Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter and star-studded guest list set to make Coachella 2026 one to remember

The Californian desert has once again transformed into a playground of music, where the world’s biggest performers collide with show-stopping fashion for the most anticipated festival of the year.

The 2026 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has kicked off, once again sprawling across the Empire Polo Club fields in Indio, the sold-out event runs from April 10 to 12 and April 17 to 19.

Topping the bill this year are global superstars Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber and Karol G.

For Australian fans making the trip, Bieber’s return is a major drawcard. The pop megastar hasn’t toured since 2022 and hasn’t set foot Down Under since 2017, making his Coachella appearance a rare chance for Aussies to catch him live.

Carpenter, now stepping into a headline slot, is no stranger to the Coachella spotlight.

She delivered standout performances across both weekends in 2024 — even debuting her smash hit Espresso — cementing her rise to one of pop’s most in-demand names.

They’re joined by a stacked roster of talent, with acts including Addison Rae, Teddy Swims, Katseye, Sexyy Red, Central Cee, Kettama, Sombr, Swae Lee, PinkPantheress, Royel Otis, Young Thug, Major Lazer and Duke Dumont all set to take to the stage.

Across its 25-year history, Coachella has delivered some of the most ground-breaking performances in modern music.

Since launching in 1999, the festival has evolved from a modest independent event into one of the world’s most influential cultural touchstones.

The inaugural event — a two-day affair headlined by Beck, Rage Against the Machine and Tool — was famously hit by a punishing heatwave and financial losses.

But organisers regrouped, returning in 2001 with a scaled-back one-day format headlined by Jane’s Addiction, drawing more than 32,000 fans.

By 2003, the festival had regained momentum, with the Beastie Boys and Red Hot Chili Peppers headlining. In 2008, Prince’s legendary appearance helped define the festival’s global reputation.

A record 75,000 people per day packed the grounds in 2010, before Kanye West delivered a historic closing set in 2011 — the year before Coachella expanded into its now-signature double weekend format.

Guns N’ Roses’ long-awaited reunion in 2016 drew global attention, while sets from Ice Cube and Calvin Harris — who brought out Rihanna — added to the spectacle.

Beyonce’s culture-shifting 2018 set is still ingrained in the memories of pop-lovers across the globe.

After pandemic cancellations in 2020 and 2021, Coachella’s 2022 return was met with huge demand, with Billie Eilish and Harry Styles stepping into headline slots.

Last year, Lady Gaga, Green Day and Post Malone led the charge, while rising star Benson Boone generated buzz with his high-flying acrobatics.

But the action isn’t confined to the stage.

Each April, the desert becomes a magnet for A-listers, with celebrities as much a part of the Coachella story as the music itself.

From Cameron Diaz and Jessica Alba spotted in the crowds in 2007 to Danny DeVito meeting Amy Winehouse backstage.

Paris Hilton quickly became a fixture, while Jake Gyllenhaal and Reese Witherspoon were among the famous faces roaming the grounds in 2009.

In 2010, Beyonce and Maria Shriver were seen watching Jay-Z’s set side-by-side, while Katy Perry and Rihanna’s friendship played out in full view two years later — the same year Vanessa Hudgens helped spark the now-iconic flower crown trend.

Festival side-parties have since become an attraction of their own. From Joe and Nick Jonas at a Guess bash to H&M events drawing stars like Gigi Hadid and Aaron Paul.

During Jeremy Scott’s time at Moschino, the brand’s after-dark parties became a must-attend for names like Fergie, Cardi B and Diplo.

As always, this year the fashion will be just as much a drawcard as the music itself.

Coachella style has evolved into a spectacle in its own right, shaping global trends and setting the tone for festival dressing far beyond the desert.

For years flowing prairie dresses, flower crowns and well-worn cowboy boots defined the Coachella wardrobe, with free-spirited pieces dominating the grounds year after year.

And it wasn’t just everyday festivalgoers embracing the look — style heavyweights like Kendall Jenner and the Hadid sisters helped cement the trend, turning the fields of Indio into an open-air runway each April.

But this year, stylist and creative consultant from The Peach & Pineapple Co, Zara Bryson, said festival goers will be swapping flowy dresses for anything low rise.

“The classic boho silhouette that Coachella was built on has lost a lot of its grip,” she told The West Australian.

“The flowy maxi dress, crochet cover-up and flower crown combination feels tired now.

“It’s not that festival fashion has abandoned its free-spirited roots, it’s more that the aesthetic has sharpened and become more fashion-forward.”

Instead, festival goers are expected to be leaning into a strong “Y2K revival”.

“Think low-rise skirts, mesh layers (lots of layers altogether), butterfly, bandana and tattoo motifs, metallic fabrics and lots and lots of denim,” Ms Bryson said.

“It feels high-energy and intentional, less wandering through a field and more I came to be seen.

“Coordinated sets, statement boots and embellished denim are all having a big moment. Accessories are doing a lot of heavy lifting too — chunky platforms, statement socks and hosiery, tinted lens sunglasses and layered chain jewellery.”

For the 2026 festival, weekend one general admission tickets sold from $850, while VIP passes started at $2400.

It’s hard to deny that the bucket-list festival has become a keeping up with the Joneses type of affair.

Australian influencers have this week been sharing their preparations for the event, which often include hair salon trips, nail appointments, spray tans and Pilates classes.

As many vlog their first-class travel experiences, matcha dates upon arrival in Los Angeles, and last-minute vintage shopping runs before the big weekend, it’s no surprise that those watching from their 9-5 office are feeling more than a little envious.

Among the Perth creators set to turn heads this weekend are Jacquie Alexander, Kia Buckley and Bella Spence.

Other major Australian names include Sophia Begg who is known more commonly as Sopha Dopha, Sammy Robinson, Ava Francis and Tammy Hembrow.

It’s not uncommon for businesses to cover content creators flights, luxury accommodation, and even exclusive access to VIP parties and private events.

In return, influencers document every detail, which has in recent years sparked criticism, with some suggesting influencers have changed the dynamic of the festival.