Coachella 2025 is behind us, but it left a sweet, tingly taste in our mouths. We’d like to share with you a bit of the experience of walking from stage to stage and taking in all that these amazing artists had to offer on the second weekend of the iconic festival.
Of course, Coachella is more than music, and 2025 brought us some gorgeous art installations that really brought the whole experience full circle: ‘Take Flight’ by Isabel + Helen Studio rose some 60 feet in the air, its colorful turbines catching the wind like a giant fairy windmill. Nearby, ‘Le Grand Bouquet’ by Uchronia bursts with color, a tall floral centerpiece surrounded by tiered seating, inviting attendees to relax and soak in the flower power vibe.
Then there was ‘Taffy’ by Stephanie Lin, a huge artwork featuring wavy cylinders that interact with sunlight, casting dynamic patterns of light and shadow throughout the day. Walking through these installations while the whole valley echoed with the hustle and bustle of the festival, enhancing the festival experience and reminding everyone that Coachella is as much about creativity as it is about the music.
Last but not least, across the Quasar stage, we also got the chance to visit the absolute behemoth that was Red Bull Mirage. The 20,000+ square-foot installation offered a tiered, multi-level experience that felt like a hidden bit of an oasis amidst the festival heat. The first level buzzed with energy, offering Nobu sushi and refreshing cocktails like a spicy watermelon margarita that really hit just right.
Upstairs, surprise DJ sets kept the atmosphere lively and never too far from Coachella’s raison d’être, and the balcony provided a perfect spot to catch glimpses of the performances and the whole stage design while sipping on unique drinks. The top level was a chill retreat, where you could cool off even more and enjoy a stunning 360° view of the festival grounds, seamlessly enhancing the Coachella experience without overshadowing it.
But let’s get into some of the nitty-gritty details of the shows we caught this final weekend…
FRIDAY
Bright, sunny, colorful, and beautiful—that was the atmosphere going into Coachella’s second weekend earlier that day. The green valley of the Empire Polo Club seems accustomed to welcoming the festival’s chic, international audience by now, greeting each eager attendee with its fragrant grass and open blue skies.
Friday was huge. You could feel the excitement in the air for the long-awaited return of Lady Gaga as headliner. But before we got to that, there was a hearty list of absolutely marvelous performances to witness. Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso delivered an incredible set, providing us with the catchiest, most imaginative music imaginable. Are they pop, trap, or fusion jazz? Impossible to tell—“mind-blowing” would be a better label for them.
One of Friday’s biggest highlights was the absolute delight of catching the one and only Missy Elliott, who brought a huge setlist, including a short-but-special rendition of “Cool Off,” featuring samples of Kendrick Lamar’s now-iconic “Not Like Us.” It feels like Missy has simply gotten better with age, and the energy she brought was insane, leaving us completely amped for Gaga and the return-to-form vibes of her Mayhem setlist. Her performance was both memorable and nostalgic, particularly when she performed Poker Face. For a brief 110 minutes around that main stage, the clock turned back, and it felt like the best part of 2017 again. Thanks, Gaga.
SATURDAY
On the second day, one huge highlight was being suddenly alerted by the sound of Wagner emanating from the Outdoor Theatre stage. We knew Gustavo Dudamel was bringing, for the first time, the Los Angeles Phil to the festival. They performed classical pieces like “Ride of the Valkyries,” but they also surprised us by collaborating right on stage with the likes of Dave Grohl and Cynthia Erivo in a colorful and bold musical display that only a true maestro could deliver. Curiously, Dudamel wasn’t the only Venezuelan-born artist present that Saturday, as reggae-pop luminaries Rawayana had an amazing setlist in store for attendees, with their latest mega-hit “Veneka” serving as a significant milestone for a country amidst a huge sociopolitical crisis.
As big as Friday felt, Saturday truly outdid it a bit. Yes, there was a Yo Gabba Gabba show, but you couldn’t overlook Green Day, nor could you ignore Travis Scott, T-Pain, Charli XCX, Jimmy Eat World, and so many others.
SUNDAY
Going into the last day brought a mixed bag of feelings. Some tiredness was settling in, and the Sunday scaries were creeping up, but nothing that an Aperol Spritz couldn’t help chase away as we looked to the long Cali sunsets, signaling what promised to be a proper musical send-off for this magical second weekend.
We couldn’t pass up the Sahara Stage early on because we were eager for Ben Böhmer’s set. We just hoped there was enough time to reach the Outdoor Theatre for performances by Kenshi, Zedd, and, of course, the ever-groovy Still Woozy with his trippy acid set pieces. Moving onto the Mojave Tent, we had just enough time to catch some of the legendary Kraftwerk at work.
But what most people were excited for was the second headlining show of Post Malone. This second Sunday felt like a chance for him to make up for the lackluster sound he suffered through the previous weekend, and he certainly delivered. The improved technical setup allowed the rap-turned-country star to really lock in his performance, aided by special guests Jelly Roll and Ed Sheeran. Overall, all Malone’s rambunctious persona and self-deprecating jokes paid off, as he had us all vibing the hell out of the final hours of Coachella 2025.
As the final notes and thank yous echoed across the valley, Coachella’s second weekend left an indelible mark on all who attended. From the electrifying performances of iconic artists to the surprising collaborations and last-minute additions that kept raising the bar, this festival was a celebration of creativity and community. As attendees departed, they took with them not just memories of incredible music, but a shared reassurance that music festivals aren’t going anywhere, no matter how bleak it gets out there. So here’s to everyone involved! Until next year, Coachella—thank you for another unforgettable journey!
