Thousands of music enthusiasts gathered in Indio, California, for the highly anticipated Coachella Festival. This year’s event began on Friday, headlined by pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter. Other major acts include Justin Bieber and Karol G, making this festival a significant start to the U.S. music circuit for 2026.
Festival Highlights
Under the desert sun, fans showcased their festival spirit with cowboy boots, short shorts, and vibrant glitter. Friday’s lineup featured a mix of emerging and established talent, including:
- Teddy Swims
- KATSEYE
- Moby
- Anyma, who closed the first night with his new production, “ÆDEN”
Sabrina Carpenter, renowned for her ambitious performances, made her debut at Coachella in 2024. Fans enjoyed unique experiences at “Sabrina Carpenter’s Pit Stop,” featuring the iconic pink van from her latest video. Notably, attendees could interact with displays, enhancing their connection to the artist’s concept. Lina Luaces, Miss Universe Cuba, expressed the importance of engaging with artistic elements firsthand.
Saturday’s Lineup
The excitement continued on Saturday, featuring iconic acts across nine stages. Notable performances included:
- Nine Inch Nails with Boys Noize
- The Strokes, promoting their upcoming album after a six-year break
- Justin Bieber, with nostalgic hits like “Sorry” and “Where Are U Now”
- Techno acts like Armin van Buuren and Adam Beyer
- K-pop star Taemin and British sensation PinkPantheress
- Legendary David Byrne of Talking Heads
- Influencer-turned-singer Addison Rae
Sunday’s Ceremonial Close
As the festival neared its conclusion, reggaeton superstar Karol G took the stage as the first Latina headliner. A winner of eight Latin Grammy Awards, she debuted at Coachella in 2022 with a tribute to various Latin music legends. Her performance will explore the “Caribbean showgirl” aesthetic, inspired by her recent project “Tropicoqueta.”
Sunday will also mark the return of K-pop icons BIGBANG, celebrating their 20th anniversary, alongside punk legend Iggy Pop and electronic music pioneer Fatboy Slim. Other notable performances include Major Lazer, indie-pop band Foster the People, and visual artist FKA twigs.
Additional Features and Streaming
Coachella 2023 will culminate in a special screening of the first episode of “Euphoria,” marking the series’ return after four years. Furthermore, fans unable to attend can enjoy live streams of the festival on YouTube.
