You’ll go for the lineup. You’ll stay for everything else.
Published April 7, 2026 by Brady Goodman-Williams & Kelly Buergel
Coachella 2026 is less about catching every set and more about navigating the extracurriculars around it — after parties that feel like their own festivals, guest lists you’ve only dreamed of getting on, plenty of free activations and collabs that make no sense (but we’re so here for it), and side quests that somehow become the highlight of your weekend.
Here’s everything happening on (and off) the Polo Fields this year.
PRE-PARTIES & AFTER-PARTIES
Saturday & Sunday, April 11-12
Saturday & Sunday, April 18-19
Goldenvoice Surf Club is the best place to cool off from the desert heat both weekends. Back for a third year at the Palm Springs Surf Club, this 21+ daytime oasis serves up beats from BUNT., Levity, Subtronics, Gordo, and more, alongside pro surfers shredding the state-of-the-art wave pool. Think lazy rivers, luxury cabanas, and wellness vibes paired with single-day passes that won’t break your festival budget.
Goldenvoice Surf Club, credit Sarah Midkiff
Whether you’re grooving on the grass amphitheater or sipping cocktails by the water slides, it’s part music fest, part tropical daydream. Bonus: You can even book a surfing lesson!
Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, April 10-12
No one raves harder than Framework & Wynn Nightlife. Back for its 5th year, Framework In The Desert takes the legendary production of the Yuma Tent to the Atlantic Aviation airport hangar in Thermal for this can’t-miss desert afters, running all three nights of Weekend 1 (April 10-12).
Disclosure, Mochakk, Boys Noize, Armin Van Buuren, Marlon Hoffstadt, and more will play late-night sets on the Long Feng Art Car.
Long Feng Art Car at Framework in the Desert, credit Daniela Becerra
Off the dancefloor, there are bars, food trucks, and outdoor social areas near a literal airport runway – a combination that defines this one-of-a-kind experience.
You can still buy a 3-day pass or single-day tickets!
Thursday, April 9 through Monday, April 13
Thursday, April 16 through Monday, April 20
Everyone's favorite instant ramen brand Maruchan is hosting a new pop-up designed for festival-goers driving in and out of the Coachella Valley at the Cabazon Outlets in the parking lot closest to the Oakley Store. This FREE pop-up will include samples of their new flavors (Lime Chili, Flamin' Hot, Chicken Salad & Kraft Cheese), a DIY ramen bar, exclusive Maruchan merch, giveaways, and more!
Friday, April 10
Nothing screams “Coachella” quite like a Kardashian-Jenner brand activation. Back for its fourth year, 818 Outpost returns on Friday, April 10 for an invite-only 21+ afternoon of live music with a headlining set by KAYTRANADA and specialty cocktails (using Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila, of course).
818 Outpost, credit Anna Dave
As the presenting partner, Cash App is bringing an interactive poolside experience to the outpost, with photo ops and poolside treats. Postmates brings the best of LA's food scene to the desert with the Postmates Pit Stop, an immersive food garden featuring curated trucks from Ggiata, Heavy Handed, and HomeState. The h.wood Group brings their modern-day supper club, Delilah, to the desert in the Delilah Reserve Lounge. Snapchat will host an on-site photobooth experience where guests can take a selfie with custom lenses, and Blank Street will appear for the first time on the West Coast with a lineup of signature matcha and coffee beverages.
Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, April 10-12
Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, April 17-19
Taking over the iconic 70-acre Zenyara private estate for all three desert festival weekends, Corso Millner Group has teamed up again with Framework, Tao Group Hospitality, and Dorsia for their invite-only elevated nightlife series. A magnet for high-profile guests, Desert Nights remains one of the world’s most exclusive events.
Desert Nights
With PAWSA, David Guetta, Adriatique, Ben Sterling, HUGEL, and more on the lineup this year, it’s time to finesse your way onto this coveted guest list. May the odds be ever in your favor.
Saturday, April 11
And you thought your quinceañera was a big deal… On Saturday, April 11, the legendary Neon Carnival (and its iconic ferris wheel) celebrates its 15th year in the biggest way possible. The energy kicks off early with a curated opening set by Mary Mac. Compton’s own Channel Tres will bring his signature blend of house and hip-hop to the DJ decks. The momentum continues as 2X Diamond-certified global superstar Ty Dolla $ign makes his highly anticipated Neon Carnival debut, joined by West Coast heavy-hitters DJ NITRANE and Dre Sinatra.
Presenting sponsors RIVIAN and LaCroix have a number of giveaways and tropical photo ops lined up. Maurchan will have a dedicated air stream serving hot ramen all night long. Sally Hansen will be doing manicures on-site to keep your nail game on point.
This exclusive party is invite-only, so start buttering up your influencer friends… and don’t get sick on the carnival rides!
