The 2026 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival kicked off its first weekend in Indio, California, with major performances and surprise guests. Similarly, weekend two made headlines and had additional surprise appearances.
Weekend one took place from April 10-12, featuring headliner performances from Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G, who are leading this year’s festival lineup. These artists helped define the tone of the festival; blending pop, Latin music, and nostalgic hits across the three nights.
“It wasn’t just about the headliners; the whole lineup was really good. There were big artists, but also a lot of smaller and different kinds of performers, so it didn’t feel the same all weekend. It made it more interesting and fun to watch,” said Junior Isabella Rabani.
One of the biggest highlights from weekend one was Sabrina Carpenter’s theatrical opening performance, which included elaborate staging and celebrity appearances. Meanwhile, Justin Bieber made a major comeback, performing a nostalgic set that referenced his earlier career and viral moments.
“Justin Bieber broke a slew of records at Coachella 2026 – or Bieberchella, as Beliebers have dubbed this year’s festival. Bieber is the highest-paid artist in Coachella history ($10 million); spurred the highest-ever ticket demand; his performance was the most Googled in Coachella history,” said Vogue.
Karol G also made history by delivering a powerful closing performance and becoming one of the most talked-about headliners of the weekend.
However, not everything went as planned during the first weekend. Strong winds caused technical issues and even forced some performances to be canceled, likely due to electrical problems. There were also some safety concerns at certain stages, showing that even major events can face challenges.
“Due to strong wind conditions affecting Anyma’s stage build, he is unable to perform tonight. Coachella and Anyma have made this decision together, with your safety as the priority,” said the official Instagram account for Coachella.
By the time Weekend Two arrived, April 17-19, many of the same headliners and performers returned, giving fans another chance to experience the festival. Artists like Addison Rae, Olivia Rodrigo, and Young Thug performed, along with a wide range of EDM and international acts. Justin Bieber brought out SZA, and Billie Eilish was brought on stage by Hailey Bieber, creating a memorable and unexpected moment for fans.
Coachella 2026 delivered major moments, from standout headline performances to unexpected challenges. As Weekend Two began, fans were anticipating even bigger performances, more surprises, and a continuation of trends that are redefining what a music festival can be.
