Every April, the California desert transforms into a sparkling, glitter covered music festival, for the one and only, Coachella. It’s a big event for many, whether you’re into the music, the outfits, or just a big festival person it’s kinda the event of the year festival wise. And while I’m watching it all unfold from the comfort of my couch with snacks in hand and zero risk of sunburn, I’ve still done a deep dive into everything you need to know about this iconic festival. So whether you’re getting prepped to go, planning on going next year, or even just thinking about it for next year, or like me and just watching your Instagram feed get flooded with Coachella posts, here is the Coachella 2025 breakdown.
So for those of you who don’t know what Coachella is, Coachella is a music festival in Indio California which spans over two amazing weekends, this year it’s April 11-12 and April 18-20. But Coachella has kinda become more than just the music. Now it’s about the outfits, celebrity appearances, PR, and honestly just kinda one big marketing stunt. It started back in 1999 as a humble two day concert in October and now it’s a full two weekend event with people flying in from around the world.
But of course, outfits and food aside, the main event is obviously the music. With the biggest named artists, from pop to metal, indie to house, Coachella has got it all.
Friday April 11 & 18
On Friday the headliner is the one and only Lady Gaga. You can expect some fun outfits, great energy, and some great vocals for this one! Along with Gaga keep your eye out for Benson Boone, Djo, and Missy Elliot. There are 8 main stages at Coachella with music flowing the whole time so you can watch out for a lot of other people hitting the stage on Friday too.
Saturday April 12 & 19
It was a “Brat” summer last year, and I think that energy will definitely be carried along into summer 2025 as well. Charli XCX will be hitting the stage Saturday and I know a lot of people are looking forward to that one. Green Day will be headlining Saturday which I just know will be awesome to see. Along with those two icons, Clairo, T-Pain and many others will be bringing the Coachella energy
Sunday April 13 & 20
Coachella will be closing off with a bang on Sunday with Post Malone, Megan Thee Stallion, and Travis Scott! Sunday is shaping up to be a great day of music with artists big and small. Shaboozey, Ty Dolla $ign, Still Woozy, and beabadoobee will also be hitting the stage and closing off the weekend in the right way. Sunday is bringing a huge mix of music and there will definitely be something for everyone.
Coachella’s food scene is pretty wild. It’s not your average festival food, it’s kinda insane and fancy. I mean it really does match with the LA influencer aesthetic and the target demographics. There’s gourmet ramen, plant-based burgers, churros longer than your forearm, and yes, overpriced iced lattes that taste better in the heat. And don’t even get me started on the drinks, they are outrageously expensive but also look so good. If you are thinking about drinking at Coachella, or just curious about the prices, just know that there is really no way around not spending a big chunk of money. The beers are and highballs are $20 and fancy cocktails are around $30, and that is USD! I know if I was at Coachella, I’d be skipping out on the liquor options.
The outfits are one of my favourite parts of it. Even though I’m not physically there, I’m emotionally there through everyone’s “outfits of the day” on social media. I feel like there is always a trend each year too. Last year was definitely chunky belts. I guess we have yet to see what this year will be but I’m going to guess somewhere along the lines of a 2000s vibe with a mix of glitter, mesh, lots of sheer fabric, cowboy hats, and the return of low-rise everything. People really get into planning their outfits in advance too. I’m talking months in advance. I love the commitment though. Not something I think I could do since I’ve always been kinda a last minute person.
But along with all the fun there’s definitely some downsides to Coachella too. So if you’re not there this year and wishing you were there in person, here are some things to keep in mind that might keep you happy with the fact that you are home.
The Heat – It’s hot. Like desert hot. So be prepared to be hot. And if you’re not there, just know that you dodged a major bullet with sun stroke.
Dust Storms – Like I said desert hot, but key word desert. So if it gets windy just know to close your eyes or else the sand will get them. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Exhaustion – 3 jam packed days of music, no sleep, and dancing, I mean ya it does sound fun but I think I’m at the point in my life where sleep is my number one priority.
A question I keep coming back to is why the obsession? I mean ya I understand it but I don’t know if I could drop that much money on this thing. But from what I’ve gathered is that Coachella isn’t just about music – it’s just a lot more. It’s part concert, part fashion show, part spiritual experience with overpriced food and drinks. And even if you’re not there, you’re kind of still there. Whether it’s live streams, YouTube vlogs, TikTok, X, and Instagram, it’s impossible to miss the action.
So if you’re not standing in the desert surrounded by sweaty strangers and confetti this year. Or tapping your card for a $22 vodka soda, just know there’s always next year, or maybe you aren’t missing out at all and us at home are the real winners. Whether you’re there in person or just scrolling from home with Netflix in the background – you’re part of the party in some way or another. So happy Coachella to all those who celebrate and I can’t wait to see how these next two weekends unfold.