Everything You Need to Know About Coachella 2026: Dates, Lineup, Outfits & Festival Tips

If attending Coachella is on your bucket list, I totally get it! Between the incredible live music, boho festival fashion, celebrity sightings and gorgeous California desert scenery, it’s one of those experiences that lives up to the hype. But before you start planning your outfits and packing your suitcase, there are a few things you should know about attending Coachella. From festival tickets and accommodations to transportation, packing essentials and surviving the desert heat, a little planning can make a huge difference!

I was lucky enough to attend Coachella with my bestie Meghan from Boho Nouveau, and we had the absolute best time exploring Palm Springs, dancing to our favorite artists and documenting our California adventures. Along the way, I learned plenty of lessons about what to wear, what to bring and what I wish I’d known before going. I’ve shared some of those lessons in my post about 15 things I wish I knew before attending Coachella. Whether you’re looking back at Coachella 2026 or planning your first music festival adventure, here’s everything you need to know about Coachella, including the lineup, festival fashion, travel tips and packing essentials!

When Was Coachella 2026?

Coachella 2026 took place over two weekends in April at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. The festival is held in the beautiful Coachella Valley, not far from Palm Springs, and is known for its incredible music performances, massive art installations, delicious food and iconic desert atmosphere. Both weekends featured the same main lineup, although set times, special guests and individual experiences could vary.

Coachella 2026 dates:

• Weekend 1: April 10–12, 2026
• Weekend 2: April 17–19, 2026
• Location: Empire Polo Club, Indio, California

One thing to keep in mind if you’re planning a future trip is that Coachella takes place in the desert, which means hot afternoons, cooler evenings and plenty of sunshine. My advice? Pack layers, stay hydrated and don’t underestimate how much walking you’ll do!

Coachella 2026 Lineup and Headliners

One of the biggest reasons people travel from around the world to attend Coachella is the music! The 2026 lineup featured an incredible mix of pop, hip-hop, electronic music, indie rock and international artists, with three major headliners performing across both weekends.

Coachella 2026 headliners:

• Friday: Sabrina Carpenter
• Saturday: Justin Bieber
• Sunday: Karol G

Other notable performers included The Strokes, The xx, Disclosure, KATSEYE, Addison Rae, Teddy Swims, PinkPantheress, FKA twigs and Iggy Pop. One of my favorite things about attending Coachella was discovering artists I might not have listened to otherwise. There’s something pretty magical about wandering between stages, hearing incredible live music and stumbling across a performance you weren’t even planning to see. During my own Coachella experience, I saw artists including Lana Del Rey, Lorde and Pharrell Williams, and I still have so many amazing memories from that weekend! You can read more about the performances and atmosphere in my personal Coachella festival recap.

How Much Did Coachella 2026 Tickets Cost?

Coachella offered several ticket options for 2026, including General Admission and VIP passes. Ticket prices varied depending on the weekend, pass type and purchase tier. General Admission passes started at approximately $549 USD for Weekend 2 and $649 USD for Weekend 1 when the lineup was announced, before applicable fees and optional add-ons. VIP passes cost more and included access to designated VIP areas. Keep in mind that Coachella is a three-day festival, and standard passes cover one full weekend rather than individual days. If you’re budgeting for a future festival, remember to account for flights, hotels, transportation, food, outfits and any additional activities you want to enjoy while visiting California. I learned pretty quickly that attending Coachella is an investment, but for me, the memories were absolutely worth it!

Where to Stay for Coachella: Palm Springs, Hotels or Camping?

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning a Coachella trip is where to stay. Some festivalgoers love camping directly on the festival grounds, while others prefer staying in a hotel or vacation rental where they can enjoy air conditioning, a comfortable bed and a proper shower after a long day. Personally, I loved making Coachella part of a bigger Palm Springs getaway! Palm Springs is filled with beautiful mid-century modern homes, adorable cafés, boutique hotels and some of the most gorgeous desert scenery I’ve ever seen. We spent so much time exploring the city, taking photos and soaking up the California sunshine. If you’re planning a future Coachella trip, I recommend booking accommodations early, comparing transportation options and making sure your hotel or rental is convenient for getting to the festival. You can also check out my Coachella planning guide for more travel preparation tips from my own experience.

How to Get to Coachella

Coachella takes place at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, so you’ll need to plan how you’re getting to and from the festival grounds. Many visitors fly into Southern California, rent a car or use festival shuttle transportation. Palm Springs International Airport is a convenient option for the surrounding area, although flight prices and availability vary depending on where you’re traveling from. If you’re staying in Palm Springs or another nearby city, an official shuttle can be a great way to avoid dealing with parking and festival traffic. One thing I definitely recommend is giving yourself extra time to get around. Traffic can be busy during festival weekends, and getting from your accommodations to the entrance may take longer than expected. I’ve shared more advice on booking flights, organizing your schedule and preparing for the festival in my step-by-step guide to planning a Coachella trip.