Saturday, April 11
Back for its ninth year in the desert, the REVOLVE Festival brings together the most influential names in fashion, entertainment, and social media to Thermal on Saturday, April 11. This year's theme, “The Grand Revivre,” evokes the charm and excitement of a bygone carnival era. With Don Toliver, Mustard, and special guest Kehlani on the lineup this year, we know this party's going to be insane.
Official payment partner Affirm will host an “Affirm-ation” game station where guests can win gift cards or luxury goods. PopSockets will have their own spin-the-wheel game and a DIY Grip Bar to customize your phone’s “festival outfit.” DC Studios’ Supergirl will bring to life an immersive intergalactic experience and lounge bar. Guests will also enjoy gifted products and immersive experiences from some of REVOLVE’s most coveted brands, including Kulani Kinis, Quay, Bur Bur, Schutz Shoes, Huda Beauty, and more, bringing fans a dynamic mix of style, beauty, and unexpected surprises. And everyone’s favorite drive-in, SONIC, will serve carnival classics like corn dogs, crispy tots, and their new lineup of SONIC Refreshers for feel-good hydration. Sounds like heaven to us.
Friday, April 10
The unofficial kickoff to Weekend 1, NYLON House in the Desert returns on Friday, April 10. This year’s theme, “NOCTURNA,” is a fashion-forward moonlit ritual that captures the untamed energy of the wild. And what better way to get primal than with a high-energy set by Diplo B2B HUGEL??
Matrix will debut a new partnership with KATSEYE. Trident has built a speakeasy-inspired listening bar. Sally Hansen, Neutrogena, and e.l.f. Cosmetics are on deck for glam-worthy giveaways and photo ops. And Skechers is off to the races with an immersive lounge to showcase their newest running shoes. If you don’t have an invite, you’re missing out.
Saturday, April 11
Returning for its fourth year as one of Coachella Weekend One’s standout private daytime experiences, Sonic Desert will bring together music, fashion, beauty, cocktails, and immersive brand activations at a private ranch in Thermal.
Presented by Coca-Cola, Sonic Desert will feature music by Matthew Topper and a strong mix of tastemakers, creators, and industry insiders. First grab your Lickies at check-in to keep your breath fresh all week long, then swing by the Keranique bar for a glam reset to beat the festival heat.
ON THE FESTIVAL GROUNDS
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 2:00, 4:15, 6:30, 8:45, and 11:00PM
Photo courtesy of Kid A Mnesia Exhibition Image: Epic Games
A 75-minute large-format film and art installation made from thousands of fragments created by Thom Yorke and Stanley Donwood during the recording of Kid A and Amnesiac: sketches, paintings, collages, audio recordings, and handwritten notes. With five screenings per day, the air-conditioned “Bunker” located near the Sahara Tent is the newest way to escape the heat.
Make advanced reservations and arrive early so you don’t miss out! These RSVPs are filling up fast!
The Do LaB via Facebook
This isn’t just a stage — it’s the stage. Boasting over 20 years of surprise sets and dancefloor magic with big names and the next-generation talent, the Do LaB stage returns both weekends with another stacked lineup.
Weekend 1 highlights include a DJ set by R&B royalty Tinashe, drum & bass titan Andy C, Italian techno powerhouse Anfisa Letyago, bass-driven house hitmaker OMNOM, future bass favorite Whethan, and an indie electronic moment with Poolside’s Daytime Disco.
Weekend 2's nothing to sneeze at either: Detroit-rooted globetrotter Seth Troxler, funk-driven duo The Brothers Macklovitch (A-Trak x Dave1), elusive electronic architect SBTRKT, house heavyweights AFTER MIDNIGHT (Matroda x San Pacho), R&B meets electronica innovators Drama (DJ Set), UK club renaissance favorite Eliza Rose, Nigerian tastemaker SARZ, the euphoric high bpm styles of X CLUB., and the atmospheric sounds of Tourist.
Sign up for text alerts so you don't miss a single surprise set! And real ones know the party's backstage, if you're lucky enough to get listed...
Following its debut last year, Red Bull Mirage is the festival’s new crown jewel of cool — a 20,000-square-foot, three-story playground parked next to the Quasar. Curated DJ sets, pop-ups, and more surprises will take place throughout both weekends. The ground level will feature a new design, expanded seating areas, live feed viewing, and limited-time beverage offerings including the return of $6 Red Bull Slushies (the cheapest drink you can buy at the fest!) If you’re feeling fancy (and have $375 to burn), reserve a table at the Nobu Omakase and receive all-day Floor 1 access.
Text “MIRAGE” to 411987 to receive real-time text alerts for surprise activations across the festival and campground both weekends!
A special pop-up for Soho House members with VIP passes located in 12 Peaks VIP, The Hideout is a place to relax and hang out day or night (in air conditioning). A short walk from the main stage, enjoy Soho Health Club smoothies and House cocktails, plus a menu that includes sushi and classics such as their House burger from 1PM to 1AM daily.
