The opening weekend of Coachella 2026 showcased historic milestones, from the first Latina headlining the festival to the debut of the first Filipino group. Also notable was the construction of a new bunker designed for an art installation honoring two legendary albums, making for a weekend rife with memorable moments.
Friday kicked off with BINI, an eight-member group, showcasing Filipino culture. Radiohead’s immersive installation called Motion Picture House Kid A MNESIA had its world premiere, while Slayyter introduced tracks from her latest album, Worst Girl in America. On Saturday, Geese covered Justin Bieber, and Nine Inch Noize performed their first full set. Jack White surprised fans, and David Byrne made a theatrical appearance. Sunday highlighted Karol G’s historic headline performance as the first Latina, while Iggy Pop charmed crowds with his punk rock flair.
The weekend featured numerous surprise guests, notably during Sabrina Carpenter’s set, which included Hollywood icons such as Will Ferrell and Samuel L. Jackson. Justin Bieber brought out appearances from The Kid Laroi and Wizkid, while Teddy Swims jammed with David Lee Roth and Joe Jonas. Young Thug introduced Camila Cabello for a performance of their hit “Havana.” FKA Twigs celebrated West Coast ballroom culture with dancers, and Major Lazer welcomed M.I.A. for a show-stopping moment.
Friday, April 10
BINI
BINI, being the first Filipino group to perform at Coachella, embraced the moment on the Mojave stage with well-executed choreography and a mix of songs in Taglish. They expressed gratitude for representing the Philippines, debuting tracks from their new EP, Signals, among fan favorites.
Slayyyter
Slayyyter’s electrifying performance of her new album Worst Girl in America captivated the crowd, feeling like a prime-time show. Her high-energy set included standout tracks like “I’m Actually Kind of Famous,” establishing her as a rising star within the festival scene.
Saturday, April 11
David Byrne
David Byrne’s set was a spectacle filled with optimism in the face of a challenging world. Through immersive storytelling and heavily themed performances reflective of love and unity, he engaged fans with a mix of Talking Heads classics and songs from his latest album, Who Is the Sky?
Karol G
Karol G made history as the first Latina to headline Coachella, delivering an electrifying and socially aware performance. Her impressive set featured hits, collaborations with performers like Yandel, and messages of pride for the Latino community, earning her a place as a leading figure in Latin music.