What to Wear to Coachella: Festival Outfit Ideas

Okay, let’s talk about one of my favorite parts of Coachella: the fashion! Coachella has become just as famous for its festival outfits as its incredible music lineup. From crochet tops and denim shorts to flowy dresses, Western boots and statement accessories, there are so many ways to embrace the bohemian festival aesthetic. When I attended, I fully leaned into the boho-chic look with desert-inspired outfits that were perfect for exploring Palm Springs and taking photos. But here’s something I learned: comfort is everything! You’ll spend hours walking, standing and dancing, so choose outfits that make you feel confident without sacrificing comfort. If you’re looking for inspiration, I’ve shared plenty of Coachella outfit ideas and festival fashion tips from my own festival adventures.

Cute Coachella Outfit Ideas for Women

Whether you’re planning a future Coachella trip or another summer music festival, there are so many fun ways to style a cute festival outfit. Personally, I love mixing affordable basics with a few statement pieces to create a look that feels effortless but still special. A flowy mini dress with Western boots is perfect for a boho-inspired look, while denim shorts and a crochet top create an easy festival outfit that never really goes out of style. You could also try a lightweight romper, oversized sunglasses, a crossbody bag or layered jewelry for a little extra personality. If you’re shopping on a budget, check out my Coachella outfit ideas under $50, affordable festival outfits with Target and music festival outfit inspiration under $50. These older posts are great for styling inspiration, although the original pieces and prices may no longer be available.

What to Pack for Coachella: Essential Festival Packing List

Packing for Coachella is all about being prepared without carrying around a million things you don’t actually need. Between the desert heat, long days outdoors and all the walking, having a few essentials on hand can make your experience so much more comfortable. I highly recommend bringing comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a portable phone charger and a lightweight layer for when the temperature drops at night. A small crossbody bag can also be helpful for keeping your essentials close without weighing you down. And don’t forget to check the official festival rules before packing, because permitted items and bag restrictions can change. If you want even more practical advice, my post on 15 things to know before attending Coachella includes some of the biggest lessons I learned firsthand!

Coachella Packing Checklist

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunglasses and a hat
• Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
• Portable phone charger
• Lightweight jacket or sweater
• Festival-approved bag
• Refillable water bottle, if permitted
• Earplugs for hearing protection
• Hair ties and a small hairbrush
• Festival wristband and identification
• Essential medications, following festival entry rules

Coachella Hair and Makeup Ideas

If there’s ever a time to have a little fun with your beauty routine, it’s Coachella! Think glowing skin, beachy waves, braids, colorful eyeshadow, temporary tattoos and playful accessories. Personally, I love a boho-inspired makeup look that’s fun and feminine without feeling too heavy. Since you’ll likely be spending hours outside in the heat, I recommend keeping your makeup relatively lightweight and choosing products that can handle a long day. Sunscreen is an absolute must, and a long-wearing lip product, waterproof mascara and setting spray can be helpful depending on your preferences. If you’re looking for a little inspiration, I shared an entire Coachella-inspired boho glam makeup tutorial featuring an affordable festival beauty look. And if you really want to embrace the bohemian aesthetic, you can even make your own accessories using my DIY flower crown tutorial!

Things to Do in Palm Springs During Coachella

If you’re traveling to California for Coachella, I highly recommend making time to explore Palm Springs and the surrounding desert. Honestly, some of my favorite memories from our trip happened outside the festival grounds! We spent hours wandering around Palm Springs, admiring the colorful homes, discovering adorable cafés and taking photos against the beautiful desert backdrop. There’s something so charming about the combination of palm trees, mountain views and mid-century architecture. If you have an extra day or two, consider visiting Joshua Tree National Park for even more breathtaking scenery. My bestie and I explored Joshua Tree during another California adventure, and I shared our experience along with some Western-inspired festival fashion in Joshua Tree. It’s such a beautiful destination for anyone who loves nature, photography and desert-inspired style!

10 Coachella Tips for First-Time Festivalgoers

Attending Coachella for the first time can feel a little overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to coordinate transportation, outfits, accommodations and a packed music schedule. But with a little planning, you can focus less on the logistics and more on enjoying the experience. Here are some of my biggest tips for anyone attending Coachella or another major music festival.

1. Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking and standing for hours, so avoid breaking in new shoes at the festival.
2. Stay hydrated. The desert heat can be intense, so drink water regularly throughout the day.
3. Bring layers. Temperatures can drop significantly once the sun goes down.
4. Plan your must-see performances. Check the festival schedule and prioritize your favorite artists.
5. Charge your phone. Bring a portable charger so you can take photos and stay connected with friends.
6. Set a meeting spot. Cell service can be unreliable in large crowds, so have a backup plan if you get separated.
7. Budget for extra expenses. Food, transportation, merchandise and other purchases can add up quickly.
8. Protect yourself from the sun. Apply sunscreen, wear sunglasses and take breaks in shaded areas.
9. Check festival policies. Review the latest rules for bags, wristbands, parking and permitted items.
10. Enjoy the moment. Take plenty of photos, but don’t forget to put your phone down and soak it all in!

