The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival launched its 2026 edition with a star-studded opening night featuring pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter's headlining debut, complete with surprise celebrity appearances and Hollywood-themed theatrics.
Carpenter transformed the main stage into "Sabrinawood," creating a cinematic experience that began with a short film featuring actor Sam Elliott as a police officer who pulls her over before releasing her to the stage. The 26-year-old singer's performance included unexpected cameos from actor Susan Sarandon, who delivered a monologue as an older version of Carpenter, and comedian Will Ferrell, who appeared as a stage electrician.
"Due to strong wind conditions affecting Anyma's stage build, he is unable to perform tonight," festival organizers announced on Instagram. "Coachella and Anyma have made this decision together with your safety as the priority."
The festival, which draws over 100,000 attendees daily to the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, faced weather challenges on opening day. The National Weather Service warned of wind gusts reaching 25 miles per hour, forcing the cancellation of DJ Anyma's set following Carpenter's performance. An air quality advisory was also issued for the Coachella Valley through Sunday morning due to windblown dust that could affect sensitive groups.
Friday's lineup also featured performances by global girl group KATSEYE, British electronic duo Disclosure, and hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg. The festival continues through the weekend with Justin Bieber headlining Saturday and Karol G taking the stage Sunday.
Several UK artists are scheduled to perform, including Wet Leg, Lambrini Girls, Little Simz, and FKA Twigs, with the same lineup repeating next weekend. Since its inception in 2002, Coachella has grown into one of the world's most prominent music festivals, known for its high-profile performances and desert setting.