Indio, California, United States
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
Desert heat, palm trees, giant art installations, and one of the most talked-about lineups of the year, twice.
The straight answer
Coachella runs over two consecutive Friday to Sunday weekends in mid April at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, with the same lineup both weekends.
Coachella happens over two back-to-back weekends in mid April, Friday through Sunday, at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, in the desert about two and a half hours east of Los Angeles without traffic. The headliners and most of the lineup play both weekends, so the choice between weekend one and weekend two is about budget and vibe, not music.
Since its start in 1999, Coachella has become one of the most influential music festivals in the world, known for landmark headline sets, huge art installations, and a crowd that treats the festival as a fashion and social media event as much as a concert. Daily attendance is in the six figures.
The desert sets the terms. April afternoons in Indio are often in the upper 80s to mid 90s F (31 to 35C), sometimes hotter, with strong sun and wind that kicks up dust. Nights cool off quickly into the 50s F (around 13C). The same weather that makes the sunset sets magical makes midday brutal.
The event, explained
The festival spreads across polo fields with several main stages and tents covering pop, hip-hop, rock, electronic, and Latin music, plus DJ stages and late-night sets. Programming runs from around midday to after midnight each day.
Large-scale art installations and sculptures across the grounds change each year and are a big part of the experience, especially at night when they light up. The food program leans on well-known Los Angeles restaurants and chefs.
Camping is on site, with tent and car camping options and upgraded glamping, plus shuttle passes for those staying in hotels or rentals across the Coachella Valley. The same site hosts Stagecoach, a country music festival, the weekend after Coachella.
How to play it right
- 01Buy passes in the presale, typically held many months ahead. Passes have historically sold out, though not always instantly, and weekend one usually goes first. Weekend two usually offers lower resale prices and slightly less influencer crush, with the same lineup.
- 02Book lodging early. Hotels and rentals in Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert, and Palm Springs fill and raise prices sharply; groups often rent houses. Camping on site avoids the daily commute.
- 03Plan for heat. Arrive in the late afternoon for evening sets, find shade during peak heat, drink water constantly, and use the free refill stations. Sunscreen, a hat, and a bandana for dust are essential.
- 04Use the shuttle if not camping. Traffic into and out of the site is heavy, and ride-share pickups late at night mean long waits and high fares.
- 05Fly into Palm Springs International Airport for the shortest drive, or Los Angeles or Ontario airports for more flight options with a longer drive.
With kids in tow
- Coachella is aimed at young adults, and the crowds, heat, and late nights make it tough for small children. Check the festival's current age policy before buying passes for kids.
- Teens can have a great time with a careful plan for heat, meeting points, and phone charging.
- Families visiting the Palm Springs area that month should expect higher prices on both festival weekends and the Stagecoach weekend that follows.
Book your stay for Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for April
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Coachella Valley Music and Arts FestivalOpens a hotel search for Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Coachella Valley Music and Arts FestivalWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Coachella Valley Music and Arts FestivalTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival for April. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, quick answers
When is Coachella?
Over two consecutive Friday to Sunday weekends in mid April, with the same lineup both weekends. The festival announces dates and the lineup months ahead.
Is Coachella weekend one or weekend two better?
The music is essentially the same. Weekend one has more buzz and surprise guests; weekend two often has lower resale prices and a slightly calmer crowd.
How hot is Coachella?
Often very hot. Expect afternoon highs in the upper 80s to mid 90s F (31 to 35C) and sometimes higher, with cool nights in the 50s F (around 13C).
Where should you stay for Coachella?
On-site camping, or hotels and rentals in Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert, and Palm Springs with a shuttle pass. Book as early as possible.
What festival happens after Coachella?
Stagecoach, a country music festival, is held at the same Empire Polo Club site the weekend after Coachella's second weekend.
Also in April
Humpback Whale Season in Maui
Maui, Hawaii
Roughly December to April, with the peak from January to March
Cherry Blossoms in Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Late March into early April, with peak bloom varying a week or two year to year
Cherry Blossom Season in Japan
Japan nationwide, sweeping south to north
Late March through April, moving south to north across the country
Tulip Season in the Netherlands
Lisse & Amsterdam, Netherlands
Mid March through mid May, with the fields at their boldest in mid-to-late April
Before you book.
Sort these two things first.
Sponsored links. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Visit Faye
Travel insurance.
FayeA missed connection, a bag that never turns up, a hospital abroad: far cheaper to cover before departure than to argue about after.
- Visit Saily
eSIM data.
SailySet up an eSIM before you fly so your phone has data the moment you land, without roaming charges.
Our top-rated travel gear
Whatever you decide, this is the gear we actually travel with: verified, priced, and ranked. Live price check on each.
As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.