A festival within the festival, Heineken House is always worth a quick pit stop (if you’re over the age of 21). All weekend long, a stacked lineup of world-class talent like Sean Paul and Big Boi sets the soundtrack as the beer garden pours Heineken Original, Heineken Silver, Heineken 0.0, and some exciting new innovations.
If you haven’t stumbled in here yet, you’re truly missing out. Back for its fifth year, the GV Black x Party In My Living Room activation and merch collaboration is a commitment and opportunity for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) to be seen at the festival with bumpin’ DJ sets, insane blacklight art, and extra-special merch you won’t find waiting in line at the main merch tent.
From the brilliant mind of Alex Rodriguez, visit Record Safari and dig into over 25,000 pieces of new and used vintage vinyl while you cool off in their air-conditioned store. They’ll even have some Record Store Day exclusives on Saturday, April 18! Store your purchases for only $12 and walk away with an exclusive Coachella tote so that precious plastic doesn’t melt.
Aperol is back at Coachella for its fourth year, and this time, it’s going bigger with a new Aperol Day Club planted right in the middle of the grounds, perfect for a little half-time hang with the homies.
Designed as a bright, open-air escape, the Day Club leans into that signature Spritz energy – sun-soaked, citrusy, and just structured enough to feel like an Italian holiday reset. Think DJs spinning all day, surprise pop-ups, frozen Aperol treats, and a steady stream of beauty add-ons (tooth gems, permanent bracelets, the whole festival glow-up starter pack). And, of course, plenty of spots clearly built for lingering and snapping that ultra-saturated cover image for your IG dump.
If you’ve got an Amex, there’s a quiet upgrade waiting for you. Card Members can access a dedicated festival experience with up to three guests, plus a fast lane for merch (open 1–7PM) so you’re not wasting half your day in line.
There’s also a small but real win: spend $120+ on select merch and you’ll get $20 back. Not life-changing – but at Coachella prices, we’ll take it.
MGA’s Miniverse™ is bringing a tiny version of Coachella to the desert — think palm trees, ferris wheel, and festival scenes, all scaled way down but still very much doing the most.
Inside, you’ll find mini photo ops, mocktails, small bites, and a record-inspired lounge that doubles as an actual escape from the heat. The standout: fully working mini vinyl records and a tiny record player playing real tracks.
They’re also dropping collectible mini keepsakes (like a lineup poster and vinyl keychain), plus an early look at their new Real Music™ line before it launches this summer.
Pinterest “Unplug” Experience
Pinterest is doing something rare for Coachella: asking you to get off your phone.
Their phone-free activation is set up as an analog playground – featuring custom charms, beauty touch-ups with e.l.f., and styling moments pulled from this year’s festival trends. Instead of just another photo op, you’ll leave with actual keepsakes – instant photos, stickers, and a printed “Joy Guide.”
It’s running both weekends (1–9PM) near the main entrance—and might be one of the few places where being offline is kind of the point.
IN THE CAMPGROUNDS
Desert Sky
Live DJs:
Thursday: 8PM-1AM - Disco Lines confirmed for Weekend 1!
Friday - Sunday: 11:30PM-1AM
Silent Disco:
Thursday: 1AM-3AM
Friday - Sunday: 1AM-4AM
If you’re camping on-site, then you gotta arrive early and swing by this dance structure on Lot 8! This round truss tent will host Silent Disco, yoga, Pilates, sound baths, guest speakers and incredible music all weekend long.
Euphoria Season 3 Screening
Sunday, April 12 at 11:59PM
Okay, after a long three days of partying, maybe you want to kick back with some good TV. HBO will host a premiere screening of Euphoria Season 3 in the Campgrounds with complimentary snacks and soft drinks!
Field of Dreams
Thursdays, 12PM-4PM
Friday - Sunday, 9AM-3PM
Forecast says that the weather won’t be unbearable Weekend 1 this year, so no excuses! Unleash your inner athlete at the Field of Dreams, the ultimate playground for high-energy competition and epic communal vibes. Dive into adrenaline-pumping dodgeball tournaments, get lost in massive bubble parties, and team up for relay races to meet your new festival squad. Keep your eye on the prize, because top competitors can score VIP upgrades!
Thursdays: 2PM-9PM
Friday - Sunday, 7AM-2PM & 7PM-2AM
For only $20, Flutterby Ranch has created a special 7-minute up-close and personal butterfly encounter with California’s native species located near the food trucks in Lot 8. While there, discover a selection of organic produce grown from the very plants pollinated by these incredible creatures, brought to you by Coachella Valley’s Aziz Farms.
Remember...
This isn’t just a festival – it’s an endurance test for how much fun one human can cram into a single weekend (or, two weekends technically). Between giant moving art, secret pop-ups from LA’s finest, brushing past your celebrity crush, and glow-in-the-dark margs at Neon Carnival, it’s easy to forget there are actual headliners. But hey, isn’t that kind of the point?
See you in the desert?
