Coachella is making headlines again, and not necessarily for all the right reasons. As early as September, the festival has announced its 2026 lineup—the earliest ever since it started in 1999. Fans will have to decide quickly if they want to grab tickets for $650 for Weekend One or $550 for Weekend Two. It’s almost like music lovers should be ready to jump in before the weather cools down.
However, Coachella seems to be losing some of its magic. It has been struggling to sell out in recent years, and many attendees are now finding resale tickets at much lower prices. The festival’s vibes appear to be in decline, especially after record-high temperatures hit 100 degrees in 2025.
This year, more than half of general admission fans opted for “buy now, pay later” plans. They’re stretching their budgets to experience the festival, while organizers forgo immediate revenue. Even big names like Massive Attack have opted out, citing environmental concerns, and stars like Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna have said they’re “busy”—a clear hint at the festival’s waning appeal.
The lineup is also raising eyebrows. With headliners like Moby sitting below new artists, it feels as if Coachella is trying to bridge generations, from Gen X to Gen Z. Within the lineup, though, are some exciting new acts like PinkPantheress and Oklou that show where music is heading. Unfortunately, when it comes to making a statement, the festival seems to be playing it safe.
According to a recent survey by Statista, 45% of festival-goers are concerned about ticket costs and artist lineup quality—issues that reflect the growing anxiety in the live music space. Social media trends also indicate this, with fans expressing frustration over dull lineups and high ticket prices on platforms like Twitter and TikTok.
The festival’s evolution mirrors broader trends in the music industry, where streaming has shifted how we experience music. Once a highlight on the live music calendar, Coachella now faces challenges. It’ll be interesting to see how it adapts to win back its audience. As music evolves, so must the festival—hopefully, keeping the spirit alive while connecting with fans old and new.
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