The Cactus Hugs Guide to Coachella

Headed to the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival? Whether it's your first time in the desert or you're a seasoned wristband veteran, this guide covers everything you actually need to know — dates, location, tickets, where to stay, and hard-earned tips that can save your weekend.

This page is designed to be evergreen and updated annually as new details are released.

When Is Coachella 2026?

Weekend 1: April 10–12, 2026
Weekend 2: April 17–19, 2026

Both weekends feature essentially the same lineup, art installations, and festival experience.

Where Is Coachella Held?

Coachella takes place at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, about 30 minutes east of Palm Springs.

If you're driving in from Los Angeles or Orange County, expect heavy traffic on Thursday and Friday via I-10, especially through Cabazon, Banning, and Beaumont. Monday morning traffic leaving the desert is also notoriously bad.

How Much Are Coachella Tickets?

TCoachella offers a range of festival passes, including General Admission, VIP, and bundled options with shuttle service. Pricing varies by weekend and tier, and increases as early pricing tiers sell out. :contentReference[oaicite:2]

• General Admission (3-Day GA) – Weekend 1 starts around $649, Weekend 2 starts around $549.
• GA + Shuttle Combo – Weekend 1 around $779, Weekend 2 around $679.
• 4-Pack (GA bundle) – Weekend 1 ~ $639/pass, Weekend 2 ~ $539/pass.
• VIP Pass – Weekend 1 ~ $1,299+, Weekend 2 ~ $1,199+. :

Official ticket sales and tiered pricing are updated regularly as passes sell out. Always check the official site for the most current prices before purchasing.

2026 Lineup Highlights

Festival organizers have confirmed the headlining acts for 2026, with a diverse roster spanning pop, Latin, and global sounds.

• Headliners: Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, Karol G. :contentReference
• Notable supporting acts: The Strokes, Lykke Li, Teddy Swims, Addison Rae, Major Lazer, David Byrne, Interpol, Little Simz, and debut performances by groups like Katseye and Bini.

Both weekends host the same overall lineup, with a mix of returning favorites and exciting newcomers anticipated across multiple stages.

Check back closer to the festival for full schedules and set times once organizers release the official daily lineup.

Where Should You Stay for Coachella?

The Coachella Valley is spread out, and where you stay matters more than you think.

Best areas to stay:

• La Quinta – Closest to the festival
• Indian Wells – Quiet, upscale, convenient
• Palm Desert – Good balance of location and amenities
• Palm Springs – Fun, but farther away

Staying far outside the valley (Yucca Valley, Beaumont, etc.) may save money but usually results in brutal commute times.

Getting Around: Shuttles, Driving, and Parking

Unless you are camping, the shuttle pass is the move.

• Multiple pickup locations throughout the valley
• Regular service before and after the festival
• No parking headaches

Driving yourself means paid parking, traffic delays, and remembering exactly where you left your car after a long day.

Coachella Tips That Actually Matter

1. Hydrate Like It's Your Job

April in Indio can be hot. Add alcohol, walking, and dancing and dehydration becomes real fast. Pre-hydrate before heading in and use the refill stations inside the festival.

2. Prepare for Dust

The dust is real. A bandana or mask helps, and rinsing out your sinuses at night can make a huge difference by Monday morning.

3. Wear Comfortable Shoes

Style points don't matter when your feet are wrecked by Saturday afternoon. Comfort wins.

4. Don't Leave Monday Morning

If you can avoid it, do. Monday morning traffic out of the Coachella Valley is consistently awful. Leave later in the day or stay an extra night if possible.

5. Pace Yourself

It's a marathon, not a sprint. Eat real food, drink water, and take breaks — especially if you plan on surviving all three days.

What If You're Not Going?

Even if you don't have tickets, many Coachella performances are streamed online during the first weekend. It's not the same as being there, but it beats FOMO.

Final Thoughts

Coachella is a massive production, but with a little planning it can still be an incredible experience. This guide will be updated as new information is released each year, so check back as the festival approaches.

Enjoy the desert — and don't forget the sunscreen.