It's that time of year again when caravans of festival-goers head into the desert to attend the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. And as in previous years, they will be joined by some of the region's best culinary talent.
Fans from around the world will attend the sold-out festival taking over Indio's Empire Polo Club from April 10-12 and April 17-19, with Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber and Karol G. headlining along with a host of emerging artists.
Now in its 25th year, Coachella is bigger than ever, with a food and beverage program to match. Even general admission grants access to bustling diners, secret speakeasies, and pop-ups from viral brands.
Upon entering the festival, attendees will be able to recharge their batteries on the Terrace with Irv's Burgers, a seafood stew from Boiling Crab or a warm churro from Churrería El Moro. The Mexico City-founded churreria recently opened its first location in Los Angeles and will make its debut at the festival near the iconic Ferris wheel, where visitors can watch their fresh churros being prepared.
The Indio Central Market tented food bazaar bordering Outdoor Stage serves as a popular central gathering spot and returns with a new lineup of vendors, including Bad Bunny-approved Villa's Tacos, serving grilled cheese tacos, Korean-inspired Softies Burger, and plant-based pizza from Forever Pie, with McConnell's Ice Cream and Happy Ice on hand with frozen scoops to beat the heat.
New to the precinct is an alley between Terrace and Beer Barn that celebrates the region's thriving street food scene. Stop by Sumo Dog for Japanese-inspired hot dogs, local Indio's Gabino's Creperie for Argentinian-style crepes, Unreal Poke for refreshing to-go bowls, Café La Vecindad for coffee and matcha lattes and freshly made ice cream from Innamorata.
Festival-goers on plant-based diets will find more options than ever, with vendors like Maneatingplant, Cena Vegan, Maciel's and Gokoku offering all-vegan menus.
The all-ages festival has a handful of cocktail experiences for audiences 21 and up, including Houston Hospitality's immersive Cabin that will transport you to a cozy mountain hideaway, New York City's Please Don't Tell's agave Mixteca bar, plus hidden-in-plain-sight speakeasy Golden Hour and the VIP-only Tiki Bar offering a serene escape bordered by Lake Medjhool.
VIP ticket holders will have access to shaded spaces at opposite ends of the festival grounds, and Camphor will bring its Le Burger pop-up to the 12 Peaks VIP area along with truffle-topped comfort foods from Truffle Boys, Spam musubi from Randy's Spammys, and Menotti's signature Spanish latte and classic coffee drinks.
Currently in full bloom, the VIP Rose Garden will host Jim Denevan's Outstanding in the Field family-style dinner at a long communal table, with different chefs offering multi-course menus each night, including Miraté and Daisy Margarita Bar chef Alan Sanz on Saturday, April 11, Linden chef Jonathan Harris on Sunday, April 12, and Charles Namba, chef and owner of Camélia, Tsubaki and OTOTO, on Friday, April 17. April.
At the multi-level Red Bull Mirage overlooking the Quasar Stage, Nobu will offer a reservation-only omakase counter.
Coachella campers have their own food and drink lineup to look forward to, including Handles Coffee, Tropic Truck, Valley Fusion Sushi, Dave's Hot Chicken and Drip Daddy, with early morning and late night hours to keep the party going when the festival gates are closed.
