Coachella Festival
| File:Coachella Ferris Wheel.jpg The Empire Polo Club during the 2026 festival.
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| Genre | Alternative rock, indie, hip hop, EDM, pop |
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| Dates | April 10–12 & 17–19, 2026 |
| Location | Empire Polo Club Indio, California, U.S. |
| Years active | 1999, 2001–present |
| Founded by | Paul Tollett, Rick Van Santen |
| Attendance | 125,000 per day (2026) |
| Website | coachella.com |
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (commonly known as Coachella) is an annual music and arts festival held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. It was co-founded by Paul Tollett and Rick Van Santen in 1999 and is organized by Goldenvoice, a subsidiary of AEG Presents.
History and Founders
[edit]The festival's origins trace back to a 1993 concert by Pearl Jam at the Empire Polo Club, held to boycott Ticketmaster-controlled venues. This event validated the site's viability for large-scale festivals.
The Goldenvoice Era
[edit]Paul Tollett and the late Rick Van Santen launched the first official Coachella in October 1999. Despite a difficult financial start, the festival returned in 2001 and eventually shifted to April to avoid peak desert heat. After Van Santen's passing in 2003, Tollett continued as the festival's primary visionary. In 2001, Goldenvoice was acquired by AEG Presents, providing the financial infrastructure that allowed Coachella to grow into a global brand.
2026 Edition
[edit]The 2026 festival marked the 25th edition of the event. It took place across two weekends: April 10–12 and April 17–19. The headlining acts were:
- Sabrina Carpenter
- Justin Bieber
- Karol G (the first Latina artist to headline)
Additional notable performers included Anyma, The xx, and a special "Nine Inch Noize" set by Nine Inch Nails and Boys Noize.
Venue and Art
[edit]The festival is famous for its 78-acre grounds and distinct performance areas:
- Coachella Stage: The primary stage for major headliners.
- Sahara Tent: A large structure focused on EDM and high-production visuals.
- The Quasar: A newer stage dedicated to extended DJ sets.
- Art Installations: The festival commissions massive, original sculptures every year, which have become central to the festival's identity and social media presence.