Every April an arid landscape in Indio, California is transformed into a desert rave. Originally inspired by a 1993 Pearl Jam performance at the Empire Polo Club, the first Coachella took place in 1999, headlined by Beck and Rage Against the Machine. By the mid ’00s it was a globally recognised brand and in 2012 it expanded to two weekends. Coachella remains one of the world’s most influential music festivals, so much so that it’s hard to avoid all the press and social media coverage it attracts — good, bad, and ugly. Whether it’s stage injuries, technical meltdowns, or political protests, you’re bound to hear about it — and all the think pieces that follow.

Apr 10, 2026 - Apr 19, 2026