So You Wanna Do Coachella 2026? Here's How to Make It Happen

If your FYP is flooded with Coachella content and you're feeling the FOMO, here's your ultimate guide to planning for Coachella 2026.

Photo: Grazia

Every April, Coachella turns the California desert into a pop-culture fever dream—one part music festival, one part cultural experience. If your feed has been a nonstop scroll of Lalisa's set, Lady Gaga’s legendary performance, and aerial views of neon-lit art installations that look like they were built for aliens with perfect taste, you’re probably deep in the “I’m going next year” phase. And honestly? You should. But scoring tickets, outfits, and a halfway-decent place to sleep requires planning, patience, and maybe a little luck.

Here’s your start-to-finish guide to making Coachella 2026 a reality—not just a recurring daydream.

1. When is Coachella taking place in 2026?

While the official dates for Coachella 2026 haven't been announced yet, the festival traditionally takes place over two consecutive weekends in April. For 2025, the dates were April 11-13 and April 18-20 . It's reasonable to expect similar timing for 2026, so keep your April weekends open.

Booking accommodations early is crucial, as hotels and rentals in the Indio area fill up quickly. Consider setting alerts on travel sites to snag the best deals as soon as dates are confirmed.​ Don't forget about transportation such as flights, car rentals, or trains. Once the festival dates are confirmed, those prices will only soar.

2. How do you secure tickets for Coachella?

Tickets for Coachella typically go on sale in the summer preceding the festival. For 2025, general admission passes started at $599 for Weekend 2 . Prices can vary based on demand and package options, so it's wise to budget accordingly.​

Joining the festival's official mailing list will keep you informed about presale dates and ticket releases. Remember, tickets sell out fast, so be ready to purchase as soon as they become available.​

3. Should you camp at Coachella or stay in a hotel?

Coachella offers several accommodation choices, from on-site camping to nearby hotels. Camping provides a full immersion experience and is often more budget-friendly. However, it requires preparation and a tolerance for the elements.​

If you're not someone who can do camping, we recommend you skip it. In 2025, there has been reports on TikTok and Instagram that camping sites are allegedly hard to figure out and there are no clear rules.

If comfort is a priority, hotels or vacation rentals in Palm Springs or Indio might be preferable. Keep in mind that prices can surge during festival weekends, so booking early is essential.​

4. What to Wear at Coachella?

Coachella is as much a fashion event as it is a music festival. Think bohemian vibes, bold colors, and statement accessories. However, comfort is key—opt for breathable fabrics and sturdy footwear to navigate the festival grounds.​ Festival goers in previous years have detailed how days at the festival can get really hot, but nights can be quite cold. Going with something light and breathable while carrying a cozy layer is the smartest way to go.

Don't forget essentials like sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen to protect against the desert sun. And remember, express yourself! Coachella is the perfect place to showcase your unique style.​

5. What are some festival hacks to make Coachella more fun?

Stay hydrated by bringing a refillable water bottle—there are free water stations throughout the venue. Utilize the festival's app for real-time updates on set times and map navigation.​

Once the lineup is released along with the stages, create a plan with your friends on the artists you want to see. Remember, artist sets at Coachella last between 30 minutes to a little over an hour. Planning your festival schedule will prevent you from missing out on your favorite artists.

While planning your time is important, also be flexible; sometimes the best moments are unplanned. Explore the art installations, try diverse food options, and immerse yourself in the full Coachella experience.​