When and where is Coachella? What’s the lineup? How do you watch the livestream? We have the answer to all your pressing questions about the Indio, California music festival.
It’s almost time for music buffs and “do it for the gram” millennials alike to flood to Indio, Calif.
Ahead of the 2019 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, kicking off April 12, here’s a handy survival guide for both lovers and haters (counterprogramming options below).
What is it?
For fans, the Goldenvoice-produced festival rivals Disneyland as “the happiest place on Earth.” For three days in a row, you can frolic between multiple stages to listen to music you love, discover new sounds, immerse yourself in art installations and devour great food.
For the critics, it’s a claustrophobic nightmare in dangerously hot temperatures where an odd mix of people — rebellious 13-year-olds, aspiring influencers, college frat bros, committed ravers in knee-high fur boots, and seemingly clueless parents who brought small children — come together to wait in line for overpriced watermelon and conduct Instagram shoots. Because #Chella.
When is it?
Weekend one is April 12-14, and weekend two is April 19-21. Expect your social media feeds to be flooded each night until the early morning hours, as the festival wraps around 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and midnight on Sunday.
Where is it located?
The Empire Polo Club in the Coachella Valley, near Palm Springs or about two and a half hours from Los Angeles.
Who is performing?
The better question is, “Who’s brave enough to follow Beychella?”
Childish Gambino, Tame Impala and Ariana Grande are headlining this year’s lineup. Others at the top of bill include Janelle Monáe, Diplo, Weezer, J Balvin, Khalid, Zedd, Bassnectar, Chvrches and YG. And, yes, Idris Elba is DJing.
What are the set times?
Take a breath and sip some pre-Chella coconut water. The set times are here.
Is it sold out?
Technically yes, but you can join the official waitlist or find some being traded or sold online.
How much does it cost?
General admission is $429, though it creeps up to $509 with the shuttle pass. VIP is priced at $999.
And for the record, Coachella and Stagecoach, the country music festival that follows it, generated about $704 million of overall economic activity last year (spending by consumers and businesses), according to an estimate by the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership and Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau.
