tents create an intense, festival-campus atmosphere. Days are full of back-to-back sets, food vendors and photo moments; nights spotlight headline performances under floodlights and large sound systems.

Coachella runs over two consecutive weekends in April - Friday through Sunday each weekend - so most artists perform once per weekend with the same billed lineups. Dates are fixed by the promoter and generally fall in mid-April, giving a rhythm of daytime discovery and night-time headliner closers.

Expect the busiest moments to be the three headline evenings each weekend; daytime programming is packed with overlapping sets, art viewing and brand activations, so plan priorities in advance.

Fly into Palm Springs International Airport for the shortest transfer (roughly 30 - 40 minutes) or into Los Angeles International Airport for more flight options (about 2 - 3 hours by road), then take festival shuttles, rideshares, taxis or drive to the venue in Indio; many visitors also book hotel shuttles or camping. Arrive at least a day early to avoid traffic delays and book shuttles, hotels or campsites well in advance.

• Bring high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brim hat and reusable water bottle - hydration stations are available but lines form quickly.
• Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and layer clothing for hot daytime temperatures and much cooler desert nights.
• Prebook shuttle or parking passes, accommodation and tickets; official shuttle and hotel packages sell out fast.
• Expect dust and crowds: pack a lightweight dust mask or bandana, earplugs and a portable phone charger.
• Use only festival-issued tickets or verified resale platforms to avoid scams, and carry photo ID for entry and any age-restricted purchases.
• Follow festival staff instructions and local law, and be mindful of others when photographing or filming performers.