Coachella 2026 Lineup: Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G to Headline Historic Festival

Indio, California — The desert is preparing once again for one of the biggest music events in the world. The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 2026 has unveiled its full lineup, headlined by three powerhouse names: Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G. The announcement has electrified fans worldwide, signaling a festival that blends pop, reggaeton, indie, electronic, and alternative sounds across its two weekends in April.

Festival Dates and Location

• Weekend 1: April 10 – 12, 2026

• Weekend 2: April 17 – 19, 2026

• Venue: Empire Polo Club, Indio, California

The festival, famous for its sprawling desert stages and immersive art installations, will once again run across two weekends with identical lineups, giving fans multiple chances to experience the same star-studded performances.

The Headliners

Sabrina Carpenter – Friday Nights

Carpenter will open each weekend as the Friday headliner. Just two years after her breakout performance at Coachella 2024, she has risen to global superstardom with chart-topping singles and a sold-out arena tour. Fans can expect a high-energy set blending new tracks from her recent album Man’s Best Friend with viral hits that turned her into a cultural sensation.

Justin Bieber – Saturday Nights

For the first time in his career, Bieber will headline Coachella. His Saturday night performances are expected to feature tracks from his dual albums Swag and Swag II. Having taken time away from touring in recent years, his return to a stage of this magnitude signals one of the most anticipated comebacks of 2026.

Karol G – Sunday Closers

Karol G, fresh from her Grammy win and acclaimed Tropicoqueta album, will close out both weekends. Her headline slot marks a milestone moment: the continued elevation of Latin artists at mainstream U.S. festivals. Expect a vibrant, bilingual celebration that reflects her massive influence across reggaeton, Latin pop, and global music.

Other Major Performers

Beyond the headliners, the Coachella 2026 lineup is stacked with legendary names and emerging talent:

• The Strokes returning with a full desert set.

• David Byrne and Iggy Pop, icons bridging classic rock and avant-garde performances.

• The xx and FKA twigs, bringing atmospheric and experimental energy.

• Young Thug, Major Lazer, Kaskade, and Moby, rounding out rap, electronic, and EDM dominance.

• Viral newcomers including Katseye, Teddy Swims, Sexyy Redd, and SOMBR, all securing prominent slots that highlight the festival’s ability to capture new cultural waves.

The Festival’s Direction in 2026

This year’s lineup highlights several trends shaping the music industry and live performance circuit:

1. Pop Meets Reggaeton: With Bieber, Carpenter, and Karol G all leading nights, the fusion of English-language pop and global Latin sounds is front and center.

2. Veterans Meet Rising Stars: Coachella 2026 balances timeless performers like Iggy Pop with digital-age artists like Katseye, appealing to multiple generations.

3. Global Reach: More artists outside the U.S. are represented, reflecting the international demand for diverse sounds.

4. Cultural Influence Beyond Music: Expect collaborations in fashion, tech, and art exhibits tied to the performers, turning the festival into a full cultural moment.

What Attendees Should Expect

• Ticket Sales: General admission tickets go on sale September 19, with early access for returning festival-goers beginning September 18.

• Surprise Guests: Historically, Coachella has been known for unannounced collaborations — previous years saw unexpected appearances by Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Kendrick Lamar. Speculation is already swirling about surprise duets, especially between Carpenter and other pop stars.

• Festival Conditions: With Indio’s daytime highs often topping 90°F in April, hydration and shade remain key. The festival will again expand its cooling tents, shaded rest areas, and shuttle services to improve accessibility.

Why This Year Matters

Coachella 2026 represents more than just music — it’s a cultural snapshot of what America is listening to and how global sounds are reshaping the stage. For Sabrina Carpenter, it’s proof of her meteoric rise. For Bieber, it’s a reclamation of his superstar narrative. And for Karol G, it’s a moment of validation for Latin music as a headlining force in U.S. pop culture.