The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, better known as Coachella, was the brainchild of two partners: Rick Van Santen and Paul Tollett. Both served as head promoters of Goldenvoice, which remains the producing company for Coachella to this day. The concept of European music festivals and artwork inspired the framework of what turned into the California desert’s most popular event.
Oct. 9–10, 1999 marked the inaugural Coachella Festival. That’s right: It started as a two-day event. Headliners included Tool and Rage Against the Machine, while other acts were Morrissey, Chemical Brothers, A Perfect Circle, Jurassic 5 and Underworld. Coachella has evolved into one of the world’s most famous and profitable festivals, with approximately 750,000 attendees walking through the gates festival each of the three days. Yet, we are still just getting started, as Coachella 2023 is projected to be the biggest event yet.
What makes this festival light up Indio, California as we’ve never seen before? It all starts with expecting the unexpected…
Celebrity Sightings
Coachella has a well-known reputation for attracting numerous high-profile personalities, to the point where the press, as well as fashion photographers, are eager to capture exclusive glimpses of them. During the 2021 event, several celebrities like Paris Hilton, Hailey Bieber, Noah Cyrus, Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner and countless others made appearances outside of their performances, proving that the guest list is never-ending.
“Coachella” Fashion
Coachella has emerged as the ultimate destination for displaying the latest fashion trends and making a lasting impression. Many brands are flooding festival-goers and influencers with their latest fashion collections to gain more visibility. The festival offers an unparalleled fusion of distinct fashion styles and refined musical preferences, with exclusive parties hosted by fashion giants such as H&M and Revolve, attended by the most celebrated personalities in Hollywood.
Food Galore
Coachella features an array of culinary delights from over 40 of Los Angeles’ finest restaurants and food trucks. The festival boasts an impressive menu that caters to different dietary requirements such as vegan, non-vegan and dessert options, as well as a range of fast foods. Health-conscious individuals can indulge in nourishing options like cleansing juices, açai bowls rich in antioxidants, poke bowls and much more.
The Surprise Factor
Coachella is full of unexpected surprises that will leave you in awe. For instance, Justin Bieber’s surprise appearance during Ariana Grande’s performance and the resurrection of 2Pac’s hologram during Dr. Dre’s set are just a few jaw-dropping moments you may witness. The festival has also witnessed the reuniting of popular bands such as Destiny’s Child and Guns N’ Roses, making it a memorable experience for attendees.
The Exciting Vibe
The lively atmosphere of Coachella is sure to make you feel welcome, despite the large crowds. The festival-goers, staff and security personnel all share the view that it’s a mesmerizing place to be. The festival layout is remarkably well-planned, with two massive stages placed at opposite ends of the fairgrounds, and awe-inspiring art installations scattered throughout the venue, perfect for admiring on your leisurely stroll.