Coachella 2025: The Desert Returns Bigger Than Ever

The 2025 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival ran across two weekends (April 10–13 and April 18–20) at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. With Lady Gaga, Green Day, and Post Malone headlining the main Coachella Stage, this year's edition delivered one for the history books. Lady Gaga's Friday headline set was widely hailed as one of the greatest Coachella performances ever, transforming the main stage into a full opera house experience.

2025 Highlights

Lady Gaga (Friday): A multi-act theatrical spectacle that dazzled with costume changes, elaborate staging, and a setlist spanning her entire career. Widely called the best Coachella performance in years.

Green Day (Saturday): A reminder of just how many anthems the band has accumulated over 30+ years of punk rock. The crowd went wild for "Basket Case," "American Idiot," and "Wake Me Up When September Ends."

Post Malone (Sunday): A charming closer showcasing his versatility, talent, and star power across pop, rap, and country.

Surprise Moments: Charli xcx brought out Lorde, Billie Eilish, and Troye Sivan. Clairo was introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders. JENNIE, ENHYPEN, and LISA represented K-pop and J-pop in massive sets. Zedd brought out John Mayer and Maren Morris. Benson Boone brought out Queen's Brian May.

Fan Travel Guide: Indio / Coachella Valley

Getting There: Coachella is in Indio, about 2 hours from LA and 30 minutes from Palm Springs. Fly into PSP (Palm Springs Airport) for the closest option, or LAX/ONT and drive. Carpooling is highly recommended — shuttle passes from designated lots are the smoothest way in.

Where to Stay: On-site Coachella camping (General, Lake Eldorado, Glamping) sells out fast and is the ultimate immersive experience. Nearby hotel hubs include Palm Springs, La Quinta, and Rancho Mirage. Book 6–9 months out for festival weekends.

What to Bring: Sunscreen (SPF 50+), a reusable water bottle (free water stations everywhere), comfortable shoes, layers for cold desert nights, and a portable battery pack. The days hit 95°F+; the nights drop to the 60s.

Art & Beyond the Stages: Coachella's art installations are world-class. Budget time to explore the grounds during the day when lines at stages are shorter. The ferris wheel at sunset is iconic. DoLab stage offers free-form dance music late into the night.