Coachella 2025: The Ultimate Guide to the Desert's Premier Music Festival

The 2025 Coachella lineup represents one of the most diverse and exciting collections of artists in festival history. Headlining the main stage, Lady Gaga returns to Coachella to deliver what promises to be an unforgettable performance, combining her chart-topping hits with theatrical production values that only she can deliver.

Post Malone brings his unique blend of hip-hop, rock, and pop to the desert, while punk rock legends Green Day will unleash their high-energy anthems. Pop sensation Charli XCX and hip-hop icon Missy Elliott round out the headliners, ensuring that every musical taste is satisfied.

Beyond the headliners, festival-goers can expect performances spanning electronic dance music, indie rock, hip-hop, and everything in between, spread across multiple stages throughout the Empire Polo Club grounds.

Coachella has evolved far beyond a simple music festival into a comprehensive cultural experience. The festival grounds transform into an immersive wonderland featuring large-scale art installations created by renowned artists from around the world. These interactive sculptures and visual spectacles provide perfect photo opportunities and contemplative spaces between performances.

The culinary offerings at Coachella have become legendary, with dozens of food vendors serving everything from gourmet food truck fare to upscale dining experiences. Festival-goers can enjoy cuisine from around the world, craft cocktails, and specialty beverages while taking in the desert scenery.

Fashion plays a significant role in the Coachella experience, with attendees showcasing bohemian-inspired outfits, vintage finds, and cutting-edge festival wear that has influenced mainstream fashion trends for years.

Located approximately 125 miles east of Los Angeles in Indio, California, the Empire Polo Club is accessible by car, shuttle services, and rideshare options. Many attendees choose to stay in nearby Palm Springs, Palm Desert, or Indio, though accommodations book up quickly and early planning is essential.

The festival takes place across two identical weekends, allowing more fans to experience the event and providing flexibility for those traveling from out of state or internationally. General admission tickets start at $499, while VIP packages offering premium viewing areas, exclusive lounges, and enhanced amenities range up to $1,599.

Desert weather in September can be intense, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F during the day before cooling down at night. Attendees should prepare with sunscreen, hydration packs, comfortable shoes, and light, breathable clothing.

While the Empire Polo Club doesn't offer traditional camping, several nearby options provide unique festival experiences. Luxury camping packages and nearby hotels range from budget-friendly motels to high-end resorts in Palm Springs and the surrounding Coachella Valley.

Many festival-goers opt to rent private homes or condos through vacation rental services, splitting costs among groups to create a home base for the weekend. These accommodations often include pools and outdoor spaces perfect for pre-festival gatherings and post-show relaxation.

Transportation between accommodations and the festival grounds is well-organized, with shuttle services running throughout the day and evening. However, many attendees prefer the flexibility of having their own vehicle, despite parking challenges at the venue.

Veteran Coachella attendees recommend arriving early each day to catch emerging artists on smaller stages before the headliners take over. Many of music's biggest stars have performed on Coachella's secondary stages early in their careers, making these sets particularly special for music discovery.

Download the Coachella app before arriving to create a personalized schedule, as set times often overlap and difficult choices must be made between simultaneous performances. The app also provides real-time updates on any schedule changes and helps navigate the expansive festival grounds.

Stay hydrated throughout the day by taking advantage of the free water refill stations scattered across the venue. Bring a reusable water bottle or purchase a Coachella-branded one on-site. The desert heat can be deceiving, and dehydration is a common issue even for experienced festival-goers.

Embrace the unexpected – some of the best festival moments come from surprise guest appearances, discovering new artists, and spontaneous experiences throughout the weekend.

Coachella has made significant strides in recent years toward becoming a more sustainable event. The festival has implemented comprehensive recycling and composting programs, reduced single-use plastics, and partnered with environmental organizations to offset the event's carbon footprint.

The festival also contributes to the local Coachella Valley economy, generating millions in revenue for the region and providing employment opportunities for thousands of local residents. Community engagement programs support local schools, arts organizations, and charitable initiatives throughout the year.

As Coachella continues to grow and evolve, the organizers remain committed to balancing the massive scale of the event with environmental responsibility and positive community impact, setting an example for festivals worldwide.