Is Coachella Worth It?

If you love live music, traveling with friends and experiencing something a little different, I absolutely think Coachella can be worth it! Of course, it’s not the cheapest vacation once you factor in tickets, flights, accommodations and everything else. But for me, the memories made it special. Beyond seeing incredible performers, I loved exploring Palm Springs, experimenting with festival fashion and spending time with my best friend. It’s the kind of trip that gives you stories to tell for years afterward! If you’re curious about what my experience was really like, you can read my Coachella festival recap and browse unseen photos and memories from Coachella.

Frequently Asked Questions About Coachella 2026

When Was Coachella 2026?

Coachella 2026 took place April 10–12 and April 17–19 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California.

Who Headlined Coachella 2026?

Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber and Karol G were the three main headliners for Coachella 2026.

How Much Were Coachella 2026 Tickets?

General Admission passes started at approximately $549–$649 USD depending on the weekend, before applicable fees and extras. VIP passes and other packages cost more.

Where Is the Best Place to Stay for Coachella?

Popular accommodation options include Palm Springs, La Quinta, Indian Wells, Indio and on-site festival camping. The best choice depends on your budget, transportation preferences and whether you want to explore the surrounding area.

What Should I Wear to Coachella?

Choose comfortable festival outfits that work well in warm desert weather. Popular options include boho dresses, denim shorts, crochet tops, rompers, Western boots and fun accessories. You can find more inspiration in my guide to what to wear to Coachella.

What Should I Bring to Coachella?

Pack comfortable shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a portable charger, a lightweight jacket and any other essentials permitted under the festival’s current policies. For more packing and preparation advice, check out my Coachella travel planning checklist.

For official information about future festivals, visit Coachella’s website.

Flash back to 2014. It all happened over Twitter. The setlist for Coachella was announced and I instantly tweeted it to Meghan, aka Boho Nouveau, fangirl-ing over how amazing it would be to attend. I quickly received a tweet saying “I’m down” and then a few minutes later a text reading “No really, I’m down”. So we did. Hands down the best music festival I’ve been to, Coachella lives up to all the hype. The journey to Coachella Valley. The Ferris wheel. The performers. The nightlife. The people. The energy. I couldn’t have asked for a better festival. Among my favorite performers of the event were Lorde (the girl can rock out), Lana Del Rey (my absolute girl crush), Pharell (accompanied by his posse including Jay-Z and Usher..no big), and Girl Talk.

More Coachella Outfit Ideas, Festival Fashion Tips & Travel Guides

Planning your first Coachella trip or looking for inspiration for your next music festival? I’ve got you covered! From Coachella outfit ideas and boho festival fashion to beauty tutorials, DIY accessories and helpful tips for attending Coachella, I’ve shared plenty of inspiration from my own festival adventures. Whether you’re wondering what to wear to Coachella, how to style the perfect desert-inspired outfit or what to expect at the festival, check out my complete Coachella blog series below!

• 15 Coachella Tips for First-Timers: What I Wish I Knew Before Going — Essential Coachella tips, festival preparation advice and things to know before attending.
• My First Coachella Experience: Festival Recap & Highlights — A behind-the-scenes look at my Coachella experience, including festival memories and highlights.
• Coachella Festival Recap: Unseen Photos & Favorite Moments — More photos, memories and unforgettable moments from my Coachella adventure.
• What to Wear to Coachella: Boho Outfit Inspiration — Bohemian-inspired festival fashion and outfit ideas photographed in beautiful Palm Springs.
• Coachella Makeup Tutorial: Boho Glam Festival Makeup — Festival-inspired beauty ideas for creating a fun, bohemian makeup look.
• Affordable Coachella Outfit Ideas With Target — Budget-friendly festival fashion inspiration featuring Target outfit ideas.
• DIY Flower Crown Tutorial for Coachella & Music Festivals — Learn how to create a beautiful boho-inspired floral halo to complete your festival look.
• Festival Fashion in Joshua Tree National Park — Desert-inspired outfits, bohemian style and fashion photography from Joshua Tree.
• Easy Coachella Outfit Ideas: Effortless Festival Style — Simple, stylish outfit inspiration for putting together a cute Coachella look.
• How to Wear Tie-Dye to Coachella: Boho Festival Outfit Ideas — Fun ways to style tie-dye clothing for a colorful, desert-inspired festival outfit.

Whether you’re heading to Coachella, exploring Palm Springs or simply looking for cute summer music festival outfits, I hope these posts give you plenty of inspiration to create a festival look that’s comfortable, stylish and totally you!