Coachella 2026: A Dream and Survival Test in the Desert
Coachella is a unique blend of dreamlike experiences and survival challenges, and my first visit to the world-renowned festival in California's Coachella Valley confirmed that no amount of preparation can ready you for the reality. With 5am finishes after enduring freezing shuttle queues, the chaos, dust, and exhaustion are intense, yet one truth stands out: it was absolutely worth it.
Justin Bieber's Nostalgic Comeback
Bieberchella lived up to its hype, transforming into a full-blown teenage fever dream. Watching Justin Bieber return to the stage with genuine happiness, after his well-documented public struggles, felt surreal for fans who grew up with him. For his diehard supporters, now mostly in their late 20s, he delivered pure nostalgia. Despite an estimated crowd of 100,000, the show maintained an intimate atmosphere as Bieber sat behind a laptop, revisiting old music videos and performing tracks not heard in over a decade, stripping things back to his origins.
While some might question a Coachella headliner reportedly earning $US10 million ($14m) for a minimalistic set, as a long-time fan, I left far from disappointed. His performance transported me straight to childhood memories of obsessing over my first celebrity crush in my bedroom.
Sabrina Carpenter's Flawless Spectacle
In contrast, Sabrina Carpenter set an impossibly high bar on day one with a flawless, polished, and detailed performance that was impossible to look away from. As someone not initially a huge fan, I was left in absolute awe. Arriving just 10 minutes before her set, I unknowingly ended up beside the pop-up stage she used to open and close the show, granting front-row access to what I consider the best performance I've ever witnessed.
From rapid outfit changes and high-energy choreography to a surprise appearance by Will Ferrell, every moment escalated in excitement. The chaos peaked as production staff rushed to hand out ponchos to confused fans moments before Carpenter launched into her hit song, Tears. The 26-year-old finished her set atop a towering water fountain, soaking the crowd below. Wind amplified the drenching, but this shocking moment became the highlight of my weekend, sparking laughter and conversations for days.
Survival and Exploration at Coachella
By day three, exhaustion had firmly set in. Running on minimal sleep, I shifted from survival mode to exploring the festival's sprawling brand activations, including Pinterest, Coca-Cola, e.l.f., and White Claw, before calling it a night ahead of Karol G's headline set. Coachella is now officially ticked off my bucket list. If you're considering going, know this: you won't be fully prepared, but you certainly won't regret the experience.
