The Coachella Valley is one of California’s most scenic environments. But the legendary heat, tourist attractions, and eye-catching desert views aren’t all that you can enjoy in the valley. Thanks to the regular climate and easy access to the Coachella Valley, music festivals have thrived in this part of California.
But there’s much more to the music festivals here than first meets the eye. Sure, there are the big-name multi-day fests that draw the largest crowds, but there are also quite a few smaller events that fill out the calendar in other parts of the year, thanks to the generosity of local and country-wide supporters and music fans. There may even be a few music festivals in Coachella Valley that you don’t know about. That’s why we’ve collected everything you need to know about this topic below. Let’s dig in!
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
Since 1999, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (also known as “Coachella”) has been one of the most anticipated live music events to occur every year. Up there with Lollapalooza, the Governors Ball, and Bonnaroo, Coachella regularly attracts upwards of a quarter million concertgoers every April. The 2023 edition broke records thanks to its headline acts like Frank Ocean, Blondie, and Gorillaz.
While Coachella may get the majority of the attention when it comes to nearby music festivals, there’s a good reason. The festival, which lasts two weekends long at the Empire Polo Club, has almost single-handedly boosted the economy of many Palm Desert communities. Coachella has also been at the center of lots of new American and International music styles, from indie to hip hop and electronic dance music and beyond. The amenities at Coachella are too many to list, but a few highlights include:
- The legendary Ferris Wheel, which has some of the best views of the valley
- The Indio Central Market provides 15 unique food stalls to choose from
- Dance competitions, arcades, and spelling bees are also part of the fun
- Camping in a car or tent is common, as well as tickets to more exclusive areas like furnished yurts and lodges
Stagecoach
Also held in the popular Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, the Stagecoach music festival in Coachella Valley is billed as country music’s biggest party. There’s no doubt about it once you visit this high-energy fun-packed fest: the party goes on nonstop! Back from its pandemic break, Stagecoach came out in 2023 with a talent-packed lineup of stars from Brooks & Dunn to Bryan Adams and Chris Stapleton. While the singers and musical acts range from all over the country (and even a few international bands), the crowds are smaller at Stagecoach, ranging from 75,000 to 100k visitors every year.
A festival of that size is perfect for creating a more intimate party atmosphere where everyone can find a place to enjoy the music at their own pace. A ticket to Stagecoach will provide you with a full slate of attractions and activities to do, including a seat at the Amazon Music Live Lounge, a trip around the Bud Light Backyard, or a visit to Guy Fieri’s Stagecoach Smokehouse. Stagecoach begins the weekend after Coachella.
Power Trip
One of the most exciting music festivals that we can’t wait to attend in 2023 is Power Trip, a three-day odyssey through hard rock at the Empire Polo Club. If you’ve been looking all over to enjoy the sonic stylings of hard-edged groups like Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC, Ozzy Ozbourne, and Metallica, this highly awaited festival is a must-see. The party begins on October 6th and goes on until the 8th.
Tickets are available at multiple price levels, ranging from general admission to VIP packages and mosh pit attendees. For truly committed fans, official hotel packages for groups of two to four are also available to bundle with your ticket purchase. If you’d like to tie your trip together with a camping experience, the organizers have plenty of options, from RV spots to tent and car camping to private lodges for two to four persons.
Joshua Tree Music Festival
Another great music festival to see and hear in the Coachella Valley takes place twice a year, in May and in October. The Joshua Tree Music Festival provides visitors with some of the most otherworldly vistas of the desert in a modern catered package. Whether you like to attend music festivals to meet new people or you prefer to stay with friends and family, you’re sure to find the perfect place to enjoy the pristine views of this part of the country.
Each version of the festival takes place over four days, and concertgoers are free to move and explore the areas all around Joshua Tree Lake Campground. There is no one musical genre or category on view at this festival. Camping accommodations are available directly at the music festival, as are numerous hotels and rental homes just minutes away.
White Party Palm Springs
Often cited as the biggest dance party in the world for LGBTQ+ communities, White Party is quickly becoming one of the most notable music festivals in Coachella Valley. Boasting over 30,000 attendees year after year, this fest features a full lineup of events and activities to check off your list, including live DJ performances, outdoor pool parties, open bars, and much much more.
The event takes place in May every year for a single weekend of fun in the sun. Many concertgoers choose to stay in nearby Palm Springs or to attend other events to extend their time in the valley. Tickets are available at various price points, and lodging options are outlined on the festival site.
Reach out for luxury accomodations today
With that, we’ve come to the end of our list of the best music festivals in Coachella Valley. If you have any questions or comments to share, or you’d like to learn more about events to do in the valley, get in touch today! Contact Cavallo Ranch for more information.
