Every spring, the California desert becomes something special. The grounds of Empire Polo Club in Indio turn into a true oasis of music, fashion, and contemporary art. What makes it even more interesting is how people from all over the world come together around one event. That event is the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival – or simply Coachella – which has long gone beyond being just a music festival. Over the years, it has become a cultural phenomenon that always manages to stay in the global spotlight.
The festival was founded in 1999 by Paul Tollett and Rick Van Santen. From the very beginning, its goal was to celebrate diversity, bringing different genres together in one space – from rock and pop to hip-hop, indie, and electronic music. Coachella includes eight stages and hosts more than 130 artists. But as mentioned, it has long moved beyond music. The festival is known for its large-scale art installations and sculptures that give the desert a futuristic feel. At the same time, celebrities, top models, and influencers are just as present in the crowd as they are on stage. This is where the so-called “Coachella style” was born – a mix of bohemian and experimental fashion that often defines the key trends of the season.
In 2026, every stage felt like a constellation of stars. Alongside headliners like Sabrina Carpenter, Karol G, and Anyma, the audience saw artists such as The Strokes, The xx, Young Thug, PinkPantheress, FKA Twigs, Laufey, and the legendary Jack White. Still, among all these performances, one moment stood out the most. Justin Bieber delivered one of the most talked-about and emotional shows of the festival. Using a YouTube-style interface, he turned the stage into a digital archive. During the performance, he opened his old music videos live on screen and performed his biggest hits alongside his younger self – almost like a duet across time. This emotional moment quickly took over the internet and once again proved that Coachella’s 25th anniversary was truly historic.
The festival ran until April 19, offering music lovers many unforgettable moments. For those who couldn’t travel to the California desert, Coachella also offered a full virtual experience. Most performances were streamed live on YouTube, allowing audiences from anywhere in the world to watch their favorite artists, feel the energy of the festival, and be part of this global moment.
