Beyond the musical acts, the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, held in April at Empire Polo Club in Indio, has morphed into something of a cultural phenomenon, with fantastic food and high-wattage stars showing up in their best desert boho outfits. Artists also present large works, making the event a feast for the eyes as well as the ears—which is part of the reason why nearly 200,000 have attended the annual festival in recent years.
Past headliners for the two-weekend event have included Rage Against the Machine, Childish Gambino, and Tame Impala. Diplo, Janelle Monae, The 1975, Lorde, Solange, Kid Cudi, Weezer, Khalid, and hundreds of others have also graced the many stages of Coachella. At the legendary Sahara Tent and Yuma Tent, EDM performances by the likes of Skrillex, Zedd, and Martin Garrix have gotten seas of attendees moving.
With lineups comprised of today's biggest musicians, it's no wonder this event sells out almost immediately every year when presale tickets (June) and general sale tickets (January) open to the public.
Having trouble getting a wristband? Some passes are available through the waitlists or one of the Greater Palm Springs pass-plus-lodging packages. If you are lucky enough to secure passes, check the Coachella site to book on-site camping spots, VIP dinners, or even the plush Safari Tent lodgings.
If you didn’t score tickets but still want in on the festival atmosphere, there are plenty of events and opportunities around the Greater Palm Springs area during both Coachella weekends. Visit Greater Palm Springs is a great resource for finding activities beyond the festival's gates. Throughout April, visitors may partake in legendary pool parties, architecture exhibits, themed brunches, and other activities hosted by stylish, local hotels and resorts, like the hip, rainbow-colored Saguaro Resort and Spa Palm Springs and the trendy Ace Hotel & Swim Club.