Coachella 2025: Day One Unleashes Star Power, Surprise Guests in Indio Desert

INDIO, California – The globally renowned Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival officially commenced its 2025 edition on Saturday, April 12, transforming the vast grounds of the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, into a vibrant nexus of music, art, and culture. The opening day set an energetic tone for the weekend, featuring a diverse array of performances across multiple stages, catering to eclectic tastes from K-Pop sensations to punk rock legends.

The Grand Opening at Empire Polo Club

The gates of the Empire Polo Club opened early on April 12, welcoming tens of thousands of attendees eager to experience the start of the multi-weekend spectacle. The anticipation that had built over months culminated in a flurry of activity as festival-goers navigated the sprawling site, taking in the iconic art installations and seeking out their favourite stages. The Indio desert environment, known for its intense heat, presented an immediate challenge, prompting attendees to employ various strategies to remain cool and comfortable throughout the day.

A Tapestry of Performances Across Stages

The musical offerings on Saturday were as varied as the audience itself. The prestigious main stage hosted a series of high-profile acts, including rock veterans Green Day, pop icon Lady Gaga, and hip-hop superstar Post Malone, each delivering sets that drew massive crowds and generated significant buzz across the festival grounds. Their appearances underscored the festival’s ability to attract top-tier talent spanning different genres and generations.

Elsewhere on the site, the Outdoor Theatre featured a much-anticipated performance by Jennie of Blackpink, marking a significant moment for K-Pop’s continued dominance on the global stage. Her set was a highlight for many, showcasing the genre’s expanding influence within the mainstream festival circuit.

The festival’s diverse stage lineup ensured there was music for every preference. The Sonora stage, known for its punk and alternative leanings, welcomed the English punk rock duo Soft Play and the influential punk band the Circle Jerks, delivering raw, high-energy performances. Over at the Sahara stage, a perennial favourite for electronic and hip-hop acts, attendees were treated to sets from Yeat, Mustard, T Pain, and GloRilla, keeping the energy levels soaring well into the evening.

Rounding out the day’s musical journey, the Mojave stage presented performances by the legendary new wave band the Go-Go’s and rock band Weezer, providing nostalgic moments and singalongs for long-time fans.

Unexpected Appearance by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders

Adding a layer of surprise beyond the scheduled artistic lineup, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders made an appearance at the festival on its opening day. While details surrounding the nature of his visit were not immediately clear, his presence underscored the festival’s status as a significant cultural event that attracts attention from various spheres, extending even to the political realm.

Battling the Indio Heat

As is customary for the Coachella experience in April, the desert heat was a defining factor for attendees on Saturday, April 12. With temperatures climbing, the festival-goers were observed utilizing creative measures to mitigate the effects of the sun. One particularly popular strategy seen across the grounds involved seeking out areas designed for cooling. Notably, many converged on the Do Lab stage area, known for its interactive installations and misting systems. Here, attendees were captured joyfully soaking up sprays from a strategically deployed water cannon, providing much-needed relief and transforming a necessity into a fun, communal experience amidst the high temperatures.

A Promising Start

Day one of the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival successfully launched the event with a packed schedule of performances, notable appearances, and the vibrant, resilient spirit characteristic of its attendees. As the first day concluded, it set a high bar for the rest of the weekend, promising more music, art, and memorable moments under the Indio sky.